Eastern and northern New York will get a total solar eclipse on April 8, the first total eclipse in New York State in 99 years. The path of totality will sweep over 29 counties, and the state has created an interagency task force in preparation for visitors hoping to catch the eclipse.

Do you have plans for the eclipse? Has the event created any disruptions? How is the eclipse affecting you? Let us know! Fill out the form or email alex@nysfocus.com.

Lawmakers have been in Albany pushing to pass a state budget, but plans to meet the latest deadline are being eclipsed.

We asked legislators whose districts touch the path of totality what their plans are on that day, or if anything interesting is happening in their districts. Here’s what they said.

As told to Alex Arriaga and Colin Kinniburgh

Though he hadn’t nailed down his own plans, he let us know of “only a handful” of the North Country’s offerings, and encouraged visitors to consult the regional tourism office or chamber of commerce for more.

Tupper Lake is hosting a community-wide event they’re calling “Totality in Tupper,” and among other activities, visitors will be able to view the eclipse from the Adirondack Sky Center. The Olympic Center and the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid are also opening their doors to provide people with a unique viewing experience. Whiteface Ski Resort will be hosting a viewing party and a special on lift tickets during the eclipse, and Titus Mountain in Malone will have live entertainment, food, and drinks at their lodge for visitors to see the eclipse from the mountain’s summit.

“I’m excited to experience this spectacular show at home in my district, but of course, my first priority is to pass the New York State budget,” she wrote on Wednesday. “I remain hopeful that will be accomplished before the eclipse, and I will be able to join the thousands of visitors coming from around the country to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.”

It looks like it won’t be. But Wallace let us know of several events going on in her district either way:

The Village of Lancaster is holding an eclipse viewing event in our historic downtown, with dozens of restaurants and merchants offering discounts to those who buy an Eclipse Experience Passport. Eclipse viewing events are also being held at the Lancaster Public Library, Brazen Brewing, at the Buffalo Airport Hotel in Cheektowaga, and numerous other locations throughout Erie County.

As we know now, the legislature plans to pass another extender before the eclipse, letting lawmakers head home to watch it. 

The eclipse does run through my district and we’re all so excited about it! Buffalo is situated right alongside Lake Erie which is one of the five Great Lakes. I currently serve as the Chairman of the New York State Assembly Great Lakes Task Force, so I plan to be on the shores of Lake Erie to celebrate this once in a lifetime event! The next time our region will get a total solar eclipse is 2144!

You’re correct that the path of totality will cross through AM Jensen’s district. There are various events and viewing parties occurring in the community. As of right now, he’s still figuring out his plans for that day.

Solar Eclipse Silent Disco @ Canalside

As the moon gracefully obscures the sun, immerse yourself in a pulsating dance experience under the open sky, harmonizing the cosmic wonders of a solar eclipse with the beats of an unforgettable night.

Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoo is offering its open space to observe the sky without obstructions, all while surrounded by animals of the world. The first 500 visitors to the zoo between April 6 and 8 will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses upon entry. 

SUNY Buffalo State

Buffalo State University will have eclipse swag, activities, entertainment and food trucks on-hand for its “Eclipse-fest” event, which will be guided by experts from the University. In addition to Eclipse-fest, Buff State’s Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium will be hosting its “Eclipse: The Sun Revealed” program through April 6, educating on what happens during an eclipse. 

Great North American Eclipse Over USS Little Rock

At the Buffalo Naval & Military Park eclipse festivities, Great North American Eclipse Over USS Little Rock, at the Canalside waterfront come with a special $79 day pass, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for the park that includes lunch, eclipse glasses, a swag bag, self-guided tours of all three ships, presentations by a Space Force Guardian.

The area around Lake Erie is expected to offer some of the most spectacular views of the eclipse. That is why my wife and I are opening our restaurant and beach club on Sunset Bay just for eclipse weekend. I am looking forward to this once-in-a-lifetime event and glad that we can offer that opportunity to others in Western New York who want to mark this milestone with us.

On Thursday, Governor Kathy Hochul distributed eclipse glasses to the press — encouraging even reporters to get out of Albany, too?

New York Focus won’t be distracted. We’ll be back to you with more budget updates next week. Happy viewing, and stay tuned!