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Total Solar Eclipse Celebration

Name: Total Solar Eclipse Celebration
Start: 2024-04-05
End: 2024-04-08
Location: Lakeside, Ohio

Travel to Lakeside Chautauqua to see the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024! With a path spanning from Texas to Maine, one of the places to view the eclipse in totality is Lakeside, Ohio. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Lakeside is a one-hour drive from Cleveland or Toledo and a two-hour drive from Columbus.

To complement this milestone celestial event, the community has planned an exciting weekend-long celebration of family-friendly fun. Participate in Trivia Night, take an art class, register for an out-of-this-world puzzle competition, view special movies, and enjoy outdoor play at shuffleboard, pickleball, tennis, playgrounds and miniature golf. Pack a chair and view the schedule of events below.

The entire Shores & Islands Ohio region is expecting record-breaking crowds for this rare event. Overnight lodging at the Fountain Inn is already booked. Call about available cottage rentals and bed & breakfast options.

Free Admission & Parking

Admission and parking for the Total Solar Eclipse Celebration in Lakeside are FREE! Guests are encouraged to park in the South Gate parking lot off Route 163, also along Seventh Street near the Lakeside Schoolhouse, the Bradley Temple parking lot on Cedar Avenue, Hotel Lakeside, Wesley Lodge and south of Hoover Auditorium. Parking at the Fountain Inn lot is reserved for hotel guests only. Please note there will be no shuttle service.

Helpful Travel & Safety Tips for Your Visit

The Total Solar Eclipse is approaching fast! To help prepare for your trip to Lakeside for this highly anticipated event, read our list of travel and safety tips. Learn about where to park, eat, shop, pick up your glasses and more! While on the grounds, pick up a Lakesider newspaper that includes a schedule of events or download it.

Lodging & Food

Cottage Rentals

Gather friends and family and rent a cottage for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are several unique cottages to choose from. To check availability at Lakeside Cottage Rentals – KW Elevate, call 419-798-4461, ext. 348. For assistance with a Street Sotheby Cottage Rental, call (419) 798-1123.

Bed & Breakfasts

Evening Song Cottage Bed & Breakfast offers turn-of-the-century charm with private baths and a spacious enclosed front porch. Join other guests (ages 14+) for a delicious full breakfast and enjoy short walks to shops, restaurants and the lake. To check availability, contact 419-732-6700 or info@eveningsongcottage-bb.com.

Catering for Large Families

Are you hosting a large group for the weekend? Bassett’s Market is offering two menus to help feed your guests. Download the Celebration Menu and Catering Menu. The Celebration Menu features fruit or vegetable trays, fruit baskets, sandwich trays, meat and cheese trays, chicken wings and more. The Catering Menu includes box lunches, a sandwich buffet, entrees and various side dishes. Place an order by visiting Bassett’s Market at 3994 E. Harbor Road, Port Clinton, OH 43452 or call (419) 734-6506.

Rotary Club of Port Clinton Perch Wagon

The Rotary Club of Port Clinton’s Perch Wagon will be parked on Walnut Plaza selling perch sandwiches, hot dogs and bratwursts. On Saturday and Sunday, lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and dinner will be served from 4-6:30 p.m. Please note that the wagon will not be open on Monday. Proceeds support the work of the Rotary Club of Port Clinton.

Lakeside United Methodist Church Luncheon

The Lakeside United Methodist Church will serve a luncheon from 12-3 p.m. Sunday, April 7. The menu features a variety of soups, including stuffed pepper, broccoli or chicken and rice for $5 per bowl. Bratwurst sandwiches will be available for $5 each. Coffee, tea and water are provided free.

Restaurants & Other Food Options

Stop by Coffee & Cream, Ooh La La, The Patio Restaurant’s donut window and SmoothieSide. View hours of operation for the weekend. Eclipse-themed snacks will also be available at the Fountain Inn front desk.

Commemorative Items

Celebrate this milestone event with special limited-edition designs! Not only will you have a unique souvenir, but all proceeds support programming during the Solar Eclipse weekend.

T-Shirts

Long- and short-sleeved adult and youth T-shirts are available from Lakeside’s online Bonfire store. Prices range from $25-$32 plus shipping, and shirts are available in both black and white designs. Bonfire purchases are shipped directly to your home. ORDER TODAY! Please note that orders will now be delivered AFTER the Solar Eclipse.

