Southern Indiana Business Report
WEST BADEN SPRINGS – From Orleans to French Lick, Orange County is hosting several eclipse viewing events and activities including live music, beer gardens, dancing and animal encounters.
Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit French Lick West Baden, has worked with the communities and groups that are prepared to welcome thousands for the April 8 eclipse. Southern Indiana is in the path of totality, which is prime viewing. It’s estimated that 400,000 to 500,000 people will travel to Indiana.
“We could have as many as 30,000 extra people visit our county for the event,” said Orange County Emergency Management Director Emergency Rick Emerick.
Total darkness will begin in Orange County at 3:04 p.m., lasting 3 minutes and 55 seconds. Partial darkness will be visible before and after.
Louisville television station WHAS-11 will be broadcasting live all day April 8 in front of the West Baden arches. Many local tourist attractions will be featured throughout the broadcast.
Orange County eclipse events
Visit French Lick West Baden provided a round-up of eclipse events in Orange County.
- The Paoli Chamber of Commerce & Paoli Peaks will host a two-day event at Paoli Peaks. Visit French Lick West Baden will be a sponsor of “Solar Eclipse Bash.” It will feature live music, DJ, food trucks, beer garden and more April 7 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and April 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for Sunday are $20 for adults, $10 for kids 10 and under; Monday tickets are adults $25, 10 & under $15.
- Visit French Lick-West Baden will also serve as a sponsor for “Totally Black Out in Orleans,” April 8. It will feature food trucks, a DJ, eclipse swag and a family-friendly gathering space in Congress Square, downtown Orleans, followed by a beer garden later in the evening.
- French Lick Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with downtown merchants and Visit French Lick West Baden, will host a viewing party on the town green in French Lick. “Get Mooned Over French Lick” will feature live music, food trucks and local art vendors April 5-7. Legendz will host a dance party and karaoke on April 5, then Jeff and Dale will perform live April 6 from 5 pm-9 pm. Sunday will feature the popular Louisville-area band, The Juice Box Heroes from 4-7 pm. Patoka Lake will be hosting a Solar Eclipse Boat Tour and other activities on the water during the event.
- The French Lick Resort has an array of events for guests staying at the resort. Crush will perform renditions of Bon Jovi’s greatest hits on April 5. Resort guests can enjoy themed dinners, a private viewing area and souvenirs.
- Wilstem Wildlife Park and Big Splash Adventure will provide wagon rides and close encounters with animals during the weekend.
“We are thrilled to assist in the sponsorship of many eclipse activities in the county,” said Mindy Rogers, Visitor Center manager.
Free eclipse glasses are available at the Visitors Center while the supply lasts. Restrooms, visitor experience information and exclusive eclipse logo items are also available at the new retail store, The Brick Exchange, located in the Visitors Center, 8102 W. State Road 56 in West Baden. It is open during regular Visitor Center hours.
Preparing for crowds
Local residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the Eclipse weekend. Emerick said residents should allow extra time to get to their destinations that weekend and to fill gas tanks early ahead of time. Having an emergency kit, food, water and medications are also advised.
Rogers said the eclipse weekend is a great opportunity to showcase southern Indiana.
“Let’s share our Hoosier Hospitality and greet visitors with, ‘We are glad you are here!’ or ‘How may I help you?’ Rogers said. “We want them to come back and visit us again!”
For up-to-date information about the Eclipse Weekend in Orange County, visit: