2017 Great American Eclipse – Do you have plans to view in Wilber and Crete?
You have read it in previous articles, you have seen it on Facebook, seen it on TV and heard it while listening to the radio but do you know the span of the phenomenon that is coming through our town?
On August 21st a total solar eclipse will make its path through the United States for the first time in almost 40 years. Wilber and Crete are two of the most prime viewing locations in the state of Nebraska at 2 minutes and 36 seconds of totality, only 4 seconds shorter than the longest totality in Illinois of 2 minutes and 40 seconds. The last total solar eclipse that was viewable in the United States was February 26, 1979 when darkness fell on the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana and parts of North Dakota. This time around it is our turn to witness the darkness!
What is a total solar eclipse? A total eclipse of the sun, also known as “totality”, occurs when the Moon lines up perfectly in front of the Sun completely blocking the Sun from our view. In order to safely view the eclipse, you must wear special glasses. No one should ever look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Sunglasses will not provide this level of protection. The partial eclipse will last approximately 90 minutes before and after the eclipse beginning at 11:36:46am. The drop in temperature and the sky darkening will signify the totality approaching. If any part of the Sun is visible the glasses must be worn.
The Wilber Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Crete Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Saline Solar Shadow, a weekend long event celebrating this once in a lifetime event. OSI certified glasses are currently available for $1 a piece by Wilber and Crete Chambers at Food Mesto, First State Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Downtown Family Vision in Wilber and The Crete Chamber office, Ace Hardware, Heath Sports and Great Western Bank in Crete. Saline Solar Shadow t-shirts are also available for pre-order by contacting Heath Sports at 402.826.5187 or by visiting our website at www.wilberchamberofcommerce.com.
Czech Days is also right around the corner and as always we are having our annual vehicle raffle. This year we will be raffling off a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4×4. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at Fritz’s Bar and Grill, The Wilber Republican, Barnas Drug, First State Bank, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Frank’s Smokehouse, Wilber Body Shop, Wilber Plumbing, Heating, & Air, and Western United Mutual Ins. or by mailing a check to; Wilber Chamber of Commerce, Attn: Vehicle Raffle, PO Box 1164, Wilber, NE 68465 (please include your phone number if not on the check).
With everything that Wilber has to offer in August, there’s no better time than now to visit our historic town!