On Monday, April 8, Wells County residents will have the opportunity to view a total solar eclipse. The partial eclipse begins at 1:53 p.m.; totality begins at 3:08 p.m. and will last for approximately three minutes.
To celebrate the occasion, many area businesses and organizations are offering free viewing events. Events include the following:
• Markle Fish and Game Park, 100 Park Dr. in Markle — Food available for purchase from a variety of vendors and music entertainment, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Warren Watch Party, 132 N Wayne St. in Warren — Beginning at 10 a.m., Riverside Park will have music, and a variety of food trucks will be parked along 2nd Street. At 3:30 p.m., the Pulse Opera House will offer an eclipse-focused free concert.
• Archbold-Wilson Park, 116 S Braeburn Dr. in Ossian — From 1-4:30 p.m., enjoy music, food and fun at the park. A limited number of glasses have been donated by Paddlefsih Solar and memorabilia from Made by Mamaw Embroidery will be available for purchase.
• First Presbyterian Church, 215 E Dustman Rd. in Bluffton — Starting at 1 p.m. Enjoy hot dogs, popcorn, cookies or a walk through the labyrinth while waiting for the solar event. Eclipse glasses available while supplies last. Participants are asked to bring a lawn chair.
• Caylor-Nickel YMCA, 550 W Dustman Rd. in Bluffton — beginning at 1:30 p.m., the YMCA will offer live music, activities and food available for purchase from food trucks. WANE 15 meteorologists will be on-site to answer questions. Additionally, a free Zumba class will be offered from 2:30-3 p.m. Free eclipse glasses available while supplies last.
• Wells County Public Library — At 2 p.m., the library will offer a safety briefing and some solar-themed refreshments. Those registered for the event, either at the main branch or Ossian branch, will receive a pair of eclipse glasses. Registration can be completed on the event page at wellscolibrary.org. Space is limited.
• Dazey’s Supply, 1879 N Main St. in Bluffton —Watch party beginning at 2 p.m.
• Markle Health and Rehabilitation, 170 N Tracy St. in Markle — A bounce house, music and food available from 2-4 p.m. Limited supply of glasses available.
• Wells County 4-H Park — The park is offering camping spots. Contact 260-820-1128 or aalma@purdue.edu.
• Ouabache State Park, 4930 IN-201 in Bluffton— the Friends of Ouabache will be selling pre-packaged food at the tennis court area in the Lodge, a food truck will be located at the boat house, and the Fort Wayne Astronomical Society will have some telescopes for the public to use. The park is anticipated to be full and will close once full.
Ouabache State Park is also offering a variety of events leading up to the eclipse, including the following.
Solar 101, 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, at the Lodge— Learn what you need to know about the eclipse and how to enjoy it safely. Glasses available, donation suggested.
Lake Hike, 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, meet at the Boathouse — Stroll around Kunkel Lake to look at the flora and fauna while doing a scavenger hunt for prizes. Also learn more about the eclipse and some possible viewing spots at the park.
• Eclipse Fun, 1 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Campview Shelter — Learn about the eclipse tips on how to view it safely, and do some activities.
• Eclipse bracelets, 10 a.m., Sunday, April 7, at the Campview Shelter — Make your own UV reactive bracelet to help stay safe during the solar eclipse.
