April 8th Eclipse Countdown:
Business & Community Leaders,
It's a long read, but please take a moment...
Despite Littleton not being in the 100% totality band, we still should anticipate a large number of visitors from Fri-Tues (Apr 5-9th 2024) because the northern town Chambers (from Lancaster up to the total viewing path) are telling us their areas will highly likely already be at capacity before, during, and the day after the event (lodging, roads congested, restaurants mobbed with people who already hold hotel reservations. It is a school break on eclipse day also.
Now's the Time to Start Planning Your Extended Hours and Activities for Overflow that Is Expected to Trickle Down to Our Area ...
Because many visitors, and locals, will have the idea that they can enjoy the eclipse without advanced preparations, or make a day trip on the day OF the eclipse to freely drive up north and back, find food and gas, not have traffic jams or parking problems... you get the picture...
- Attend the Preparedness Webinar on Feb 13th @ Noon
for a conversation with representatives from around the region who have been planning for the 2024 total solar eclipse in April. They will discuss how communities have been preparing for an influx of visitors and providing programming for residents.
- Attend the Free Eclipse Presentation on Feb 13th @ 6 pm
Given by science expert Dr. Douglas Arion and hosted at the Littleton Public Library
- Frequent the NH State Eclipse Website
Just as the community would for any holiday weekend and school break, expect and anticipate a large volume of visitors to the area from April 5-8th. It's not too early to be planning your extended hours and activities. The Chamber can help you promote your plans. Have a themed menu or offering? Let us know. Tourists are reaching out frequently asking for information, so the Chamber wants to create an Eclipse directory of events and include you. Please keep us informed ASAP.
We encourage you to attend the March 5th Business After Hours at Littleton Eye Care Center to hear more about the eclipse. The discussion will continue at the April 2nd Business After Hours at WMSI/Studio School. Please mark your calendars and reserve your spot by clicking the dates of the events above.
*Most area schools will be closed on Eclipse Day, which falls on a Monday*
Roads will be hectic; people will need Littleton area viewing areas planned out for them with shuttle services to those areas, they will be looking for things to do all weekend long - especially before/after the eclipse on Monday, April 8th at approximately 4 pm. They will need places to sleep, restrooms, restaurants with extended service hours, food trucks, pancake breakfasts, parking, etc. Let's Be Prepared and Grab This Opportunity to Offer Xtra Services.
This is a region-wide effort: All chambers north of the notch are asking businesses to be ready and to please share your plans with your local chambers to help you advertise. Let's work together to prepare and offer a great experience to all visitors. The solar eclipse is an ideal opportunity to think creatively and collaborate with your fellow business leaders.
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