One week from today, the City of Niagara Falls could be welcoming a million people, possibly more, depending on the weather for the total solar eclipse.
And while that eclipse is certainly the main attraction, niagara falls is rolling out the red carpet with a day full of other events.
Not only is there plenty to do in Niagara on a regular day– next monday there’s going to be a free concert, activities throughout Niagara parks and yes, of course, the eclipse.
It’s going to be the biggest event the city has ever hosted.
There are going to be so many cars and so many people it will be hard to move around, so we are going to be prepared for everything. We are bringing in extra cell towers because we know bandwidth capacity is going to be an issue,” Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said.
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In Niagara Falls, the eclipse will take place between 2 and 4:30 in the afternoon with totality around 3:18 p.m.
While the eclipse is the highlight of the day, Niagara Falls Tourism is also planning a day full of musical events.
“Niagara Symphony will kick off the celebrations, just prior to the eclipse, to the totality and just after they will come back again. And later on we have The Boneheads, New Friends, JJ Wilde and The Glorious Sons will be playing,” Janice Thomson of Niagara Falls Tourism said.
After the free concert, there will be fireworks around ten at night.
“And then all the attractions and restaurants are open, for people to stay in the destination and enjoy themselves. That’s what it’s all about that day,” Thomson said.
Signs are up on area highways, telling people to plan ahead. The city says bring what you need with you including water, food, any medications and a blanket to sit on.
READ MORE: Preparations ramp up in Niagara Falls ahead of eclipse
There will be portable washrooms set up at 60 locations throughout the park as well as some public parking lots.
Niagara Falls Tourism recommends bringing your own ISO glasses with you if you plan on visiting the Falls. They are available at some local stores and hotels, but they could run out.
“Just to remember the safety element about wearing glasses, the solar eclipse glasses, making sure to protect your eyes from the brightness itself, that’s really the key thing I would say, and other than that just come and enjoy yourself,” Thomson said.
“The last total solar eclipse was 99 years ago, the next one is going to be in 120 years, so it’s once in a lifetime,” Diodati said.
There are still some hotels available too, although they are pricey because of demand.
A lot of people are expected to come in that day and that means traffic could move very slowly.
Keep in mind, GO Transit is providing extra trains that day, but only at specific times. The earliest into the city is around 9 a.m., and the latest return trip is just before eleven at night.
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