Yeti Tumblers & Total Darkness Soda Bundles

The sale is finished. Bundles will be available for pick up during Lakeside’s Total Solar Eclipse Celebration weekend from 12-3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at the Legacy House (217 Walnut Ave.) or can be held for pick up Memorial Day Weekend between Thursday, May 23-Friday, May 24. For questions, call (419) 798-4461, ext. 246.

Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for volunteers to help throughout the weekend to welcome new guests, answer questions and assist with activities. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions, email allyson@lakesideohio.com.

Viewing Areas

The Total Solar Eclipse can be viewed starting at 3:12 p.m. Monday, April 8 for approximately four minutes. Suggested viewing areas with minimal trees include the beach, Bettinger Park, Chautauqua Park/Memorial Garden, Williams Tennis Campus and various streets and parks across the grounds. Some streetlights and lights across the grounds may be on due to safety.

IMPORTANT! Based on communications with our insurance adjusters, Lakeside has concluded that the eclipse will constitute as an adverse weather/safety condition. Therefore, the beach area will be open for viewing, but the rest of the Dock will be closed from 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 8. Please note: pets are not permitted on the Dock.

Approved safety glasses, received from the Cleveland Great Lakes Science Center and Shores & Islands Ohio, can be picked up upon entering the Fifth Street and South Gates or at the Administration Office (236 Walnut Ave.) and the Fountain Inn (225 Maple Ave.). The glasses conform and meet the Transmission Requirements of ISO 12312-2, Filters for Direct Observation of the Sun. Use as directed.

Additionally, during the Children’s Crafts sessions, held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday and Monday, kids of all ages are invited to make a pair of colorful safety glasses with approved safety film that are more secure for children’s heads.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 5

Shopping & Dining
All Day | Business District
Select businesses will be open throughout Lakeside and the Village of Marblehead offering specials all weekend long. In Lakeside, stop by Gifts That Give Back, Coffee & Cream, The Kite Shop, Lakeside Heritage Society Archives, Lakeside Salon & Spa, Marilyn’s, Marilyn’s Two, Miss Mercedes, Ooh La La, Patio Donut Window, SmoothieSide, Sypherd’s Cycles & Rental Center, The Fine Print Lakeside and Wise Woman Boutique. View hours of operation for the weekend. Eclipse-themed snacks will also be available in the Fountain Inn.

Scavenger Hunt
All Day | Lakeside Grounds | Free
Kids and adults alike can explore the Lakeside grounds as you participate in a self-directed space-themed Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a list of clues from the Fountain Inn front desk (225 Maple Ave.). Once you check off all the items, return your completed scavenger hunt form back to the Fountain Inn front desk for a prize.

Storybook Trail
All Day | Cherry Park | Free
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors together. The featured book for April is Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. To bring the book to life, 20 reading stations are spread across Cherry Park, each containing a page from the children’s book. The path weaves clockwise for a whimsical adventure.

Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office Open
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed 12-12:30 p.m.) | 236 Walnut Ave.
The office will be open for questions and comments.

Family Game Night
6-9 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
Visit the Aigler Room, located in the Fountain Inn, for an evening of family fun and friendly competition. From checkers and puzzles to a variety of board games, enjoy playing a game or two with new or old friends. Coloring pages and activity sheets will also be available for kids.

Eclipse Learning Corner
6-9 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
Stop by and learn fun facts gleaned from Lakeside staff who received training from the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. These Eclipse Ambassadors will share their knowledge of the upcoming Total Eclipse and why it is so special.

Movie: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature the beloved “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” on Friday, April 5 and Sunday, April 7. This 1982 American science fiction film tells the story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an extra-terrestrial, dubbed E.T., who is left behind on Earth. Along with his friends and family, Elliott must find a way to help E.T. find his way home. The film stars Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace and C. Thomas Howell. Donations are appreciated for admission. (PG, 1h 55m)

Saturday, April 6

Storybook Trail
All Day | Cherry Park | Free
The Storybook Trail welcomes children and families to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors together. To bring the book to life, 20 reading stations are spread across Cherry Park, each containing a page from the children’s book. The path weaves clockwise for a whimsical adventure.

