The first weekend of April will see the Poplar Bluff area filled with people from all over the region, as well as some visitors from other states — and possibly even from other countries — all to get a good look at the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.
The University of Missouri Extension office, along with the 4-H club, will be working hard to make the event as memorable as possible.
According to John Fuller, field specialist in human develop for the Extension Office, there will be numerous areas set up all over the Poplar Bluff High School campus, and the prime viewing area will be in the stadium.
“Our plan is to have a little bit of something for everyone there,” Fuller said. “We definitely want it to be an event the entire family will enjoy.”
Fuller expressed enthusiasm for the level of involvement with the 4-H members.
“(4-H members) are excited about this event, and they will be involved in many aspects,” Fuller remarked. “The plan is to use funds that are raised by this event to help fund the 4-H club.”
Fuller went on to explain that money will be raised from the cover charge, as well as through different food/drink vendors that will be on site.
“Some of the activities that we’re planning have a STEM component to them,” Fuller noted. “One of the projects set for the event that the kids are getting excited about is a solar oven.”
According to Brianna Feverston, the 4-H club leader, there will be multiple different activities for children at the event.
“I can’t say exactly everything that we’ll have at this point,” Feverston remarked. “But there will be a lot.”
Some of the 4-H members will be at the event raising money to finance their trip to Washington D.C.
Fuller said he believes the eclipse is a good event to help introduce numerous different people to certain areas of science, like astronomy.
“There won’t be any telescopes provided on-site, but if people want to bring a telescope they’re welcome to,” Fuller said. “We’re trying to get more education-focused material for the day of the eclipse.”
Fuller went on to explain that there are more than 150 projects to provide for community youth through the 4-H program.
“Our hope is that, by raising more funds, we can have the ability to offer more for these kids to learn and experiment with in the future,” Fuller explained. “Our dream is to eventually have a building where these kids can all come and participate in all different 4-H activities. We want a building where they can walk into it, and their whole world just opens up for them.”
Feverston explained that the numerous projects students are involved with through 4-H might surprise some people.
“A lot of people hear 4-H and they automatically think it’s all agriculture or ag-related,” Feverston remarked. “But we do so many different things that satisfy their curiosity. Right now, we’re actually making an original movie. It’s all being done by the kids. They’re writing the screenplay right now, they’ll be performing in all the rolls, filming the whole thing. It’s going to be exciting.”
As for the eclipse event, Fuller is optimistic that Poplar Bluff will be well-represented.
“With so many people from outside the area planning to be in attendance, we want to be sure we have a place everyone in a family to enjoy,” Fuller stated. “None of this would be possible without the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and PBHS. We’re extremely grateful for everyone who is part of this.”
Entry to the solar eclipse festival will begin at 9 a.m. The event will last until 4 p.m. Live music will be provided by the band “Chains of Mercury,” and admission cost will be $5 per-person, with all proceeds to support the local 4-H club.
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