Southern Indiana Business Report
BEDFORD – Lawrence County has the unique distinction of having three astronauts who grew up in the southern Indiana county. One of them – Charles D. Walker – will return to his Bedford hometown April 6 at the Eclipse Over Lawrence County event at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds.
Walker will talk about his career as an astronaut, experiences on the space shuttle and share scientific eclipse facts during his presentation on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. He will also explain the significance of the total solar eclipse and how to get the most out of viewing it.
A Purdue University graduate, this Hooser hero flew on three NASA space shuttle missions in the 1980s. Walker was the second Lawrence County native to go up in space. Mitchell native Gus Grissom was the county’s first astronaut and Ken Bowersox the third.
A 1966 graduate of Bedford High School, Walker served as a payload specialist for the McDonnell Douglas Corporation aboard three space shuttle missions.
“We’re very excited to have him as part of our eclipse activities. Charlie was planning to return to the area for the eclipse and he reached out to us about participating in our events,” said Tonya Chastain, executive director of Lawrence County Tourism.
Walker will speak in the Expo Hall at the fairgrounds.
Like many southern Indiana counties in the path of totality, Lawrence County Tourism has been preparing for more than a year and has planned a full weekend of events.
The Lawrence County Fairgrounds will have live music, carnival, food and craft vendors the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before the April 8 eclipse.
“We’re prepared and very excited for what we have available that weekend,” she said.
Indiana is preparing for a massive influx of people to witness the eclipse. Chastain said early estimates ranged from 300,000 to 400,000 but now she’s hearing it could be as many as 600,000 people. For that reason, she is recommending local residents to enjoy the local eclipse events that weekend at the fairgrounds, but on the day of the eclipse, to watch it from home.
Chastain said traffic is expected to be heavy along State Road 37, State Road 446 and US 50 Lawrence County as motorists arrive and depart from neighboring counties. She is recommending residents be aware of potential back-ups by checking 511.in.org for up-to-date traffic information.
“INDOT and Indiana State Police are also putting out a lot of good information,” she said.
“Monroe County has a lot of events planned. Vincennes is doing weddings at the eclipse time and feel like we could see some of that traffic as well,” she said.
Cell and internet service could also be affected. Chastain recommends family members make a plan on meet-ups for that day in case cell service is spotty.
“It’s a good idea to have cash that day, and if you’re traveling, have plenty of gas, snacks and water in the car.”
Eclipse Over Lawrence County
All visiting eclipse enthusiasts and local residents are welcome to enjoy entertainment, programming, activities and celebrations from April 5 through April 8 at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds. Admission is $5 per car April 5-7.
April 5
Carnival rides, craft show, food vendors, cash bar
Band lineup:
6 p.m.: The Summertime Band
8 p.m.: The Dynamics
April 6
8-10 a.m.: 4K run/walk benefiting Agape Kids House
11 a.m.: Astronaut Charles D. Walker presentation
Carnival rides, craft show, food vendors, cash bar
Band lineup:
2 p.m.: Jo & Kev
3:30 p.m.: Old & Gold
6 p.m.: Gran Torino
8 p.m.: The Rumors
April 7
Carnival rides, craft show, food vendors, cash bar
Band lineup:
1 p.m.: Brim Ministries Simple Church
2:30 p.m.: Karston Brim
4 p.m.: Vintage
6 p.m.: Cody Ikerd & the Sidewinders
Eclipse day, April 8 (Admission is $20 per car)
Gates open at 7 a.m.
Craft show
Food vendors
Special total eclipse parking and viewing
Official viewing glasses available, while supplies last
Campsites throughout Lawrence County are still available to reserve.
The Lawrence County Fairgrounds is located at 11265 US 50 W, Bedford.