On April 8th, the City of Watertown will be in the “path of totality” for a solar eclipse.
The path runs
across New York State from Jamestown to Plattsburgh. New York State is expecting a possible influx of
one million visitors. Locally, we are anticipating 45,000 to 174,000 people.
What will happen on 4/8/24: The moon will pass in front of the sun. The process will begin at 2:10 PM,
and at 3:22 PM, we will enter “totality” for 3 minutes, 39 seconds. From there it will gradually get lighter
and return to “normal” at 4:35 PM. During totality, it will not be pitch black, but will look as though it’s
an hour after sunset. Additionally, temperatures may drop, animals may act differently, and it will
become still outside. Even if it is cloudy, it will still get dark, and temperatures may drop.
What the City is doing: The City of Watertown is planning an eclipse viewing event at Thompson Park,
called “Total Eclipse of the Park.” This event will take place from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Note, traffic will
not be allowed in the park, except for emergency vehicles, vendors, and volunteers. Visitors may walk
into the park or take shuttles from the three designated sites. Pickup locations will be located at the
corner of Thomspon Blvd. & Gotham Street, Thompson Blvd. & Franklin Street, and Park Circle. The ADA
drop off and pick up point will be Park Drive East, near Park Circle. Buses will run continuously starting at
10:00am until the event is over at 6pm, allowing visitors to go to and from pick up points throughout the
day. The Franklin Street entrance will be reserved for those walking into the park. There will be no
designated parking for this event.
Road Closures: The following roads will be closed to thru traffic on Monday, April 8 th.
- Thompson Boulevard
- Gotham Street from Spring Valley Drive to South Hamilton Street
- Haley Street from Washington Street to Myrtle Avenue
- Myrtle Avenue from Haley Street to Green Street.
- Green Street to Myrtle Ave.
- School Street
- Hungerford Street from Pawling Street to Thompson Boulevard
- Franklin Street from Pawling Street to Thompson Boulevard
- Wight Drive at Thompson Boulevard
- South Indiana Avenue from Harrison Street to Thompson Boulevard
- Madison Avenue from South Indiana Avenue to Thompson Boulevard
- Park Drive
- Park Drive West
What activities will be happening: Activities include: live entertainment, food vendors, bounce houses,
arts & crafts, free viewing glasses, and more.
*Glasses will be available while supplies last.
Schedule
11:00am-12:00pm: Radio Station
12:00-1:00pm: Radio Station
1:00-2:00pm: Radio Station
2:15-3:00pm: Fort Drum Band
3:00-3:45pm: Countdown to the Eclipse
3:45-4:30pm: Fort Drum Band
4:45-6:00pm: Radio Station
6:00pm: Event ends
For more information visit: www.WatertownNewYorkEclipse.com,
www.facebook.com/TotalEclipseWatertownNY, or contact our Parks & Recreation Department at 315-
785-7775.
