Everything to know about eclipse day in Shelburne

Michael Hibben, the executive director of the Pierson Library, has spent months prepping for the greatest celestial event to happen in Vermont in decades: the total solar eclipse.

Now, with the event just around the corner on Monday, April 8, Hibben and his partner in totality, Kit Luster, the town’s development review board coordinator and assistant zoning administrator, are prepping for what could be the most populated Shelburne has ever been at one time.

Since the Route 7 corridor is smack dab in the middle of the path of totality, some projections have indicated that more than 200,000 visitors could be elbowing their way through the Green Mountain State this weekend to catch a view of the once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.

While the team has facilitated two town-wide planning events in the past two months, with the big day just moments away, Hibben only has one remaining question: “Are you ready?”

If not, then you’re in luck. As most ticketed events in surrounding towns sell out, the town of Shelburne has prepped an unforgettable celestial and musical experience at the town’s athletic fields. To enhance the awe-inspiring moment as the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, Hibben has planned to have Pink Floyd’s legendary album, “Dark Side of the Moon,” play in its entirety, creating a harmonious backdrop to the event.

Vendors from the Shelburne Farmers Market will be onsite with food and wares for purchase.

“It’s a unique opportunity to come together as a community, appreciate the beauty of the cosmos, and let the music of Pink Floyd elevate this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he said.

Eclipse glasses are also available at the Pierson Library while supplies last. The library will be closing early at noon on April 8.

Police chief Mike Thomas and town constable Bob Lake are also encouraging residents to walk, bike and carpool as much as possible that day as parking will be extremely limited. Harbor Road, eastbound from Shelburne Farms, will also be closed from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

“We’re doing that for pedestrian safety and to limit the access to Shelburne Road in the village,” Thomas said, adding that patience will be key for residents who aren’t used to bumper-to-bumper traffic. “We’re trying to limit the egress from the town event, the museum’s event, Shelburne vineyards, Vermont Teddy Bear’s event, as all are getting out right about that same time, it’s just going to be a mass exodus.”

Additional viewing sites

Aside from a few ticketed events happening in town that day, Shelburne has designated four official eclipse viewing sites for visitors looking for a place to watch the eclipse. The town plans to have volunteers at each of the sites with eclipse information and free glasses:

• Shelburne Parade Ground, Church Street.

• Davis Park, 344 Harbor Road, limited parking.

• Shelburne Bay Park, 1230 Bay Road, limited parking.

• LaPlatte Nature Park, 233 LaPlatte Circle, limited parking.