New leadership has an opportunity to shine in the dark.

The upcoming solar eclipse has a potential impact to one local economy.

What You Need To Know

  • Thursday, the city of Oswego begins a daily free eclipse viewing glasses distribution

  • An eclipse block party will be held from 4-9 p.m. Sunday, April 7 on West 1st Street

  • From 1-6 p.m. on Monday, April 8, Breitbeck Park will host an eclipse viewing area

Oswego Mayor Robert Corradino believes the city is one of the premier locations in the world to see the solar eclipse, and says Oswego leadership has been planning for the event for a year to make the most of the opportunity.

Corradino says free solar glasses will be distributed Thursday, April 4, with area businesses holding special events and offers beginning Saturday. The city will host a block party on Sunday on West 1st Street, and on Monday, April 8, a viewing will be held from 1-6 p.m. at Breitbeck Park.

"I understand that all the hotels are getting booked up," Corradino said. "We are trying to provide a whole weekend of events. We are anticipating people to come from 100, 200, 300 miles away to visit this city."

Safety precautions are also in place, he said, with the anticipation of up to 60,000 additional people in the city.

A number of minor-league baseball teams in the region, including the Syracuse Mets, Rochester Red Wings and Buffalo Bisons, will host special events for the eclipse.