Bobby’s Total Solar Eclipse Party!

A once-in-a-lifetime experience is happening on April 8, 2024, and you can experience it in Erie, Pennsylvania!

Erie is in the path of totality for this rare total solar eclipse. That means, for nearly four minutes in the afternoon, the sky will turn dark when the moon passes between the sun and Earth.

Learn more about the eclipse. Read my Substack newsletter about the eclipse.

Erie is expecting as many as 200,000 out-of-town visitors for the eclipse on April 8. For perspective, the entire county’s population is roughly 269,000.

Presque Isle State Park could see 30,000 people. PennDOT and other local government agencies and police departments are anticipating gridlock that could last several hours.

While viewing the eclipse from a scenic spot like the Bicentennial Tower on Erie’s Bayfront or along Sunset Point at Presque Isle sounds intriguing, you might be in for throngs of people and even more traffic headaches.

So, you’re invited to watch the once-in-a-lifetime event at my house — Holiday House at Cherry Estate North (yes, that’s right).

Bobby’s Total Eclipse Party details

What: For the eclipse!

The quick version:

  • Come to my Erie house.
  • Let me know you’re coming.
  • The party is from 1-5 p.m. on April 8. Arrive earlier, stay later.
  • Partial eclipse begins at 2:02 p.m. Totality begins at 3:16 p.m. Maximum is at 3:18 p.m. Totality ends at 3:20 p.m. Partial eclipse ends at 4:30 p.m.
  • Public street parking is available.
  • Bring an outdoor chair.
  • I’ll have some food and drinks. Bring anything you want.
  • I’m still moving in, so furniture is sparse.
  • Want to spend the night? Reach out to me.
  • Bring eclipse eyewear.

This is all you really need to read. But you know me, the super-detailed information is below.

The extended version:

Please note that this is not a housewarming party or part of a regular cadence of get-togethers I want to host. This is a once-in-a-lifetime unique experience that I could not pass up. So, therefore, the house will not be ready for hosting appearances. My living room furniture arrived in early March and other things are slowly making their way into the house. So, you’ve been warned.

When: This is an open-house-style event between 1 and 5 p.m. April 8. Please refer to this timeline for solar eclipse specifics. You are more than welcome to arrive before 1 p.m., but I do recommend getting here no later than 2:45 p.m. if you want to view the eclipse here. Please remember that traffic is expected to be very heavy on Interstate 79 and local roadways. Stop by anytime during the day for a few minutes or all afternoon! If you’re not spending the night, you’re welcome to stay well past 5 p.m. (but it is a school night).

Timeline for solar eclipse viewing in Erie on April 8

  • Partial eclipse begins: 2:02 p.m. Eastern
  • Totality begins: 3:16 p.m. Eastern
  • Maximum: 3:18 p.m. Eastern
  • Totality ends: 3:20 p.m. Eastern
  • Partial ends: 4:30 p.m. Eastern

Where: View the total solar eclipse at Holiday House at Cherry Estate North, which is conveniently located near Wegmans, Sheetz, Interstate 79, Peach Street, Presque Isle and Downtown Erie.

Parking: Public side street parking is available very close by. My driveway will be reserved for me, (perhaps) my parents and any overnight guests.

Chairs: Bring a beach chair or folding chair. I probably won’t have any additional available.

More details…

Yum yum! I plan to offer easy foods (examples might include: Pizza, veggies/dip, small catering items, chips/dip, cookies, cake). You’re more than welcome to bring something light and easy to share or for yourself/family. (Please note: I have one fridge with not a lot of space in it.)

Sip, sip hooray! I’ll try to have ample water and ice available. I can provide pop/sparkling water selections (likely cans and not plastic bottles). I’m avoiding/limiting my purchase of single-use plastic bottles as best I can (Pepsi Zero is the outlier for me). I will have a very limited assortment of alcohol, but alcohol is not the main event for the day. This is science, damn it. You’re more than welcome to bring any drinks for yourself/family or to share. (Please note: I have one fridge with not a lot of space in it.)

What about a toilet? There is one bathroom, which is located on the second floor. There are 12 steps up to the second floor. There is a toilet in the basement that I’ve not used (and it is about 12 steps down). If you’re brave enough, by all means, you can use the toilet in the basement.

Protect those eyes! Don’t be like the 45th president of the United States and look directly up at the eclipse. Please use proper protective eclipse glasses to view the eclipse. I am attempting to have some eyewear available, but I can’t promise that. Please follow NASA guidelines for viewing the solar eclipse. Wegmans is selling them. VisitErie is giving them away. Other places are selling/giving away.

No smoking. Smoking is prohibited — this includes vapes. And it is recommended that no cigarettes or related items are here.

Vaxx up, mask up. I’d really like to hope I know decent human beings who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you’re not vaccinated, and there is no actual medical reasoning behind it, know that I am disappointed in you. Masks are welcome. If you’re not feeling well, as Vice President Kamala Harris once said on an unrelated matter, “do not come.”

Doggos! Your dogs are welcome. They must be up to date on all required vaccines. They must remain leashed at all times. Please clean up after them as soon as they’ve completed their business. Please note that if my family dogs come, they do not generally like other dogs.

All are welcome. This is a safe space that will be free from discrimination, racism or any form of harassment. This is an environment of inclusivity.

George Washington (probably) slept here. Hotels, motels, Airbnbs and campgrounds have been mostly sold out for months. And any rooms that do remain are probably undesirable and/or really damn expensive. So, if you’re looking to spend the weekend, Sunday night and/or Monday night at Holiday House at Cherry Estate North, please let me know!

Odds and ends, ‘n at. See below for some random things.

  • I am slowly furnishing my home. By the eclipse, I will likely not have furniture in all of the rooms. If you want to spend the night, check with me on what I’ll have and what you might need. Otherwise, you’ll be sleeping on the hardwood floor.
    • Because there is not a lot of furniture, I could, in theory, have quite a few guests stay overnight.
    • I will have clean bath towels and washcloths for your use.
  • You’re welcome to use the washer and dryer. I have Wegmans brand detergent.
  • I don’t yet have an iron.
  • I will likely be working on April 8 but will be working from home. Some working hours in the afternoon have been reserved for the eclipse. (I might still take the day off, tbd.)
  • You can access the Wi-Fi network. Scan the QR code that I’ll have available!
  • Tuesday morning breakfast is available for purchase at the nearby Sheetz on West 38th and Liberty streets. (I prefer a plain bagel with cream cheese and a large oatmeal cookie cold brew coffee.) 😉

Things to do in Erie: If you’re planning on spending the weekend or a few extra days after the eclipse, Erie has a lot to do. Let me know your interests and I can help figure it out. But, remember, the weekend leading up to the eclipse is expected to be busy. If you’ve been to Erie for the Tall Ships Festival, think of crowds like that but multiplied by about two or three.

This party’s out of this world! I’m so excited to see you in the dark as you expERIEnce this once-in-a-lifetime event!