New York state is getting ready to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for Monday’s solar eclipse. Communities across Western and Northern New York — in the path of totality — are planning viewing parties and more.

The Adirondacks are no different, except there, locals say you can experience a two-for-one: the event and the region’s Olympic history. 

“I think that it's very, very exciting. And, of course, the eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” ROOST C.O.O. Mary Jane Lawrence said.

If we learned anything from 2017, 2024 in New York state will be a party.

“There's a lot of things happening. Businesses are becoming prepared and the communities are being prepared with having designated viewing areas,” Lawrence added.

Lawrence lives tourism and she's been working closely with the community and a state agency, the Olympic Regional Development Authority, to help coordinate and create events in the Adirondacks for the eclipse.

“All across the region, there will be viewing parties. Some smaller communities are closing their Main Street and having festivals,” she added.

“It's got its appeal when you want to be in that unique paradigm where you can see the dusk-like atmosphere among the mountains in the high peaks,” ORDA Olympic Center Marketing Manager Megan-Jean Manson said.

Manson is one of those that's been working with Lawrence in promoting the Lake Placid area, because people can not only experience the eclipse, but also get a taste of that Olympic history at the same time.

“They really should try to come spend the whole weekend here. There's so much to offer,” she added.

Whiteface Mountain will be the home to one party. There will be another at the speed skating oval downtown. Then, if you want to watch the entire eclipse — from Texas all the way on up — well, you can do that inside the famed 1980 Herb Brooks Arena. All venues are free.

“We've accumulated an allotment of about 10,000 solar eclipse glasses that we'll be giving out to the public for free during the solar eclipse," Manson said. "There will be music at Whiteface, music here at the Olympic Center. Lots of festivities. Food will be provided."

What You Need To Know

  •  Events for Eclipse Day on April 8th are set for numerous communities in the Adirondacks.  

  •  Tupper Lake will have an event at the Adirondack Sky Center & Observatory

  •  Lake Placid will feature events at the speedskating oval, Herb Brooks Arena and Whiteface Mountain

And while no one is sure exactly how many people will be coming to the area, folks know if they provide fun and combine it with that Olympic history experience, it will be a big day on April 8.

“April is traditionally a quiet month here in the Adirondacks," Lawrence said. "So, yes, this is additional bonus business for this time of year."

If they do it right, it could be big business in the future.

Another unique way to spend Eclipse Day in the Adirondacks will be at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory in Tupper Lake, where a number of events and activities are planned for April 8.