Local events to fill weekend before solar eclipse
The total solar eclipse is fast approaching. Several events will take place in LeFlore County celebrating the extraordinary celestial happening.
One in Poteau is the 2024 Eclipse at Long Lake Resort. This weekendlong event will have several fun-filled activities for eclipse chasers and local families alike. This event includes a vendor fair, scheduled trail rides, a petting zoo called Red Barn Farm, and ending with a viewing of the solar eclipse on Monday.
As of Friday, according to Mary Husak, Guest Relationship Manager at the resort, all of their camping sites, except for a few tent sites, are booked up for the weekend of the eclipse. She also said all of the events, including the petting zoo, are open to the public.
The Red Barn Farm is something the resort has been wanting to do for a while, said Husak, and the eclipse weekend is a sort of practice run for it. She said the resort is excited about the eclipse weekend and all of the visitors they are expecting. Contact Long Lake Resort at 918-647-8140 for more information.
The Talihina Chamber of Commerce is holding their Talihina Solar Eclipse Event starting Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. This event will include vendors, food trucks, live music, Cow Patty Bingo, a chance to win $1,000, bounce houses, paintball, face painting, and more.
According to Talihina chamber associate, Randy Rose, the community is excited about the eclipse and this event. He said they have sold many tickets for the Cow Patty Bingo game. He said everyone is hoping many visitors come to Talihina that weekend. Contact the Talihina chamber at 918-567-3434 for more information.
Heavener Runestone Park will also be holding an event for the eclipse. The Runestone Park Solar Watch Party takes place on April 6-8 and will include activities like bingo, bounce houses, music,
a craft and seed swap, a night hike, food vendors, with the main event of watching the solar eclipse on Monday. Contact the Heavener Runestone Park at 918-653-2241 for more information about this event.
There will be other events in LeFlore County to celebrate the solar eclipse, including the Viewing Party at Springhill Baptist Church from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and the Eclipse Event at Trinity RV Park, which will include $10 on the parking and $10 camping for Sunday night.
The Poteau Chamber of Commerce is still selling Poteau Eclipse T-shirts and eclipse glasses. Contact the Poteau Chamber of Commerce at 918-6479178 to inquire.