BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The total solar eclipse is coming April 8 and many locations around Massena are ready to entertain.

According to Jason Hendricks, who assists the town and village with website design and tourism initiatives, multiple events are scheduled throughout the town, including at the airport, with the library, at Robert Moses State Park, Barnhart beach and Hawkins Point Visitors Center. 

Airport Manager Dylan Casselman has also been assisting with the planning of the events, he said. 

“Dylan and I went and walked out at the airport. We’re going to utilize the hangar so it would be nice overhead depending on the weather. It’s a large viewing area for everyone,” he said. 

Hendricks said local representatives are in the process of finalizing plans and creating the schedule of events as well. 

Eclipse glasses are available at the Massena Public Library, Nicandri Nature Center and through the chamber of commerce, Hendricks said. 

As part of the preparations, Hendricks said instructions will be given and airport personnel will be available to direct traffic to the viewing area. 

Just how many people will come to the region is unknown, but early estimates suggested up to 100,000 individuals. 

Officials with the chamber and town say those numbers may be an exaggeration but noted that hotels are booking up along with short-term rentals. 

“We’re hoping for a pleasant surprise,” Hendricks said. 

Aside from the airport, events will also be held before the eclipse as well. 

At the Nicandri Nature Center, family friendly events called “What to Expect When You are Expecting an Eclipse” will be held at 2 p.m. on April 3 and 7. The event will educate about solar eclipses and will include activities for children and adults alike. 

Solar crafts will also be held April 1-7, which runs through spring break for students, officials say. 

For more information about events scheduled at the nature center, visit nicandrinaturecenter.org.

At the library, an Eclipse Cookie Decorating craft for children under 18 will be held at noon on April 8, followed by a viewing in the parking lot when the eclipse occurs around 3:24 p.m.

For more information on the full list of events, visit exploremassena.com/eclipse2024.