Weather shifts Newport eclipse event to Prouty Beach, free shuttle service to ease travel

NEWPORT — Due to recent weather conditions causing potential issues, Newport’s community viewing event for the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 has been relocated to Prouty Beach.

The event, originally scheduled to take place at Gardner Park, will still run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and feature the same exciting lineup, including guest speaker William Vinton and live music by Kyle Chadburn.

The change of venue comes from recent snow and possible rain over the weekend, which could leave Gardner Park unsuitable for hosting a large crowd. Organizers acted swiftly to secure Prouty Beach as the new location, ensuring that the community event can proceed without major disruptions.

To ease your travel around the city during this exciting event, NCDD is offering a free shuttle service from the airport to downtown, running from 12:00 p.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m.

The first 500 attendees at Prouty Beach will receive free eclipse glasses, crucial for safely viewing the partial phases of the eclipse. With safety as a top priority, event organizers remind attendees to use special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers, when looking directly at the partially eclipsed sun.

Newport, within the eclipse’s path of totality, is poised to experience a total solar eclipse lasting approximately 3 minutes and 35 seconds. This celestial event is expected to attract numerous visitors, potentially boosting the local economy significantly. Vermont Treasurer Mike Pieciak has estimated the eclipse’s economic impact on the state to be between $12.9 million and $51.8 million.

As the community and visitors gear up for this rare event, local officials and businesses are focusing on ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Attendees are encouraged to plan their travel well in advance and be prepared for potential delays.

Organizers also remind visitors to respect wildlife, natural areas, and follow guidelines. With the relocation to Prouty Beach and thorough planning, the 2024 total solar eclipse is set to be a memorable event for Newport and Vermont.

The partial solar eclipse will begin at 2:14 p.m., with totality occurring at 3:26 p.m. Attendees are advised to wear boots to the event at Prouty Beach and to refer to the updated map for additional details.