I will admit that when I first heard six months ago the crowd estimates for the eclipse, I had some doubts. Sure, I expected a big crowd. But tens of thousands? People from around the world?

I was wrong. They came. And Aug. 21, 2017 was a spectacular day in Newberry.

From the weekend of outstanding educational and fun events to the once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse Monday, the Newberry Eclipsefest was a tremendous success. The staff of the city, the Newberry Opera House, volunteers, businesses, and people throughout Newberry County helped make it a truly special day and weekend for tens of thousands of visitors.

Some of the countries represented included Australia, England, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands, and dozens of states were represented as well. Newberry citizens can be proud of the great hospitality the community showed.

Many local businesses reported outstanding sales during the weekend, including some with record sales.

The city received numerous positive comments from visitors. I want to share some emailed letters with you.

Bob from Virginia wrote, “My daughter and I participated in your solar weekend festivities. We had a wonderful and enjoyable time. We visited numerous stores and met many friendly local people. The postal workers were some of the first people we met. We knew from that moment it was going to be a perfect day. The town has a vast amount of character and charm. The antiques were fabulous, and the store workers and owners were a joyful group. Our visit was superb.”

Dave from Durham, N.C. wrote, “The whole event was an amazing experience for us, and we can’t imagine how it could have been better anywhere else we might have gone. Everyone from the city that we met and talked to was friendly and gracious, from the volunteers in the Opera House to the police on the street.”

Rob from Cary, N.C. wrote, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Newberry, including its public safety officers, city council, merchants, town staff, and volunteers during the August 2017 solar eclipse. Without question the town willingly took on a tremendous amount of guests and provided a fun, safe, and secure location for the viewing event. The use of the town’s public facilities and spaces was extremely generous and I did not want it to go unappreciated. I can hardly imagine a better way to show the best of Newberry to the world. Please extend my sincere thanks to the entire town. I wish the people of Newberry a bright future.”

There was also much out-of-state media in Newberry. TV reporters sent live reports Monday from downtown to stations in North Carolina, Florida, New York and Texas. The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Magazine was here, as were newspaper reporters from North Carolina and Pennsylvania. For coverage of the final total eclipse minutes in Newberry, I liked this report from Kimberly Johnson, editor of the Charlotte Patch and a graduate of USC.

“Days of lead up and preparation were all focused on 2:40 pm., when for 2 minutes and 32 seconds, Main Street would grow dark. And boy, did it.

“Leading into the big moment, the sky went shadowy gray and street lights lining the town square flickered to life in front of the Opera House. Cicadas began to buzz in the trees, sawing an overpowering chorus the likes of which yours truly, a lifelong southerner, has never heard. Were the end times upon us? A 10-second countdown began over a loud speaker and the folks became more restless. “3… 2… 1!” an announcer called out as the moon ever so slowly, slowly slid into position, blocking the sun and forming a perfect celestial halo of light.

“The crowd of eclipse peepers filled Main Street, necks and cell phones cranked skywards, all gasping in delight. The din of the cicadas was overcome by cheering and clapping. For 2 minutes and 32 seconds, everyone stood transfixed and mesmerized by what they were seeing. Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. The perfect alignment was gone and the sun began to regain its reign in the afternoon sky.

“Many in the crowd had traveled great distances to be there in that moment. While my journey to Newberry’s Main Street was only a 200-mile round trip, it was one that would end up taking more than eight hours of driving, all to stand in the middle of a road in daytime darkness for 2 minutes and 32 seconds with thousands of strangers.

“Was it worth it? Absolutely.”

Mayor Foster Senn Contributing Columnist
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Foster-Senn.jpgMayor Foster Senn Contributing Columnist

Foster Senn is the mayor of Newberry.