City News

The City of Tuscaloosa and the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority will present “Midday Moon Solar-bration,” a solar eclipse viewing event on Monday, Aug. 21, noon - 2 p.m. in Government Plaza located at 2106 6th Street. The event is free and open to the public.

The celestial event – expected at about 1:30 p.m. in our area - is perfect for a lunch time event. Food Trucks will be on site with a variety of lunch fair for purchase. Participants are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for a picnic lunch.

According to NASA, the only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or hand-held solar viewers. The 500 attendees will receive 100 percent safe solar viewing glasses. Participants should consult with their eye care professional about the appropriate way to view the eclipse, and the free glasses provided are deemed safe by the vendor not the City of Tuscaloosa or PARA.

“This solar eclipse is a once in a lifetime event so it’s only fitting we offer the people of Tuscaloosa a fun, one-and-only kind of event to view it,” said Deidre Stalnaker, communications director for the City. “Working with PARA on unique quality of life events like this one is a prime example of our partnership in action.”

“This is the first total solar eclipse in 41 years and the first coast to coast (in the United States) eclipse in 99 years. PARA is pleased to be working with the City to offer this fun and historic opportunity for our community,” said Becky Booker, PR and marketing manager for PARA.

More information about the eclipse event is available by visiting https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov and PARA and City of Tuscaloosa social media.