VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)– Vincennes officials expect April 8th– the day of the solar eclipse– to be a hectic day in the community.
“We want people to know what’s happening,” Sarah Wolfe, the Knox County Eclipse Director, said. “We want people to know how busy it’s going to be on that Monday and that Tuesday. I don’t want anybody to wake up on April 8th and say, ‘Well, nobody told me.’”
That process has been underway for quite some time, but with the phenomenon officially less than 50 days away, there are some important reminders Wolfe has.
Thousands of visitors are expected to come to the region, and she said conversations had already started on potential traffic concerns, especially when the event ends. She said, according to previous eclipses, around 80$ of out-of-town traffic will leave immediately as soon as the sun is visible again.
With that in mind, she recommended residents stock up on groceries and medications early– and avoid any unnecessary travel Monday, if possible.
“Don’t schedule anything on Monday if you can help it,” she said. “I wouldn’t schedule anything on Tuesday either just to be safe. Try to make sure those days are as stress-free as possible.”
There are plans for events starting Friday– and she’s excited for the opportunity this will bring to the community economically. But that does come with logistic concerns, so she wants those in the area to start planning ahead now.
“It’s so many logistics. It’s trash cans and porta-potties, and figuring out where all of those things go. Making sure all of our businesses are on board and they are aware that they need figure out parking and figure out how their employees will get from point A to point B,” she said.
Details on events in the Knox County area can be found here.
