Saline County gearing up for pre-eclipse parties
SALINE COUNTY – The county may be on the edge of the upcoming eclipse's path of totality, but that's not stopping the solar show from being celebrated.
The Saline County Chamber of Commerce will host "Total Eclipse of the Heartland" from 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday in downtown Harrisburg.
"Total Eclipse of the Heartland is an event we put together to try to bring local people out and give people coming to the area something to do," Chamber administrative assistant Kristin Shull said. "We want people to go and be part of something, eat local foods, listen to local bands and see what we have to offer here."
Chris Slone, Last Call and Murphy 500 are the three musical acts to be featured, and food and beverages will be available at Wooded Hills and Morello's. Poplar Street will be closed to motor traffic from Main Street to Mill Street during the event.
Tickets are $10 and are available in advance at the Chamber office or through www.eventbrite.com. They also may be purchased at the event. The Chamber's phone number is (618) 252-4192.
On Saturday, locally owned grocery store Sloan Street Market will host its Eclipse Cookout, according to store owner Brett Allen.
The cookout begins at 8 a.m., and will feature pork burgers, hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled bologna, bratwurst, pork loin sandwiches , baby back ribs, chicken and pork loins for sale, Allen said.
In addition, those wishing him to do custom grilling may contact him in advance.
Allen grills every Saturday at Sloan Street Market anyway, but he said the eclipse gives him a chance to do a little extra promoting.
"I've been making as many funny quips about the eclipse as I can, but I doubt for Saturday I'll have to prepare any more than usual," he said.
To reach Sloan Street Market, call (618) 252-3333.
Williams Hill Pass OHV Park and Campground also will feature eclipse viewing at its location at 1935 Peak Road south of Harrisburg. WEVV Channel 44, the Evansville CBS affiliate, will be on hand to broadcast the event. Some campsites remain available at the site. On Monday musician John King will perform prior to the eclipse. Admission will be $25 for the day. Food also will be available. For more information, call (618) 252-6978.