Erie will once again in the national spotlight after being one of the several cities in the path of totality for the eclipse.

In preparation for the solar eclipse, VisitErie is doing everything they can to keep residents and visitors informed about Monday.


Emily Biddle, the Director of Marketing and Research for VisitErie explained that they have still been answering all this week. "I'm surprised with how many people have reached out this week. I sort of expected people would have made their plans earlier, I fielded a call this morning from a women in New Jersey who are making her plans now. We have been talking to people from the D.C. and Maryland area all week, so we have definitely seen an uptick in the last couple of days."


They also have been answering questions from Erie residents as well like at presentations for the Rotary Club's monthly meeting on Wednesday. 


Geri Cicchetti, the President of Rotary Club of Erie said she still has questions about the eclipse, "How I can best enjoy it? I want to keep my eyes safe and I want to stay out of the path of all the traffic."


Biddle said some visitors have changed their plans based on the weather of other places in the path of totality and are coming to Erie instead. "Hearing from a lot of visitors that are still making those plans, they have seen the weather forecast and it looks promising. They have seen the weather forecast and they are making their plans to come here", said Biddle.


Because Erie is one of the few cities in the path of totality, Biddle hopes people not only come for the eclipse but make plans for after it is over.  As Biddle explained, "We want people to see Erie for what it is, the great, beautiful location and our hope is when they come here on Monday, April 8, for the eclipse, they see that, they have the best possible experience and they come back."


Biddle hopes this once in a lifetime event benefits Erie for years too come. "Our goal is to always shine a light on Erie and let people know about all the great things there are to do here, also to have this much national attention on Erie is incredible."

Biddle said this week is also about handling the last minute logistics like making sure outdoor viewing parties have parking, food and drinks, even Port-A-Pottys for their visitors. They have been working with the city and with the Port of Erie to make sure all logistics are taken care of.