Cornhole, Basketball, Sand Volleyball & Gaga Ball
All Day | Bettinger Park | Free
All ages are welcome to participate in any of these activities in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

Pickleball & Tennis
8 a.m.-dusk | Hubbard Pickleball Center & Williams Tennis Campus | Free
Pickleball and Tennis are open for play from 8 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting. There is no staff onsite. Please bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available, and drag the tennis courts with the drag broom after.

Lakeside Property Owners Association Gathering
10 a.m. | Orchestra Hall
Lakeside Property Owners Association will meet in Orchestra Hall on Saturday for a brief update and ongoing news. The next regular scheduled meeting will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 18.

Chair Yoga
10-11 a.m. | Wellness Center Drackett Hall (710 Central Ave.) | $10 drop-in fee (cash) or included in $45 Wellness Class Pass
This gentle form of yoga uses exercises seated in a chair or standing using the chair to aid with support and balance. Participants will learn a variety of yoga poses, breathwork and relaxation techniques. To participate, purchase a Wellness Class Pass for $45/person for five classes at the Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office, located at 236 Walnut Ave., or pay a $10/class drop-in fee (cash only) to the instructor at the start of class.

Children’s Crafts
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Donations welcome
Kids ages 3-12 can drop in and participate in a variety of fun eclipse–themed activities and simple crafts.

Eclipse Learning Corner
10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
During children’s craft time in the Fountain Inn Aigler Room, stop by and learn fun facts gleaned from Lakeside staff who received training from the Great Lakes Science Center in Cleveland. These Eclipse Ambassadors will share their knowledge of the upcoming Total Eclipse and why it is so special.

Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office Open
10 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed 12-12:30 p.m.) | 236 Walnut Ave.
The office will be open for questions and comments.

Miniature Golf & Shuffleboard
12-4 p.m. | Bettinger Park | $4/mini golf game (ages 5 & under are free); free shuffleboard
Enjoy a game of miniature golf ($4/game; ages 5 & under are free) at our lakefront course or play a free game of shuffleboard in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

Phoning Home: A Half Century of Space Communications & What’s Yet to Come
1 p.m. | Orchestra Hall | Free
From robotic platforms to human exploration, all space missions require one thing – reliable communications. Radio waves from NASA missions crisscross our solar system every day, but how do these signals actually communicate information?

This talk, led by Dr. Adam Gannon, will teach how space communications work by exploring major developments in the over 60-year history of the field. From Sputnik to the Space Station, we’ll examine the fundamental concepts and groundbreaking innovations that ensure communications across millions of miles are read “loud and clear.” Plus, the research and development underway right here in Northern Ohio toward communications infrastructure to enable the next generation of space exploration will be showcased.

Gannon currently serves as the Science & Technology lead for NASA’s Cognitive Communications Project, which researches applications of artificial intelligence to space communications.

Art Class: Fused Glass Sun & Moon
1-3 p.m. | Train Station | $47/person (ages 14+), pre-registration required
Create a beautiful, lasting souvenir of the Total Solar Eclipse. Made from fused glass, your design can be made with “frit” or with small mosaic glass pieces. Once fired, the 8” circular panel fits easily in the sturdy metal frame. Fired pieces will be ready for pickup on Monday, April 8. Space is limited. The cost is $47/person (ages 14+). Pre-registration required. REGISTER NOW!

Out-of-this-World Puzzle Competition
2-4 p.m. | Wesley Lodge (510 Central Ave.) | $40/team, pre-registration required
Celebrate the Total Solar Eclipse by being the fastest puzzlers in Lakeside. For this competition, 20 teams of up to four people will have 120 minutes to complete a 500-piece puzzle. The first to finish wins and prizes will be awarded. The cost is $40/team. Space is limited to 20 teams, so register early. Pre-registration is required. REGISTER NOW! One registration per team. Read the rules on the registration page.

Family Game Night
2-8 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
Visit the Aigler Room, located in the Fountain Inn, for family fun and friendly competition. From checkers and puzzles to a variety of board games, enjoy playing a game or two with new or old friends. Coloring pages and activity sheets will also be available for kids.

