A once-in-a-lifetime eclipse is just two weeks away from plunging northwest Ohio into darkness at 3:11 p.m., Monday, April 8. Before that big day, Springfield Township plans to mark the occasion with a free concert and fireworks display at Comm unity Homecoming Park, 7807 Angola Road, Holland.
Phil Barone and the Cruisers will perform from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 7, followed by a Light of a Lifetime luminaria display. The festivities will conclude with a fireworks display, courtesy of Miller Fireworks.
Food truck vendors will be on hand throughout the evening for hungry attendees.
On Saturday, March 30, organizers will host a 5K Total Eclipse of the Sun run/moon walk featuring one- and three-mile courses. It will take place at Stone Oak Country Club, 100 Stone Oak Boulevard, Holland. To register, visit events@spring fieldtownship.net. Registration fee includes the purchase of a T-shirt or sweatshirt.
Immediately following the 5K, 10 area celebrities will compete in the Prehistoric Hustle. A field of 10 celebrities will race clothed in inflated dinosaur suits with the winner’s prize dollars being donated to the charity of his/her choice.
April 6 to 8 Events
From Saturday, April 6. to Monday, April 8, Homecoming park will be open to tent and RV camping. The township has 120 sites available, and camping will be rustic with porta-potties and no electric or running water.
There also will be a Glamping Raffle in which participants will have the opportunity to win prizes such as a gift certificate to Metroparks Toledo overnight destinations or a stay in a camper. provided by Labadie RV Sales and Rentals. In addition, there will be a nondenominational sunrise service on Sunday.
For the less adventurous, lodging is available at a number of hotels in the area, but rooms are filling up quickly, so reservations are encouraged.
On Sunday, April 7, the park will be illuminated with Light of a Lifetime luminaries at dusk. Cost to purchase a luminary is $5 with the proceeds benefiting the township fire department’s HEROs program and scholarships.
Gazing and Grazing takes place April 6 and 7. Participating restaurants include Cheers, Fire Pit, Harvest, Loma Linda, Ralphie’s and Rosie’s.
The event concludes Monday with the total eclipse at 3:11 p.m.
For more information, visit springfieldtownship.net and click on solar eclipse of 2024.
A special tab will be printed in the March 29 issue of the Journal and copies will be distributed at the campsite and area hotels.
For more information, call Kristina White at 419-8650239, extension 125 or visit springfieldtownship.net.
Mrs. White said several other events are forthcoming and expects to have more information in the next week or two.
Organizers express appreciation to presenting and event sponsors. They are Holland-Springfield Journal, the Countertop Shop, Elizabeth Scott Community, Sam’s Club, Savage Associates, White Family Dealerships, UPS, BCSN, Channel 11, Destination Toledo, Springfield Township, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, Walmart, Belle Tire, Bennett Enterprises, Glass City Federal, McClure Group, Buckeye Broadband, Metroparks Toledo, Yoder Machinery, Buehrer Group, Buehrer Power Equipment, Fire Nation, Labadie Auto Company, InfoStream, State Farm-Scott Stigall, National Illumination and Sign Company, K100, Hudson’s Automotive Services, Sandman Sales Yard, Office Max, Bowers Asphalt, Paramount, Village of Holland and Lucas County sheriff’s office.
The Holland-Springfield Journal will publish a special tab in the March 29 issue, and copies will be distributed at the camp sites, restaurants and area hotels.
