The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Genesee County’s GeneSEEtheEclipse program has been selected to receive a Tourism Excellence award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association (NYSTIA). The awards ceremony will take place on September 12 in Saratoga Springs.
The New York State Tourism Excellence Awards recognize the very best in destination marketing, management, and stewardship and is open to all New York State tourism marketers and are juried by an impartial panel of industry experts under the auspices of the New York State Tourism Industry Association.
“For more than a year, the Chamber staff worked collectively to ensure our community was prepared to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event. Only through incredible collaboration with numerous organizations and stakeholders, were we able to produce a campaign that demonstrated our unique position in the path of totality of the solar eclipse. Genny toured throughout our County for a year, was featured in her own Children’s book, and posed for numerous family photos. We are proud of the legacy that she leaves behind. We are thrilled to be honored by NYSTIA, as the dedicated and committed staff here truly put their passion into promoting the event. We are hopeful that she may just be around for the next one, in 2144!” said Chamber President, Brian Cousins.
The GeneSEEtheEclipse project was developed to commemorate Genesee County’s unique position along the “path of totality” of the April 8 Great North American Total Solar Eclipse. The goals of the project were to attract visitors to view the eclipse from our destination, to create eclipse celebrations throughout the county and to inform and engage our community members of the upcoming spectacle.
“Although we are still awaiting figures for overall visitor impact, our Q2 lodging data reflects that short term rentals in April saw a +210% in revenue over 2023 and April hotel lodging was 25% above the previous year. The Chamber plans to provide a full report later this fall once 2nd quarter tourism data becomes available, said Kelly Rapone, Tourism Marketing Director.
The Genesee County Chamber of Commerce is excited to kick off GeneSEEtheEclipse weekend activities by inviting the community to a “meet the artist” event at our Visitor Center.
Andy Reddout, illustrator of Genesee County’s commemorative poster and “Genny SEES The Eclipse” original children’s book will be at the Visitor Center on Friday, April 5 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Guests can get a free signed poster, purchase a book for signing, or bring in their previously purchased book to have it signed. Genny the Cow will also be on hand for you to grab a photo with to commemorate our community’s once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Visitor Center will be open this weekend Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Monday 8:30 a.m. -noon for those looking to purchase a pair of Genesee County Commemorative ISO certified solar viewing glasses, while supplies last.
“We are excited to see our community’s collaboration and planning of the last year come together this weekend. Currently, there are over 60 various events and activities listed on our website calendar that organizations have put together to entertain residents and visitors. I’m extremely humbled by their participation and proud of our Chamber team’s dedicated effort to helping promote this once-in-a-lifetime event to our community”, says Brian Cousins, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce - President.
For the latest events and special promotions, as well as to see the events map, visit http://GeneSEEtheEclipse.com.
The Visitor Center is located at 8276 Park Road in Batavia. ISO-Certified solar glasses are being sold for $2.50/each +tax, via credit or debit card only.
In preparation for the upcoming 2024 Solar Eclipse, Genesee County Government will implement a temporary closure for all County Offices and non-emergency services, effective from noon on Monday, April 8 until 8:30 a.m. on April 9.
This decision reflects the county's proactive approach to eclipse readiness. By suspending county operations during the eclipse, the county aims to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public safety, and enable residents and visitors to partake in this extraordinary event. County offices will remain open in the morning on April 8th to accommodate residents who need to conduct business that day.
"Ensuring the safety of our community is our top priority, and the closure of County Offices during the eclipse will contribute to ensuring a safe environment for all to enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event," stated County Manager Matt Landers.
To learn about the eclipse in Genesee County, visit: www.geneseetheeclipse.com For important safety information on the eclipse, visit: www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024/safety/
September 2023 File Photo of a Batavia Silver Stars square dancing event in Batavia. This is one of the groups that plans to be at the Village of Corfu's eclipse festivities during the dance on April 6 at Pembroke Intermediate School. It will be open to all ages with DJ Leon Perry and include square dancing demonstrations. Photo by Julia Ferrini
As news of the impending eclipse visit in April continues to ramp up, it’s likely a fair share of folks still aren’t feeling equal enthusiasm for something that’s supposed to last only a few minutes once it gets here.
