Church blocks out Sunday to celebrate sun day blockout

In anticipation of the total solar eclipse and with a town full of observers, members of the First Presbyterian Church of Saratoga offer an “Eclipse Eve Community Dinner” Sunday, Aug. 20, from 5-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall on corner of Third and Bridge streets.

The menu includes Cattlewomen’s Sloppy Joe’s, garden salad, baked beans, chips, homemade desserts, plus lemonade, Sun tea and water. Cost is $10 per plate or $7 for a 1/2 sandwich plate with proceeds from the event going to church projects.

According to project organizer, Sonja Collamer, the committee will be asking for help from all members and friends of the church to pull this off, as they are planning to serve 100 meals.

Saratoga sits on the edge of the eclipse’s path of totality, which will make its way through the entire central section of Wyoming as it spans more than 365 miles. It will span from Torrington and Lusk on the east side of the state to Wilson and Jackson on the west side of the state—providing residents and visitors the opportunity to see this natural phenomenon in some of the nation’s most stunning landscapes.

According to the Saratoga/Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce website, the eclipse will be visible in Saratoga and Upper North Platte Valley for the following times: start of partial eclipse at approximately 10:21 a.m. with maximum eclipse (97 percent) at close to 11:43 a.m. and end of partial eclipse at about 1:09 p.m.

Areas and communities located directly under the path will experience the eclipse for approximately two-and-a-half minutes, while it will be viewable for a shorter duration in communities such as Saratoga, which is located roughly 50 to 80 miles from the center of totality, but still in the eclipse’s path. With wide-open spaces, the lowest light pollution in the country and abundant public land access—as well as celebratory festival and events—Wyoming is the perfect destination for viewing the eclipse.

Be sure to wear specific glasses provided to view the eclipse. Glasses are available at local schools and stores.