It may not have been a total eclipse, but residents were still treated to a historical moment right in their backyard.
All of North America was treated to a total solar eclipse, the first time in 99 years, Monday afternoon. In the City of Elizabethton, the public gathered at Kiwanis Park to take part in a viewing party to witness a 97-percent total eclipse, along with other goodies.
Monday’s event featured a bevy of sponsors, including the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library, Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, Elizabethton Parks and Recreation, the Elizabethton Police Department, the Carter County Health Department, Red Legacy and members of the Elizabethton Fire Department. With schools either out or dismissing early, hundreds were able to participate in the different types of fun available.
The public library was able to obtain 1,000 glasses, courtesy of NASA, and distributed the items at a variety of events, including an Elizabethton Twins game, the Downtown Elizabethton Farmers Market and Monday’s showing.
Driving the community to come together in a variety of events was important, according to Children’s Librarian Ashlee Williams.
“There was a great response from the community,” Williams said. “For this event, the Twins game last night, the farmers market. Had we known (about the excitement), I would have asked for more glasses back in May when we got ours. I hate we didn’t have enough for everyone in the community. 1,000 pairs of glasses were the limit we had. This has been something interesting for little kids, all the way up to adults in their 90s. We loved to see all the excitement from everyone wanting to participate in such a historical moment.”
Williams added different agencies coming together is nothing out of the ordinary. The library was able to receive the glasses from NASA thanks to the various projects and events that were spearheaded by multiple agencies in the community.
“We love partnering with the different organizations in the community,” she said. “Many grants are collaborative grants, you receive points, and that’s something we don’t have a problem with. Seeing the different agencies come together is something don’t really see anywhere else”
Williams also thanked the staff from the library for their work during the past few weeks.
Jilian Reece, executive director of Carter County Drug Prevention Coalition, also played a role in putting the event together.
“We knew the solar eclipse glasses would be hot items,” she said. “We hope by doing these kind of events, someone that has never visited a Twins game, the farmers market or Kiwanis Park could do so and see what Elizabethton has to offer.”
Attendees were treated to different snacks, refreshments, games and other activities during the day. As the shadow descended upon the park, numerous individuals were able to utilize their glasses and get a good look at a near-eclipse.
“We’re so grateful for the turnout,” Williams said. “It is so great to see the kids and their families having a great time together.”