Pictured is the Steelbound Brewery in Dunkirk.

Mayor Kate Wdowiasz and the City of Dunkirk Festivals and Specials Events Department have announced plans for an Eclipse Fest on Monday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Clarion Hotel and Steelbound Brewery in Dunkirk.

The event is presented by the City of Dunkirk, Clarion Hotel and the Steelbound Brewery. Other sponsors include the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and the Rotary Club of Dunkirk-Fredonia.

The free event will feature exclusive waterfront viewing of the eclipse on Lake Erie, a limited time release of the Steelbound Eclipse black lager beer, live music, restaurant and outdoor grill food and drink specials, commemorative cups and t-shirt sales, free solar eclipse glasses (while supplies last), overnight hotel accommodations at the Clarion Hotel or EconoLodge in Fredonia and outdoor games and kids’ activities.

Live outdoor music will include DJ Jas from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. followed by the Porcelain Busdrivers band playing until 7 p.m.

Jamestown Ice will also host a chainsaw ice carving demonstration starting at 2 p.m. with the City of Dunkirk 2024 event announcement press conference at 3:30 p.m. on stage.

Optional VIP tickets for $50 will include pavilion special access, complimentary appetizers, two drink tickets and one raffle ticket to be entered into a three-prize drawing.

The grand prize is a one-night complimentary accommodation to an exclusive beer tap suite and dinner for two. Second prize is a Steelbound gift basket while third prize is a Steelbound gift card.

Tickets are available at the Clarion front desk.

A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Hope Rises supporting eyeglass giveaways to youth in need in Western New York.

“We are very honored to collaborate with the Clarion Hotel and Steelbound Brewery for the big eclipse event,” said Ryan Hall, Dunkirk Festivals Coordinator. “We expect a lot of residents and out of town guests visiting our beautiful little city on the lake and look forward to celebrating this cosmic event with them.”

Sponsorship opportunities for this event is still available by contacting Hall.

Participants are reminded to dress warm if needed and to bring a lawn chair. No outside food or drink are permitted on site.

Neighboring businesses including the Dunkirk Boardwalk merchants, 64 On The Pier, Demetri’s on the Lake, The Spot on the Lake and Tim Hortons will also be open with various hours that weekend and day of the event.

For more information, contact Ryan Hall at City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9886 or rhall@cityofdunkirk.com or Brandi Letersky at (716) 366-8350.

The Chautauqua-Lake Erie region lies along the optimal path, or path of totality, for the April 8, 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. Western New York State is one of the top spots in the world for those who wish to witness the full effects of the eclipse, which you’ll see at approximately 3:18 p.m. in the scenic and beautiful Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region. This is the first Total Solar Eclipse in New York state since 1925. The partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 2:04 p.m., before the full eclipse at 3:18 p.m. The partial phase will end at 4:31 p.m.

Eclipse viewing tips:

— When viewing the eclipse, use eclipse glasses at all times when any part of the Sun is visible.

— Direct viewing of the Sun can cause permanent damage if the proper precautions are not taken. Adequate eye protection specifically designed for viewing the Sun is essential and should be worn so that no harmful rays from the Sun can reach the eye.

— The temperature may drop rapidly during the eclipse, so prepare for cooler weather.

— People and animals may become disoriented.

— Roadways may become crowded immediately before and after the eclipse.