The Total Solar Eclipse is less than two weeks away and is expected to bring approximately 500,000 visitors to the state. In Indiana, 62 counties are on the path of totality, with 13 counties (including Union) at the center of totality. In Liberty, the eclipse will last approximately two and a half hours, with totality beginning at 3:07 pm and lasting 3 minutes and 31 seconds.

The Union County EMA has taken a proactive step in preparing the community for the upcoming eclipse. They have released a Union County Eclipse Informational Video, a valuable resource that shares insights from past eclipses and provides a clearer picture of what to expect in Union County during this event.

“While it’s difficult to know the impact on our community, there will be one,” said Jim Franklin in the video. “Because of the unknown, preparation for the event has been a challenge. Planning for this event has been an ongoing effort with all emergency response agents. We look back on lessons learned from past eclipses and added challenges like traffic congestion. In the 2017 Eclipse, the five-and-a-half-hour drive from Columbus, Indiana, to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, took over 17 hours to return. 

We could experience communication outages, increased emergency calls, and delayed emergency response. The weather in April can also be a challenge. We can experience almost any type of weather.”

The Union County EMA recommends the following:

•Charge electronic devices

•Fuel vehicles up before the eclipse

•Find a safe location to view the eclipse

•Respect private property

•Have food and water ready 

•Expect delays in traffic

•Plan ahead and be patient 

Events in

 Union County

There are two events planned in Union County, 

Smokin’ on the Water BBQ Festival and the Eclipse Event at Union County Nature Park.

Smokin’ 

on the Water

This year’s Smokin’ on the Water Barbecue Festival by the Lake, sponsored by Liberty Lions Club, will be special! From Saturday, April 6, through Monday, April 8, there will be live bands, barbecue, vendors, and the car/truck/motorcycle show. There will be fun for everyone with kids’ games and bouncy houses on Saturday. 

Union County 

Parks & Recreation

A note from Union County Parks & Recreation: The Biggest Event of the Year

Want to enjoy the BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR right here in your own community? Of course you do! Help us by spreading the word and letting everyone in Union County know about this event hosted by our very own Union County Parks and Recreation!

We are looking for more VENDORS to set up for this event, and the best part is that it is free. Donations to the park, if you are able, will also be accepted!

What do we have in store for you so far??? Check out who we have on the list: 

April 7

•Night Hike

•Roast a Hot dog around the Camp Fire 

April 8

Vendors (so far)

• Rebecca’s Yoga Shala Yoga class: Begins at 10 a.m. $5 minimum donation is required to participate. 

•The Donut Hole Indiana

•Pizza King of Liberty

•Mother-Daughter Farmaceuticals

•Bleached unique clothing

•Create our own Necklace/bracelet Booth.

Kid Games will be set, and there will be a scavenger Hunt

Our very own Noah Pavey will be wrapping up the event with some music for us all to enjoy at the end of the day!

We will have a schedule of events once we get closer to the BIG DAY and get all our vendor requests in. Follow us on Facebook for updates.

We are so excited about this event! Can’t wait to see all your faces out there enjoying our Community Park!

For questions regarding the upcoming total solar eclipse, reach out to the Union County EMA Office at (765) 458-0505. 

Eclipse Calendar for Indiana and surrounding states

Indiana

•May 10, 1994 (Annular)

•April 8, 2024 (Total)

•July 23, 2093 (Annular)

•September 14, 2099 (Total)

Illinois

•May 10, 1994 (Annular)

•August 21, 2017 (Total)

•April 8, 2024 (Total)

•June 11, 2048 (Annular)

•July 23, 2093 (Annular)

•September 14, 2099 (Total)

Kentucky

•August 21, 2017 (Total)

•April 8, 2024 (Total)

•July 23, 2093 (Annular)

Michigan

•January 24, 1925 (Total)

•June 11, 2048 (Annular)

•July 1, 2057 (Annular)

•July 23, 2093 (Annular)

•September 14, 2099 (Total)

Ohio

•May 10, 1994 (Annular)

•April 8, 2024 (Total)

•July 23, 2093 (Annular)

•September

14, 2099 (Total)

The 2024 eclipse is the only total solar eclipse of the 21st century to pass through the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

20th Century Eclipse Highlights

•June 20, 1955: longest total eclipse between 1901 and 2000, lasting a maximum of 7 minutes and 8 seconds.

•June 30, 1973: a Concorde jet flew along the path, thereby extending the length of totality to 74 min.

•March 29, 1987: second hybrid eclipse in less than one year, the first being on October 3, 1986.

•July 11, 1991: Solar eclipse with the shortest gamma, of only −0.00412.

•July 31, 2000: the second solar eclipse within one calendar month, the first on July 1 2000.