By: Isabelle LaPapa

A once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon will make an appearance over Central Indiana on April 8, and Blackford County is ready with open arms! 

The 2024 solar eclipse path of totality runs across North America, moving northeast to southwest and crossing directly over Central Indiana in the mid-afternoon. 

Community members from across the county have come together to prepare for the festivities surrounding the “blackout.” Tim Norris, a Hartford City native, has worked to build informational websites like blackfordblackout.com and blackforddirectory.com to direct visitors new to the county. 

“There’s gonna be a huge influx of people traveling through our community,” Norris said.

With thousands of guests expected in Blackford County and surrounding areas on the weekend leading up to the total solar eclipse, the community prepares to welcome them with informational packets, business specials, campgrounds, and viewing spaces. 

The Community Development Extension Educator for Blackford County, Cheri Brown, shared her thoughts on the proceedings in preparation for visitors. “We’re gonna do hometown grassroots and that’s who we are,” she said. “This is really about the community creating something.” 

Blackford County community leaders voiced their excitement for both visitors and townsfolk. There are opportunities for businesses to draw in new customers, as well as to show off the county’s hospitality and invite passersby to return to the area for beloved celebrations like Civil War Days, Rendezvous on the Reserve, and the annual Montpelier Jamboree. 

Whether travelers stay for the weekend, or just stop for gas, there is an opportunity to extend a warm welcome from the community in Blackford County. 

Local businesses eagerly prepare for the influx with special deals and merchandise for the occasion. Visitors from all over the nation have the opportunity to explore the bounty in Blackford. Cafes like the Nutrition Cafe in Montpelier and Sister Pâtisserie in Hartford City plan to create special eclipse-themed drinks. Shops like ADM Custom Creations and Sunflower Hill Studio have begun printing shirts for the event. Needlers and Gillman Home Center will be stocked with eclipse glasses that allow the user to safely view the sun as the moon passes across it. 

The occasion will allow the Blackford economy to expand and spread its wings during the celebration. “I love how much Blackford County has really grown,” said Cari Smith, owner of the Faith and Frills Boutique and Salon.

Community volunteers are assembling an informational packet that will feature campground hours and locations for the eclipse viewing as well as emergency numbers and directions. These will be provided to campers and mirror the online information on the Blackford Blackout website. The information packets will additionally offer another place for all businesses in the area to advertise their stores through printed fliers and coupons. 

With a limited budget and volunteer-based service, the community can gather as one and act as ambassadors while a spotlight shines on Central Indiana.

“It’s great because it’s just been these businesses and groups all coming together,” Norris said. “This eclipse thing, it’s a unique opportunity.” 

Several locations are open to residents and non-residents to observe the natural phenomenon. The Lighthouse Church, Hartford City Wesleyan Church, and Church of the Nazarene parking lots are open to the public on the day of the eclipse. The Montpelier Motor Speedway and Blackford County 4-H fairgrounds will host campers for the weekend. All sites will be open to non-campers for free the day of. 

“If I was gonna talk to the community, [I’d say] we’re gonna get a lot of guests. We want to welcome them with open arms. . . . We want people to know Montpelier is a great community. Roll the red carpet, in a sense.” 

Montpelier Mayor brad neff

The 2024 Solar Eclipse will take place on the afternoon of April 8. Visitors and locals are invited to view the eclipse and enjoy the services and specials supplied by local businesses. For more information on local businesses, camping, and emergency contacts, Blackford County will provide fliers in their information packets.

More information is available on the following websites for both the eclipse and Blackford County as a whole: Blackford County, Blackford Blackout, Blackford Directory, and Visit Blackford.