Lake Oswego is always looking for an excuse to party and this month’s solar eclipse provides a good one. The City is sponsoring a viewing event at Sundeleaf Plaza on Monday, August 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with special eclipse glasses for safe viewing for the first 200 guests.

While Lake Oswegans don’t fall in the path of totality so we won’t see a full eclipse, our partial view will be pretty darned good with 99.66% of the sun’s area due to be overshadowed by the moon. Things start happening around 9:06 a.m. with the maximum eclipse at 10:19 and wrapping up by 11:38 a.m.

Here are some tips for viewing:

1. Realize this is a big deal. Last time the contiguous United States saw a total eclipse was 38 years ago in February of 1979. Weather conditions didn’t allow for prime viewing—Mother Nature looks to be smiling more favorably upon us this time around.

2. Oregonians are the first to get a crack at seeing this spectacle with the first point of contact in Lincoln Beach, Oregon at 9:05 a.m. We’re not far behind at 9:06.

3. Take care of business beforehand. That means make sure you and the kids go to the bathroom, get your coffee, something to eat. You don’t want to miss it—especially those 2 ½ minutes of maximum eclipse!

4. Come prepared. While the City will have 200 glasses to hand out, if the crowd is larger, you don’t want to miss out, so might consider bringing your own pair. You can find them online.

5. Take pics of the crowd but leave the big shot to the pros. There will be a photography demo at the viewing party with an e-mail signup list so you can receive a copy of the photo taken at maximum eclipse with a special lens. Besides, one of the biggest regrets of previous eclipse watchers was that they “missed” taking in the big event because they were so focused on trying to photograph it.

6. Enjoy the scene but don’t get too distracted. In true party form, the City will be providing music (featuring a playlist of songs with Sun or Moon themes) as well as snacks, crafts and the blender bike. Just remember what you came for and keep looking up.

7. Allow time for parking. There is no parking on site at Sundeleaf Plaza so plan to park at George Rogers Park, the Trolley Parking lot, or the Lake View Village parking lot and walk to Sundeleaf Plaza.

Sundeleaf Plaza is located at 120 S. State Street. 503.675.2549.

A housewarming is another great excuse for a party! Let me help you buy your next home so you can throw one! Check out my website or give me a call at 503.939.9801. I’d love to put my 25+ years experience as a Realtor in Lake Oswego to work for you.