Steve Stivers is president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Ohio will be one of the few states to experience a total solar eclipse on April 8th.
Home to a total road 124 miles wide, Ohio is expecting an influx of tourists as people come from all over the country to witness this rare phenomenon.
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A solar eclipse is a celestial phenomenon that occurs when the moon casts a shadow on the Earth as it moves between the Earth and the sun. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely obscures the sun, leaving the sky in what appears to be complete darkness. The last time a total solar eclipse was seen in Ohio was in 1806, and the next total solar eclipse to visit Ohio is expected to be in 2099.
What time is the total solar eclipse in Ohio?
This year’s total solar eclipse will be visible in Ohio from 3:08 to 3:19 p.m., and the partial solar eclipse will begin at 1:59 p.m.
Many cities are gearing up for a major tourism boom, with most parts of the state expected to see full conditions. Cleveland, Dayton, Toledo, Bowling Green, and Akron are just a few cities in the path of the total solar eclipse and have already begun to witness the economic impact of the total solar eclipse.
According to a Columbus Dispatch article from June of last year, experts say the eclipse’s economic impact on Ohio could exceed $100 million. During the full outbreak in 2017, South Carolina received millions of new visitors and had an estimated impact of $269 million.
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With travelers expected to spend money on hotels, food, transportation, retail services and more, many businesses in Northwest Ohio are preparing for a surplus of new customers. The state anticipates a tourism boom that will have a significant economic impact across Ohio.
This epic event is a once-in-a-generation experience, so finding the perfect location to enjoy this incredible experience is critical. Expect large crowds at many locations along the path of totality, so make time to enjoy all that Ohio has to offer before, during, and after the eclipse.
Is there a best place to see the solar eclipse in Ohio?
As cities prepare for a new wave of tourists traveling to view the total solar eclipse, many businesses are hosting events to give their customers the best eclipse experience. Check out the list below to learn more about the exciting events happening around the state to coincide with the eclipse.
columbus
Eclipse Solarblation at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will provide eclipse viewing glasses so guests can enjoy the eclipse while learning about the science behind wildlife research.
toledo
The Toledo Zoo will host “Total Solar Eclipse at the Zoo” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where guests can enjoy fun activities and learn about animal behavior during the eclipse.
sandusky
Cedar Point opens its earliest hours ever for “Total Eclipse of the Point” from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
cleveland
The Cleveland Museum of Art is pleased to present a new exhibit, “Barba Bosworth: Sun Light, Moon Shadow.”
From April 5th to 8th, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Solar Fest will feature live music and activities for all attendees.
Akron
Akron Zoo’s Total Solar Eclipse at the Zoo welcomes guests to visit the animals as they enjoy fun crafts and learn about solar eclipses.
dayton
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will have food trucks and educational activities to help visitors enjoy eclipse day.
cincinnati
IKEA in Westchester is hosting a “Solarbrechon Pre-Eclipse Party” where limited quantities of IKEA solar eclipse glasses will be sold daily while supplies last.
Steve Stivers is president and CEO of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
