By Paula Scott

The December 8 Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce member breakfast meeting was an opportunity to hear regional plans and expectations for the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse that will likely double the number of people in the region. Bluffton is within a “path of totality” across the country where the eclipse is best seen.

The meeting was hosted by chamber director Jim Enneking and featured presenters Mike Edmiston, Bluffton University emeritus professor of physics and chemistry, and Jon Kinn, Bluffton Fire Chief.

The presenters shared what they know about past solar eclipse events in other locations and what Bluffton can expect and plan for in April 2024. Traffic issues are a leading concern. The full eclipse will take place at 3:10 p.m., impacting factory shift changes and school release times.

Edmiston recalled being on the road during a partial solar eclipse that had people pulling over on the highway and getting out of their cars to view the spectacle. He was afraid that some would get run over. “Lots of crazy things can happen,” he recalled.

The full solar eclipse is about a four-minute event with about a 15-minute window when the light and sky will dramatically change. An X-factor is the weather. If it is a cloudy day, that will lower the number of people drawn to the area. Edmiston stressed you must have special glasses to protect your eyes or use alternative ways to view the eclipse.

The eclipse will take place on a Monday. It is expected that eclipse watchers will come to the area during the week ahead and quickly depart afterwards. Edmiston is part of an Allen County advisory committee that estimates 100-200K people will come to Allen County for the solar eclipse. 

Fire Chief Jon Kinn explained that the event is expected to bring opportunities and challenges. Locations including Lima, Findlay, and Wapakoneta are planning festivals. He has been working with Ohio fire chiefs for two years on preparing for the eclipse.

Kinn noted that viewers will look for high, open spaces and that safety services are alerting businesses to prevent trespassing. He also warned that plowed fields could be quite muddy and result in stuck vehicles.

Shortages of several kinds are expected. Gasoline, cell phone access, food, toilets and lodging will be under high demand. The Comfort Inn is already three-quarters full for April 8. 

Kinn’s general advice for the eclipse is that you should “arrive early, stay put and stay late.”

He noted that in Hopkinsville, Kentucky during a similar event, a highway drive that would normally take 5.5 hours took 17 hours.

The volunteer Bluffton EMS and FIre departments, which are normally on call for emergencies, will be staffed at the station for the eclipse. Extra dispatchers will also be scheduled.

For updates on the April 8 eclipse from a regional perspective, Kinn directed those who live or work in Bluffton to www.SeeTheEclipse.org/ which provides Lima/Allen County information on the eclipse experience, where to stay and local events.