Tom Sargent, Corfu village mayor, can relate.
“I probably talked to Katy Hobbs from the Chamber back a year ago; I didn’t really know what was really happening. I knew it was a total eclipse but didn’t know how close it was going to be to us. So I didn’t really put much thought into it myself,” Sargent said to The Batavian, noting how his attitude shifted once he learned more. “Then, in the fall, you start hearing more about it; the Chamber’s got some activities going on. And then it was like ok, so this is a big deal. This is a historic event that none of us will ever see in this area again. So we decided to put something together to remember it and bring the community together."
“We've got an opportunity to show off the village to people who are not from around here, they're talking the county population could double or triple, you know, they talked about that,” he said. “So, we just wanted to have an opportunity to do something else … we sat down and I thought we were gonna come up with a day and we were going to do some stuff.”
Was he ever off the mark. The committee of seven municipal, fire, church and community members were not just in — they were all in. A one-day viewing event turned into a party for the village: someone suggested a parade and then a dance, which led to a family movie night, and then square dancers at the Grange wanted to get involved to offer lessons and demonstrations, and then a craft fair was organized, food trucks were lined up, and before they knew it, the village had a three-day eclipse extravaganza going on.
The committee has mapped out a full three-day slate of events, beginning with an Alien Parade at 6 p.m. on April 6 at Corfu Fire Hall.
Participants are to line up at 5 p.m. at the fire hall, with the route to end at Pembroke intermediate School. All are welcome to join in, and enter your alien-themed float.
Then there’s a dance party at 7:30 p.m. at the school for all ages, with DJ Leon Perry and demonstrations of square dancing.
Sargent said that the square dancers had originally offered to host it at the Grange, but the village welcomed them into the mix for one more activity at the school.
“I know I haven't done it since I was in elementary school. It's a thing that's unique that a lot of people don't do, it’s something that I guess old timers, they talk about it, and the older generation, that they do, but if we can do something to bring it back or expose people to something that they don't get to see every day, then why not?” he said. “They're gonna bring in square dancers from all over the area, there'll be some demonstrations, there'll be some instruction, and you know, we're hoping to get some people to come out and do a little do-si-do and have some fun with it.”
Just as with the annual Christmas parade and Autumn in the Village, Sargent is hoping that this event will be a success as well: “I would love to see the gym filled that weekend,” he said.
They already have 23 vendors signed up for the Craft Fair, he said.
Admission for the dance is $5, and children under 10 are free. There will be food trucks available on both April 6 and 7.
“It’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it’s not going to happen again, not in this way,” Village Clerk-Treasurer Jennifer Eck said. “I feel like we talked about this a year ago. We were going to have a craft show on the lawn and then said what if we have a snowstorm? It’s in April!”
The committee has involved firefighters, church members, residents, and village staff, and everyone has been eager to see this come together, Eck said.
A later addition has been a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. on April 7 at the Community Center, 116 E. Main St., followed by the craft show and a planetarium exhibit in the school gym from 1 to 5 p.m. and then Family Movie Night at 7 p.m. featuring “Home” and “E.T.” Sort of gives one the feeling there’s a theme going here in Corfu. Admission is a food donation for Corfu Food Pantry.
“So the historic aspect of it is probably one of the driving factors. But really, it's just an opportunity for the village to get together, come out, have an activity, winter's going to be over, we'll have an opportunity to come out of our houses and see what the world looks like,” Sargent said. “You know, kind of like the groundhog coming out and seeing his shadow. But really, that's probably the biggest drivers is, our community is really starting to become more and more and more active. People are looking for things to do. We just want to give them an opportunity to do it.”