Documentary: “Totality: The American Eclipse”
3:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature the documentary “Totality: The American Eclipse” on Saturday, April 6. This 2017 documentary explores why a total solar eclipse has such a profound influence on those who witness it. It’s not just about the rare occurrence of the sun, the moon, and the Earth being in perfect alignment; it’s about coming to terms with this mesmerizing phenomenon. (NR, 1h 3m)

Art Class: Rock Painting
4-6 p.m. | Train Station | $1/rock up to 4″, bring your own rock
People have been painting rocks at Lakeside for decades. Paint a rock to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse at Lakeside (or paint any subject you wish). The cost is $1 for each rock up to 4″. Please bring your own rock. Note: Smoother rocks are easier to paint. All ages are welcome. Children under age 7 must be accompanied and aided by an adult. Pre-registration is not required.

Trivia Night
6 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
Gather family and friends and rack your brain with fun facts. Compete for prizes and bragging rights.

Movie: “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”
7:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” on Saturday, April 6. This 1949 film stars Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Cedric Hardwicke and William Bendix. A bump on the head sends Hank Martin, a 1912 mechanic, to Arthurian Britain in 528 A.D., where he is befriended by Sir Sagramore le Desirous and gains power by knowing about an impending eclipse. He and Alisande, the King’s niece, fall in love at first sight, which draws unwelcome attention from her fiancée, Sir Lancelot; but worse trouble befalls when Hank meddles in the kingdom’s politics. Donations are appreciated for admission. (NR, 1h 46m)

Sunday, April 7

Cornhole, Basketball, Sand Volleyball & Gaga Ball
All Day | Bettinger Park | Free
All ages are welcome to participate in any of these activities in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

Pickleball & Tennis
10 a.m.-dusk | Hubbard Pickleball Center & Williams Tennis Campus | Free
Pickleball and Tennis are open for play from 10 a.m. until dusk, weather permitting. There is no staff onsite. Please bring your own equipment, as limited equipment is available, and drag the tennis courts with the drag broom after.

Community Worship Service
10:30 a.m. | Lakeside United Methodist Church (450 Central Ave.)
All are invited to an inspiring Community Worship Service at the Lakeside United Methodist Church. Led by Rev. Karen Graham, this service offers a vibrant style of worship using inspirational songs and motivational words.

Historic Portrayal of Sally Ride with Rose Gabriele
1-2 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
Rose Gabriele has performed onstage since she was a teenager, both professionally and in community theatre, and is thrilled to bring Sally Ride to Lakeside. At age 32, Ride became the youngest American astronaut and the first American female astronaut in space.

God Squad/Once Upon a Porch: Eclipse Celebration
2-3 p.m. | Bradley Temple (301 Cedar Ave.) | Free
We’re opening the doors to Bradley Temple for a special God Squad/Once Upon a Porch event. Join Mr. Chip and friends in singing, dancing and celebrating this celestial event.

Movie: “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial”
3:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature the beloved “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” on Friday, April 5 and Sunday, April 7. This 1982 American science fiction film tells the story of Elliott, a boy who befriends an extra-terrestrial, dubbed E.T., who is left behind on Earth. Along with his friends and family, Elliott must find a way to help E.T. find his way home. The film stars Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote, Dee Wallace and C. Thomas Howell. Donations are appreciated for admission. (PG, 1h 55m)

Sunset Praise
7:30-8 p.m. | Pavilion West Deck
Join worship leaders John and Bonnie Wilkie for a time of praise music, traditional hymns, moments of reflection and inspiration against the backdrop of the sun setting on Lake Erie. In the case of inclement weather, the service will take place at the Lakeside United Methodist Church, located at 450 Central Ave.

Movie: “Ladyhawke”
8:30 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free admission, donations welcome
Orchestra Hall will feature “Ladyhawke” on Sunday, April 7. This 1985 film stars Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer. In 12th century Italy, a time of magic and adventure, the scorned Bishop of Aquila puts a curse on star-crossed lovers, Isabeau of Anjou and Etienne of Navarre. By day, the irrevocable hex turns Isabeau into a magnificent hawk, and by night, Navarre transforms into an indomitable grey wolf. The doomed couple finds an unexpected ally in Phillipe Gaston, an audacious pickpocket and the only prisoner who has ever escaped Aquila’s impregnable fortress. Can Philippe help the hawk and wolf break the spell? Donations are appreciated for admission. (PG-13, 2h 1m)

Monday, April 8

Cornhole, Basketball, Sandy Volleyball & Gaga Ball
All Day | Bettinger Park | Free
All ages are welcome to participate in any of these activities in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

Lakeside Chautauqua Administration Office Open
8 a.m.-2 p.m. | 236 Walnut Ave.
The office will be open for questions and comments.

