A Community Viewing Experience
One of the rarest and most spectacular events in nature, a total solar eclipse causes the sky to become as dark as deep twilight, bright stars and planets to appear, and the Sun's outer atmosphere, called the corona, to shine around the black disk of the Moon's silhouette. Changes in temperature, winds, and animal behavior occur during the time around totality. The experience is emotionally powerful and unforgettable.
Avon sits directly in the path of totality, and viewers will experience 3 minutes and 23 seconds of totality beginning at 3:19pm on Monday, April 8, 2024 and a partial eclipse for nearly two and a half hours!
AVON TOTALITY ROCKS
The Avon Totality Rocks festival will bring the Avon Community together to experience a once in a lifetime event and to celebrate science. The event will be held at the Avon Middle School and celebrations will include food, music, science and art activities. The event will provide a safe and walkable location where Avon residents can experience this memorable event together.
This event is not intended for tourist traffic; it is being planned for Avon residents and their guests. Please register in advance to help us plan a fun and safe event.
WHY IS THE ECLIPSE SUCH A BIG DEAL?
This is a once in a lifetime event for Avon residents and can be a unifying experience for a community! The last time that there was a total solar eclipse in Avon was 99 years ago on January 24, 1925. The next time that there will be a total solar eclipse in Avon will be in 120 years on October 26, 2144.
WHAT WILL THERE BE TO DO AT THE EVENT?
Avon Totaility Rocks will have something for everyone!
- Music (Moose Tracks DJ)
- Food (provided by the Avondale, T's on Genesee, the Cake Place, and Avon Rotary)
- A Cosmic Costume Contest hosted by Avon Rotary (details to come)
- SEE Vision Screening provided by Avon Lions Club
- Time Capsule by Avon Preservation and Historical Society
- Poster Presentations by the Avon Astronomy Club
- "Ask an Expert" hosted by Jon Bell, Director of Hallstrom Planetarium
- Science and art activities for all ages by many community groups, including Avon PTA, Bpy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Lions Club, St Agnes School, Friends of the Avon Library, and more!
WHY DO I HAVE TO REGISTER?
Knowing how many people will be attending will help us to plan a fun and safe event for the Avon community. Registering will also ensure that you reserve eclipse viewing glasses for each member of your party. We cannot guarantee availability of eclipse viewing glasses for those that do not register in advance.
WALK OR CARPOOL IF YOU CAN
Parking at the school is limited, but more importantly, there is the chance of severe traffic congestion in the area the day of the eclipse due to large numbers of visitors travelling to and through the path of totality, which includes all of Livingston County, Buffalo, and Rochester.
PARKING
Parking will be available on a first come, first served basis at the Elementary School and the High School. Accessible parking will be available at the Middle School.
Attendees are strongly encouraged to walk to the event or carpool if possible to reduce traffic and parking congestion.
RESTRICTIONS
No alcohol, tobacco, or vaping devices are allowed on school grounds.
VIEWING SAFETY
Individuals are responsible for their own viewing safety as well as the viewing safety of their dependents. Those who register in advance will receive ISO compliant glasses for viewing the eclipse. Safety is the number one priority when viewing an eclipse. The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through eclipse glasses or solar viewers. Ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun. Be sure you're familiar with these safety guidelines before the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse:
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/safety/
https://eclipse.aas.org/resources/solar-filters
* Avon Totality Rocks is made possible through the generous funding of a LivCo Sol Eclipse Grant.