An eclipse viewing party is set from noon to 5 p.m. April 8, with a corn hole competition, live trivia, a miniature golf course and those funky 3D-like glasses safe for eclipse viewing will be available for purchase.
Viewing action is to happen at 3:19 p.m., and guests at all events on April 8 are asked to stay put for awhile to help alleviate traffic congestion. With corn hole, yummy food and trivia, why would anyone be leaving anyway?
All events in Corfu are to carry on rain or shine. For more information about an event, call 585-599-3327 or email clerk@corfuny.gov.
So what will happen on April 8? According to NASA, A total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun.
The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. During a total solar eclipse, if the skies are clear, people can see the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, with their own eyes.
The corona is otherwise too dim to see against the bright face of the Sun. A total solar eclipse is the only type of solar eclipse where viewers can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses (not the same as ordinary sunglasses) for this brief period of time when the Moon is completely blocking the Sun. This is what will happen in the U.S. on April 8.
While the moon makes its closest approach to earth on this day, at 223,000 miles, there are a whole lot of Genesee County communities planning to take advantage of that distance by pulling together for all things in the name of eclipse totality.
Employees will be taking a day off from work; students will be excused from classes; businesses will feature themed meal, dessert, drink and snack options and thousands of folks are expected to be donning those special glasses for safe eclipse viewing.
It’s all set to happen on April 8, although, as is the case with Corfu, some municipalities are taking advantage of expected out of town visitors with a full weekend array of activities.
Elba is also planning its share of lively action for this rare space occurrence, School Superintendent Gretchen Rosales said.
“Considering that this event will put the spotlight on our county, we want everyone to see just how special our community is,” Rosales said. “Elba is incredible, and we are very proud of it. We have a beautiful school, great businesses, and a wonderful small-town feel. My hope is that our businesses gain long-standing customers who otherwise wouldn't know about our products and services.
“It is also my hope that our school families are able to enjoy the eclipse, either at home or at school, and make some great memories of this once-in-a-lifetime event!” she said.
The village of Elba and school communities have worked together since last November to plan and organize ideas, she and Village Clerk-Treasurer Jerah Augello said.
“Our science department began to attend instructional collaboration meetings with the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce to plan for instructional activities to teach our students about the solar eclipse,” Rosales said. “We are hosting a block party at the school, which includes games/food booths/local vendors. Many of our school clubs and organizations will also be setting up tables and booths. There are also local businesses that will be featuring special merchandise or offers. For example, Chap's Diner will have eclipse themed meals and will have a dessert table at our school.”
Everyone's favorite band, The Front Porch Pickers will be playing at the school, she said.
“We thought the chances of people coming to Elba were pretty great, given it’s on Route 98, so we worked with Elba Central School and local businesses,” Augello said.
Chap’s Diner will have food specials, along with Oliver’s and Sweet Life Winery will be selling special chocolates, she said.
“All money will go back into the local community, whether it’s the school, a fundraiser or business commerce,” Augello said.
She has served as a constant reminder to folks about the upcoming event, and “we’re getting excited about it,” she said.
A viewing party will be from 1 to 4 p.m. on school grounds, with food, games, face painting, live music, the Boy Scouts will be selling onion soup as a fundraiser, Elba eclipse bumper sticker sales with a free bag of onions from Torrey Farms, will benefit the Jordyn Torrey Augello Foundation, and each purchase of I Saw the Solar Eclipse in Elba, NY shirt will benefit Elba school.
Other activities include a martial arts demo by Amerikick Batavia, a variety of foods for purchase at the school, including hotdogs, burgers, nachos and baked goods, beverages of hot chocolate, coffee and flavored lemonade. Chap’s dessert table sill be filled with caramel apple pie, raspberry dream pie, coconut cream pie and Texas chocolate sheet cake.
To alleviate traffic congestion, there will be shuttles to and from key points in the village, stationed at Elba Central School, Sweet Life, Veterans Memorial Park (parking and viewing site), Chap’s and Elba Presbyterian Church.
