SHELBURNE, Vt. (WCAX) – Chittenden County communities and businesses are planning some big celebrations for the total solar eclipse that is now just 11 days away.
At Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne, the family is hosting an afternoon party with music, food — and of course maple — to watch the April 8 eclipse on their farmland.
“We want to have fun. We want our family and our friends and the community to take part in this with us but also the out-of-staters that come celebrate maple season. I think that’s a bonus for them. They can celebrate maple, visit a sugarhouse, and see the solar eclipse,” said the business’ Michele Palmer.
Also in Shelburne, Vermont Teddy Bear is selling tickets for a family-friendly bash. They’ve manufactured eclipse-themed teddy bears, and teddy bear clothing to sell along with the once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse.
“We love to celebrate what’s happening in Vermont. It’s such a moment for the state of Vermont and we value being in Vermont so much being a part of the Zeitgeist and we could not skip the Eclipse,” said the company’s Cassandra Clayton.
Down the road, Shelburne officials are making good use of their athletic fields, hoping to host residents and visitors to view the celestial wonder. “We can host hundreds of people, maybe even 1,000. We have a DJ who will be playing Pink Floyd’s iconic “Dark Side of the Moon” album in its entirety, ending at totality. So, it’s going to be a really magical experience,” said Michael Hibben with the Shelburne Pierson Library.
And Winooski is also getting in on the fun. At Four Quarters Brewing — which uses the moon as part of its logo — the crew has been hard at work brewing a special beer specifically for the eclipse. They’ll also open a beer garden in their parking lot. “It puts everything in perspective that we’re all humans on this planet. And those are actual things up in the sky and we’re part of this bigger universe, and that really connects with what what the brewery is about. It’s more than beer, it’s about us,” said the brewery’s Brian Eckert.
Click here for all our eclipse coverage to help you get ready for the big day.