City of Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz and city officials have been in preparational meetings for more than six months for the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, which includes Chautauqua County as a path of totality. The fire, police, EMS, DPW, Development and Dunkirk Festivals departments have discussed overall emergency preparedness including extra response units, dispatch centers and staffing, enhanced communications, Lake Erie waterfront/boating concerns, event management, parking, restroom facilities and other community elements. With the increased number of expected travelers and spectators to this area, many governmental and community agencies such as the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau and Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce have posted tips and guidelines to enhance the eclipse experience. Free viewing eyeglasses for the public are still available at Dunkirk City Hall in the clerk, treasurer and youth and recreation offices. For more information regarding Dunkirk’s Eclipse Fest in collaboration with Clarion Hotel and Steelbound Brewery, contact Ryan Hall, Dunkirk Festivals coordinator, at (716) 366-9886 or rhall@cityofdunkirk.com.