Monday, April 8, promises to be an exciting day as Western New York will be a prime location to view a total solar eclipse, and the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the event with an eclipse networking event from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Charles E. Burchfield Nature & Art Center, 2001 Union Road.
“Excitement is certainly building as thousands of visitors are expected to come to our region to witness this rare event,” said Joe Kirchmyer, executive director of the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce. “Hotels are filling up, many school districts are announcing closures and numerous businesses are busy planning special events and activities, including us!”
This unique, ticketed and perhaps once-in-a-lifetime event will be limited to 50 people, both Chamber members and nonmembers. Tickets are just $20 each and can be purchased at the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce office in the West Seneca Community Center & Library at 1300 Union Road, or by calling the Chamber at 674-4900.
The event will include several highlights and activities, including:
• A free pair of eclipse glasses for all attendees, courtesy of Western New York Federal Credit Union.
• Lunch and refreshments, courtesy of One Pie Pizza and Julie Parke – Hunt Real Estate (Equal Housing Opportunity).
• Alex Miller, owner of the Charles Burchfield Home & Studio on Clinton Street, will give a brief presentation on Burchfield’s works of art that prominently feature the sun or moon.
• A scavenger hunt in Burchfield Park, with prizes, sponsored by Maralynn Johnson Massage Therapy.
• A sun-themed photo contest, with prizes, open to the public.
• An auction/raffle for attendees.
• Make your own sun catcher activity.
• Spectrum Health and Human Service’s Southtowns Counseling Center will be at the event to share enlightening information on the solar eclipse’s impact on mental wellness.
• Promotional goodie bags for all attendees.
• A rare opportunity to witness natural changes within beautiful Burchfield Park at the height of the eclipse.
The photo contest is free to enter with a limit of three photos per person. Photos should reflect a “Sunshine in Western New York” theme. Entries can be any size and should be dropped off at the Chamber office by March 29. Eclipse event attendees will vote on a “fan favorite” and overall “best of show.” Small prizes will be awarded to the winners.
“We think this will be a fun way to capture and celebrate this unique occurrence,” added Kirchmyer. “The next total eclipse is more than 20 years away, so don’t miss this one!”
Event sponsorships are still available. For information, please contact the West Seneca Chamber of Commerce at 674-4900.