Porter Farms will also be hosting a watch party from noon to 5 p.m. April 8 at 4911 Edgerton Road, Elba. This free event will include music by the Bluesway Band, a bounce house, concessions for sale from Alabama Hotel, and heated barns. To attend the party, registration is requested HERE.
The Tonawanda Reservation Historical Society at the Tonawanda Indian Community House is hosting a free event from noon to 5 p.m. for viewing on April 8 "for a fun day commemorating the Eclipse.”
Activities will include "Iroquois Legends of The Eclipse" historical presentations throughout the day, public tours and viewing of the exhibits and artifacts within the Community House.
"We are participating because we also have a book club and have been reading about legends, and we like to do things for the community,” Society leader Juanita Poodry Dunn said. “We're listed on the county page for our activities, legends, food, free glasses, and viewing of artifacts in the community house. There are also restaurants, gas stations, gift shops and dispensaries.”
Hot dogs, macaroni salad and soft drinks will be available for purchase, and visitors are asked to bring a chair and dress appropriately for the day. Temperatures may dip as much as 10 degrees during the eclipse arrival.
According to the Society’s website, the Seneca people are one of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, known as the Haudenosaunee or People of the Longhouse, who have occupied Western New York for centuries. The majority of their settlements were located along the Genesee River Valley. Senecas have lived along the Tonawanda Creek since the early 1700s. The Reservation is located east of Akron, New York, where Erie, Genesee, and Niagara counties meet.
Oakfield Betterment Committee also jumped on the bandwagon to provide some western county action, and it’s not too late to participate, President Jamie Lindsley said.
“OBC wanted to host an event surrounding the total solar eclipse because it’s such a rare event at any given location. OACS students are still on spring break on Monday, April 8, so we are hoping families will come out to enjoy the live music by Salvatore, savor food by Caryville and treats by Sweet Ally’s, and make use of the spacious park for games as well as eclipse-related activities,” she said. “Students will receive glasses at school and should bring them along, plus we will have some available on that day.
“There is great potential for local commerce, and we love the scientific as well as historic nature of being directly in the path of totality. We encourage people to arrive early and stay as long as they can to avoid any potential traffic,” she said. “There will be plenty of parking and admission is free. We are trying to get a few more groups involved, so it’s not too late if they’d like to be a part of the festivities.”
If interested in being part of Oakfield’s event, call Lindsley at 585-704-6663, or email jamie@oakfieldbetterment.com.
Everyone is invited to bring a chair or blanket and sit on the lawn at Richmond Memorial Library for a viewing event from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 8, said Kelly March of the library’s Youth Services department.
“We will have outdoor lawn games, and hands-on science stations for folks to record data on their science apps. Pre-registration is not required for this free event,” March said. “The official timing for the astronomical event in our zip code is 2:05 p.m., the beginning of moon to eclipse, the sun and the sky will begin to slowly darken (even if it’s a cloudy stormy day). At 3:19 p.m. the moon will appear to be in full coverage of the sun and last until 3:22 pm. The completion of the solar eclipse is expected to occur at 4:32 p.m. with normal light restored.”
The library last hosted such an event in the sunnier and warmer month of August 2017, bringing out 400 people to observe a partial solar eclipse. The staff was able to distribute 2,000 free eclipse glasses prior to and on the day of the event, and the biggest difference between then and now will be the uncertainty of the weather conditions, March said.
“Anyone who saved their eclipse glasses from 2017 and the lenses have no damage can use them in April,” she said. “This once in a lifetime viewing event is open to all members of our community free of charge.”
The library is at 19 Ross St., Batavia.
For more information about these and other events, exhibits and lodging throughout the county, go GeneSEE the Eclipse.
2023 File Photo of the unveiling for Genesee the Eclipse marketing message and Genny the Cow mascot for the April 2024 total eclipse weekend event. Photo by Joanne Beck
Planning a year out for an event may seem to be a bit of overkill — after all, it’s an entire year away, and there are 365 days to get things and people in place, so what’s the rush, right?
