NEWPORT, Vt. (WCAX) – Parts of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom are in the path of maximum totality for the April 8 eclipse. Newport will be in the dark for 3 minutes and 25 seconds and people in the city are busy preparing for the big day.
“You know, 150,000 people arriving. I mean, we are pretty close to the best place you can be, I think,” said Rick Woodward, a longtime business owner in Newport.
Woodward’s Green Mountain Natural Foods is getting ready for the influx of traffic coming through the city. He says he and his staffers are very excited.
“Mainly extra staff and extra inventory to make sure we can handle it. We also have some staff on call because of the unknown. The place will empty out right during the eclipse. I am sure all the staff will also be outside on the sidewalk looking,” Woodward said.
A collaboration between the city of Newport, the police department and Newport City Downtown Development will host a viewing party at Gardner Park. There will be live music and glasses for viewers.
Officials say area hotels and Airbnbs are all booked. The city expects to see anywhere from 100 to a few thousand people, and they are excited for the NEK city to get some much-needed attention.
“Kind of this slogan through this whole thing is, no matter what the weather is, we will weather totality together. So whether it is a great viewing, if it’s not, just the people coming together will be a great thing. We have created maps that are being available online. Kind of outlining the parking they have available,” said Colin Matthews of Newport City Downtown Development.
Some residents and visitors also have plans of their own.
“Excited, amazed, that it’s really going to feature the kingdom for a change. Got my glasses all lined up. Get together with other folks,” said Sue Dwelle of Newport.
“There is an awful lot of activity going on around it. I’m just curious to see it,” said Donna Tatum of Orleans. “I think what I will do is climb my hill in the backyard, sit up there and have a hot cup of coffee or tea and watch it.”
