LORAIN, Ohio — The total solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of people to Northeast Ohio and they'll be looking for things to do.
In Lorain, some access is restricted, but you'll have plenty of options for great views.
Lorain is "eclipse central," as city and county leaders have had the historic event on their radar for a long time.
For safety's sake, leaders have decided to close the "Hot Waters" public boat ramp. There is a lot of construction, leaving one way in and out of the city's water plant.
"We thought about the safety of everyone," said Lori Garcia, Lorain's director of public property. "The safety of the workers in the plant, the safety of the plant, and the safety of citizens coming in and out of the facility."
At the Lorain Port and Finance Authority, things are ramping up.
They're fielding calls about their eclipse extravaganza -- "Total Eclipse of the Port."
"We're going to have bands down here, a DJ, food vendors, other vendors," explained Lorain Port and Finance Authority Assistant Director Tiffany McClelland. "We want people to come down, enjoy the event that we have, visit our small businesses on Broadway, and really have a great day."
The event is free to the public so it's free to enter. However, there will be a charge for parking. Also, no outside food or drink. Planners are expecting at least 15,000 visitors to the event and thousands more downtown.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime (event) in a lot of capacity for people, so we're looking forward to capitalizing on it and we're going to make it a great event for the people of Lorain and the people who are going to visit," McClelland added.
More Eclipse coverage:
- Leon Bibb tells us about Cleveland's last total solar eclipse, which occurred 218 years ago
- LIST: Solar eclipse events happening in Northeast Ohio on April 8
- Billboard found in Cleveland falsely claims that 'Totality is only visible in Lorain County' for total solar eclipse on April 8: VERIFY
- Will I be able to see the total solar eclipse if I'm not in the path of totality?