Well, for the county’s Chamber of Commerce, school districts, businesses, nonprofits and other organizations, those days, weeks and months are filling up quickly with to-do lists for the 2024 debut of the first total eclipse to grace this area in decades, and not another one to arrive for 126 more years.
For the latest planning meeting this week, 43 people registered to sit in, and momentum is building, Chamber President Brian Cousins says.
“I believe there are more than a few businesses and organizations that are jumping on board already and taking an interest. The three presenters today – Holland Land Office, Batavia Downs, and Genesee County Parks — are all in development of their planning, brainstorming elements to have, and creating programs to ensure public interest,” Cousins said Tuesday. “There are certainly more, which we engage with often – and invite them all to share in their ideas. Being creative and promoting individual organizations and businesses during the eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Unlike the county fair and other yearly signature events that are planned well in advance and are continuously being updated and tweaked, this is a one-shot deal for these organizers and the folks counting on a fun event during this particular weekend in April 2024.
There was a kick-off celebration and unveiling of Genny the cow and mascot last month for the Genesee the Eclipse marketing message for the county, and there have been monthly Zoom meetings for stakeholders wanting a piece of the action come to the special 2024 event.
What does that actually mean for Genesee County?
Educational opportunities for students
Telescope lending library programs Rules and protocols for navigating the roads during what could be a mad dash to find a spot to sit and experience the three-minute, 42-second eclipse
Related safety measures by law enforcement
Orders of enough amenities for visitors
Event merchandise to sell (the Chamber will have T-shirts, sweatshirts, and solar glasses)
Musical entertainment, parking lot configurations
Alerting local retailers to prepare with sufficient inventory for shoppers, and forewarning residents about potential traffic delays and increased demands for food and beverages
Hundreds of senior citizens at Batavia Downs
Historically relevant details culled from Holland Land Office
Treat it like a Super Bowl Trish Erzfeld, who led her county’s efforts during the 2017 eclipse in Missouri, was quite familiar with locals asking, “What’s all the fuss about” during early planning stages.
“It’s just a really weird two minutes, 40 seconds. They didn’t know how to relate to it,” she said during May’s Zoom meeting this week.
But then Erzfeld put it in terms that most anyone can relate to: think about the Super Bowl or the Kentucky Derby. Those events aren’t so much about one singular moment, but about the experience, she said. There’s the camaraderie, the crowd, and, perhaps the best part — the tailgating, with themes, food, decor, drinks, clothing colors and a unity in spirit.
Now you’re talking — that’s what planning and coming together for the eclipse is all about, she said, as meeting participants agreed.
They all wish to make this a weekend experience for residents and visitors alike, in which they will remember it, cherish it, talk about it, and think fondly enough of this community that they might just want to make a return visit to see the Holland Land Office Museum, or place some bets at Batavia Downs, eat at that fun downtown restaurant, grab a craft brew, or shop for fine men’s wear.
Economic Boon The largest factor in developing plans this far out is for those that will not be in the path of complete totality, but will make plans to travel to our community for the event, Cousins said.
Erzfeld, who is also director of Perry County's Missouri Heritage Tour, outlined that all of their hotels and restaurants were “packed full the entire weekend of the eclipse in 2017 (which was also a Monday),” he said.
“The economic impact and opportunity that our community has is tremendous. Being able to promote those plans in advance to those that are looking to view the eclipse in our area is very important,” Cousins said. “In thinking about the impact that we can have on a personal level, there’s not many events that everyone gets to experience at the same time together in one community. We are incredibly lucky, and I’d like to be able to say that we all rallied around this event that was something special for us all to share – that was positive, natural, and awe-inspiring.”
Think of customers, employees, scheduling Some business owners may operate as if nothing is different, Erzfeld said. However, most may want to consider the services they offer and how they can be as customer-friendly as possible, such as:
Closing for the day and allowing employees and customers to enjoy the festivities.
