Community Calendar

The Embarras River Tourism Council is providing eclipse viewing at the Jasper County Fairgrounds, located at 1300 Fairground Avenue.  The West End Event Center, located at 202 Museum Drive, is also offering parking and viewing.  The Historic Drive ‘N Theater, 16045 IL Route 33, will be providing spots for viewing, as will Sam Parr State Park, 13225 IL Route 33. 

Start your morning right with breakfast!  Our local Grace United Methodist Church, (203 South Lafayette Street) aided by the Presbyterian church, is hosting a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast from 7am-10am. 

Want some story time fun for the littles?  The Newton Public Library will be hosting a story time at the library - check for times.  They are located on the northeast corner of the square, at 100 South Van Buren Street.

At 10:00 am, join us at the Jasper County fairgrounds for information, experiments, and activities, provided by Newton Community High School Science teacher, Cassy Baker.  Cassy will be giving us information about the fairgrounds and helping anyone who would like to make a pinhole camera for the event.

Join in on the fun and games for young and old with FREE Eclipse Bingo, brought to you by Birth to Five Illinois, starting at 10:30 at the fairgrounds!

At 11:00 am, Sara Waggle will be sharing an Astrology description on the significance of this eclipse.

As lunch time draws near, there will be vendors at the fairgrounds as well as the West End Event Center.  The Drive ‘N will have their concession stand open as well.

At 2 pm, MVP Happy Holler will begin their Solar Eclipse Party along the river.  Their address is 10524 East 1400th Ave, Newton.

Also, tentatively at 2pm, SKY Saloon will be having a brief fireworks display!  Their address is 21220East 500th Ave, Willow Hill.

Our view of the Eclipse starts right after lunch at 12:46 pm.  Totality begins at 2:02:41 and ends at 2:05:50.  The Moon kisses the Sun goodbye at 3:20:18.

Looking for something to do while the crowd thins out?  The West End Event Center is hosting Guy Ash, a local talent, singing some of your favorites from 4 - 7.  The West End also hosts a monthly food truck night and April 8th just happens to be one of those nights, so stick around into the evening and enjoy!