PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New numbers show April’s total solar eclipse was an economic boon for northern New York.
The North Country Chamber of Commerce says roughly 50,000 people from across the continent flocked to the North Country to witness the once-in-a-lifetime event. They say more than $2 million was spent at businesses and hotels. Short-term rentals also took in more than $750,000.
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman says he is pleased with the recent findings and believes people will revisit the area. “They said they want to come back for apple picking, they want to come up for the region in the winter to go to Lake Placid because Plattsburgh is a great jumping-off point to other places in the North Country. So, I am confident those visitors will come back for future visits,” he said.
He says town officials are already gearing up for the next big event — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.