When Hendricks County experiences its first total solar eclipse in more than 800 years on April 8, residents should plan to attend one of the many local events countywide to celebrate the astronomical phenomenon.
Hendricks County and central Indiana will be a popular spot for visitors, with the area experiencing darkness for more than three minutes. So, county businesses and organizations have already begun plans to host watch parties and even day-long festivals to celebrate and receive the proper eyewear to view the eclipse.
With local schools closed that day and many visitors expected to come here, town, county and state police agencies say they are ready.
“The eclipse has been a discussion for me, emergency management and the chiefs of police here in Hendricks County for some time now,” said Hendricks County Sheriff Jack Sadler. “We have all been in communications with the Hendricks County Communications Center and are prepared for the influx of people.”
All major law enforcement agencies within the county, including the Sheriff’s Department, are increasing staffing levels to accommodate the potential need for the eclipse. In addition, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will activate and staff the State Emergency Operations Center that day to help coordinate at the state level.
Officials have estimated around 100,000 people will travel to central Indiana to see the eclipse, with up to 500,000 estimated statewide. With central Indiana experiencing 100% totality, and so many towns and counties in addition to Hendricks County holding public events, the number of visitors will be spread out, alleviating any kind of pressure in one specific area.
In comparison:
- The Indianapolis 500 draws about 250,000 to 300,000 people to its one-day event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Here in Hendricks County, U.S. Nationals held over Labor Day Weekend handles 60,000 people a day and 150,000 over the course of the weekend.
With preparations already in place, and given our experience in handling crowds, residents should not hesitate to attend any of the planned festivities.
“We are so excited to be in the path of totality, giving both residents and visitors an opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event here in Hendricks County,” said Jaime Bohler Smith, Visit Hendricks County’s executive director and chief executive officer. “With so many fun events being planned, we highly encourage everyone to arrive early, enjoy the day and be patient on your return trip home.”
Events and viewing parties both big and small will give residents and visitors plenty of options. Visit Hendricks County even awarded grants earlier this year to help five local businesses host celebrations, including ticketed events at Beasley’s Orchard and Hendricks Live! Two of the bigger free public events include the Race to the Eclipse at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and a military tribute at The Shops at Perry Crossing.
Hendricks County hotel rooms are selling fast but are still available. Affordable camping spots also remain at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and Raceview Family Campground next to the track.
For more details about the eclipse, all the local celebrations and so much more, go to visithendrickscounty.com/eclipse.