Family Yoga
9:30-10:15 a.m. Wellness Center Drackett Hall | Free
All ages are welcome to come together to experience a joyful Family Yoga practice. Feel connected as you move through kid-friendly postures, build poses together and practice breathing techniques while having fun. Please bring a towel or yoga mat. Limited yoga mats available.

NASA TV
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Orchestra Hall (122 Second St.) | Free
If the weather doesn’t cooperate for the Total Solar Eclipse, it can still be viewed via NASA TV, as well as other livestream events.

What is a Total Solar Eclipse?
12-12:45 p.m. | Fountain Inn Aigler Room (225 Maple Ave.) | Free
What are the phases of the moon? What is a waxing vs. waning moon? How does a Total Solar Eclipse occur? Why is looking at the moon during an eclipse dangerous without special glasses? In this lecture, Thomas deHaas will answer these questions and teach you how to view the Total Solar Eclipse safely.

deHaas has served as the Agriculture & Natural Resources Educator in Erie County since 2022. He joined The Ohio State University – Lake County Extension in 2016 and has served Lake County as an Agriculture Natural Resource Educator. His expertise is in ornamental trees and shrubs and home landscape. He taught in public education for 34 years in grades K-12.

Miniature Golf & Shuffleboard
12-2:30 p.m. & 4-6 p.m. | Bettinger Park | $4/mini golf game (ages 5 & under are free); free shuffleboard
Enjoy a game of miniature golf ($4/game; ages 5 & under are free) at our lakefront course or play a free game of shuffleboard in Bettinger Park, weather permitting.

Art Class: Rock Painting
12:30-2 p.m. | Train Station | $1/rock up to 4″, bring your own rock
People have been painting rocks at Lakeside for decades. Paint a rock to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime eclipse at Lakeside (or paint any subject you wish). The cost is $1 for each rock up to 4″. Please bring your own rock. Note: Smoother rocks are easier to paint. All ages are welcome. Children under age 7 must be accompanied and aided by an adult. Pre-registration is not required.

Art Class: Sun Art
12:30-2 p.m. | Train Station | $5/person
Using the power of the sun, create fun designs (called “cyanotypes”) on photo-sensitive paper. Arrange stencils or other objects on the paper, place them in the sun, wait 10-15 minutes, rinse and see your design come to life in vivid blue. A 5” x 7” frame is included. All ages are welcome. The cost is $5/person. Pre-registration is not required. Children under age 7 must be accompanied and aided by an adult.

Telescope Eclipse Viewing
1-4 p.m. | Pavilion West Deck | Free
Leading up to and following the Total Solar Eclipse, you have the opportunity to safely view the sun through a telescope fitted with a solar filter. This astronomical filter protects your eyes from the intense brightness of the sun. It will allow you to safely observe solar phenomena such as sunspots and solar flares.

Total Solar Eclipse Viewing
3:12 p.m. | Lakeside Grounds | Free
The Total Solar Eclipse can be viewed starting at 3:12 p.m. Monday, April 8 for approximately four minutes. Suggested viewing areas with minimal trees include the beach, Bettinger Park, Chautauqua Park/Memorial Garden, Williams Tennis Campus and various streets and parks across the grounds. Some streetlights and lights across the grounds may be on due to safety. Based on communications with our insurance adjusters, Lakeside has concluded that the eclipse will constitute as an adverse weather/safety condition. Therefore, the beach area will be open for viewing, but the rest of the Dock will be closed from 2-4 p.m. Monday, April 8. Please note: pets are not permitted on the Dock.

Music with Spencer Eller
3:30-5 p.m. | Steele Memorial Bandstand | Free
Talented vocalist and guitarist Spencer Eller will provide music following the eclipse. Eller’s talent lends itself well to all music genres, from James Taylor and Johnny Cash to The Killers.

The event is finished.

Date

Apr 07 - 08, 2024

Expired!

Time

All Day

Location

Lakeside, Ohio