Where were you during the Solar Eclipse?
America just witnessed the most fantastic celestial phenomenon human eyes can witness: a total solar eclipse that spanned our nation from coast to coast. It was a national spectacle, and anyone within the path of totality saw nature’s most awe-inspiring sights – a total solar eclipse.
Although Lakewood wasn’t in the path of totality, we were fortunate to see 93% coverage, and that was pretty cool in itself. It was an opportunity for our Members as well as complete strangers to come together and witness something that wasn’t experienced since June 8, 1918!
We planned an “I Got Mooned in Lakewood” Viewing Party on the outdoor patio of the Great American Casino. Although we promoted the event fairly heavily through social media ~ the response was tepid. We assumed it would be a pretty small gathering of 20 or 25 people when we last checked our RSVP list the Friday before the big event. So T-shirts were designed and printed, a menu of “Dark Side Dawgs,” Sun Chips and Moon Pies were also included in the nominal fee that came with the certified protective eyeglasses.
August 21, 2017 – Countdown to the Eclipse: It became evident that the 50 pairs of glasses we purchased were not going to be enough on the morning of a countdown. The casino cleverly grabbed a bunch of pizza boxes and the merriment began! “Old School” viewing boxes were made for the overflow attendees. And of course … our Members are amazing. They all shared their glasses with those who couldn’t get a pair so that everyone could experience the magic and camaraderie that only these types of encounters can forge.
I have seen many-a-scrooge on social media, making fun of those of us who were excited about this other-worldly, astral marvel. I, for one, am glad we decided to celebrate this coming together of our community. There wasn’t much in the way of commerce. Nominal purchases, really. Looking out over our group of guests, and hearing their excited chatter and “oohing and aahhing” reinforces that sometimes it’s not just about free enterprise and making business contacts. Sometimes it’s just about people.
–Linda Smith
President/CEO
For all of you new eclipse chasers out there.
Read more about upcoming total solar eclipse dates here: http://www.oregonlive.com/eclipse/2017/08/where_and_when_you_can_see_ano.html