For the second time in less than ten years, the Land of Lincoln finds itself directly in the path of a total solar eclipse. This once-in-a-generation event (at least usually) is set to take place on the afternoon of April 8th and has caused quite a stir in the Downstate region. As a result, many of the towns and locally owned businesses scattered throughout the area have capitalized by devising creative new events and products to commemorate the astronomic oddity. 

First off, where exactly will the totality cross the state? Well, most of our region will be situated between the center line and the northern limit. Beginning at around 2:00 p.m., the totality will cross over Chester before moving across the region to the northeast and exiting over Lawrenceville a few minutes later. Nearly all of the Downstate area is within the path of totality, so there is no shortage of community events to choose from when deciding where you will be viewing the eclipse. Some of the large-scale ones include:

Meet Me in Marshall for the Eclipse – Marshall

This four-day festival is hosted by the City of Marshall and is a can’t-miss event for readers on the Eastern side of the state. With events running from Friday, April 5th through the end of Monday, April 8th, they have events for all ages! Some of the more notable functions include glow-in-the-dark kayaking at Lincoln Trail State Park, a fireworks and drone show, and The Apollo Experience at the Marshall Public Library. A full list of events and additional information can be found here or on the City of Marshall’s Facebook page.

Hamilton County Solar Eclipse Festival – McLeansboro

Located directly along the centerline of the totality, McLeansboro is one of the prime spots to view the eclipse. For just $30 a person, festival goers will receive a pair of eclipse glasses as well as access to a variety of entertainment options. Food trucks, glow-in-the-dark bingo, bags tournaments, and an incredible fireworks display are scheduled to take place on April 7th, with admission being just $10. With so much to offer, Hamilton County is sure to be one of the premier spots to celebrate and view the astronomical event. For more information, visit the Hamilton County website.

White Squirrel Blackout 2024 – Olney

For everyone traveling east for the eclipse, Olney’s White Squirrel Blackout is an excellent choice for viewing. Better yet, make a weekend of it and attend the whole festival. Several events will be held to cater to any interest. Multiple concerts by local bands, a 5k run/walk, free movie screenings, and a special performance by renowned comedian/magician Chef Bananas will ensure that the whole family is entertained. For band line-ups, ticketing information, and links to special merch, visit the Richland County Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

Dancing in the Dark – Lawrenceville

Mid-America Air Center is the ideal place to view the totality for anyone who enjoys dancing, aviation, or camping. This fly-in, drive-in, hangar party will be one of the most exciting events to take place in the Downstate region come April 8^th. Sunday will feature live music and dancing. Monday will have a beer tent, food trucks, and live music. All are welcome to witness this marriage of flight and astronomy!

Commemorative events aren’t the only way of celebrating the eclipse in the Downstate region. Some of our Illinois Made verified artisans are putting out specialty products that may be more your style! Just a few of them are:

Excel Bottling Co. – Breese

From the makers of Ski, comes an exciting, limited edition soda designed specifically for the solar eclipse. “Darkest Hour” will be a black cherry-flavored drink that is sure to make your taste buds sing! The specialty soda will come in a souvenir glow in the dark bottle that will make a great decoration for years to come. 

Witness Distillery – Vandalia

If you like your drinks with a little more kick, then Witness Distillery has the perfect thing for you! The beloved local spirit maker has created a special lemon-flavored vodka that will make an excellent addition to any bar stock. Coined as the “Official Flavored Vodka of the Illinois Solar Eclipse”, you’ll need to make sure to get your hands on a bottle. 

LongStory Coffee – Belleville

The wonderful people over at LongStory have the caffeinated crowd covered, as per usual. A limited roasting of eclipse-themed organic Peruvian coffee beans is sure to give you the jolt you need! Paired with a themed bag and a pair of lab-grade eclipse glasses, this will be a hot ticket item. Get yours while you can!

Abe’s Popcorn – Belleville

Who doesn’t love a little sweet treat? We definitely do! Thankfully, our friends down at Abe’s Popcorn have created a delicious “Galaxy” blend of popcorn to celebrate the eclipse. Mild grape, blue raspberry, and dark chocolate all combine to create an out-of-this-world flavor profile that will perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the eclipse celebrations taking place across the state. 

Despite the last two solar eclipses making it seem like they’re a fairly regular occurrence, the next one won’t occur in our region for another 130 years, so make sure to get out and witness the universal spectacle for yourself!