Revising hours based on activities happening on that Monday (total eclipse day).
Think ahead of what will happen if clients cancel.
Can you provide your parking lot as a viewing space.
Will you coordinate special sales with the eclipse theme.
No matter what the business — from a veterinarian, beauty spa, hotel and gym to dog groomer, dentist and clothing store, it’s client-based and is worth some consideration of how you want to handle that April weekend and especially Monday, she said.
Her community provided free parking and entertainment for visitors, plus transported folks from nearby hotels into town, and made many connections with people who have since made repeat trips back to visit, she said.
Her county, population 19,000, saw an influx of about 10,000 people from 36 states and 17 countries during the 2017 eclipse. There is great interest in this kind of thing, and people are willing to travel for it.
Cool, weird shadows Shannon Lyaski spoke about plans — from basic to the weird — at Genesee County Park.
“Generally speaking, people are going to be showing up, you know, being ready to view the eclipse. And just, you know, making sure that there's porta potties, making sure that there are people there to direct the traffic in the parking lot, especially because in April, it's likely to be muddy, and we don't want parking on the lawns and stuff like that. So we'll have volunteers helping with parking, really, you know, the show is happening in the sky,” she said. “It’s just such a cool thing that's happening.
"We're planning to have possibly some white canvases, either on the side of the building or on the ground," she said. "Because one of the natural phenomenon that happens during a total solar eclipse is shadow bands, you get these really weird shadows happening because of the way the (sun) light is bending around the moon, and the corona is visible, which is also really cool. But because of the way the light is coming through the atmosphere, you get these really weird shadows.”
There won’t be leaves on the trees, allowing for a lot of open space to see, she said. There may be a bounce house for kids since no one is expecting them to just sit there waiting for this thing in the sky to happen, she said.
The Rochester Museum and Science Center has an eclipse ambassador program with funding for 50 organizations, most of which are centered around the city of Rochester, she said, however, “We became recipients of that, and so we are getting … a $,1000 stipend to help with expenses to support the programming around the eclipse.
"Also, a telescope is included, which is very beneficial to the park, because then this is something we can use for future events as well.”
She is trying to get a big screen “so that everyone can see what’s happening in the telescope,” she said, in addition to everyone having eclipse glasses.
There’s is no camping at the park, and no horses will be allowed during this event, she said.
“We’re promoting ‘leave-no-trace.’ We want people to enjoy the park, but not destroy it either,” she said. “We’re very excited, when I’ve talked to other parks, there is a darker sky there.”
Going home to roost, building educational lessons Erzfeld described the eerie sense of environment when the eclipse was coming. True to lore and rumors, cows did return to the barn, and chickens went home to roost. Skies began to get darker as the wind shifted. If one was living in a more primitive time, it certainly could be perceived as the end of time, she said.
And on that note, Erzfeld encouraged participants to think long-term with their planning, and to make their efforts and related materials outlast the April 2024 event. For example, Missouri folks crafted a special sundial that still sits on the courthouse lawn to commemorate the 2017 eclipse event they had.
“So it was a real challenge in 2017, because, like I said, nobody really knew how to wrap their arms around this. So we ended up doing a lot of community outreach and community educating,” she said. “Our schools, I think our science teachers got behind it. But there could have been so much more because your music teachers can get behind this, your art teachers can get behind this, your language, English teachers, you know, and poetry and stuff. So I think our teachers will do a much better job this time around in bringing whatever they teach — their own little spin on the Eclipse, and that's what we're encouraging them to do.”
County school districts are getting the day off during the eclipse on that Monday, and educators are working on programs and activities related to the event.
"We welcome all organizations, businesses, and community leaders to attend our monthly Zoom calls to hear about the planning, create ideas, share brainstorming, and develop a sense of urgency for those plans – so we can present a great showcased event for those outside our community that may visit," Cousins said.
