Summer Blackout Party

A summer viewing party is in order for the Great American Eclipse. The Jasper County Conservation along with the Newton Public Library will host a free Summer Blackout Party at Ashton Wildwood Park.

No registration is required to attend from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 21. The event will begin with a short program by conservation naturalist Katie Cantu.

Cantu initiated the idea of the viewing party following several public programs with the Des Moines Astronomical Society at the observatory.

Some members of the society will be driving to see the eclipse in totality, and that’s when Cantu decided to make a local viewing event.

“The moon is going to start moving at 11:45 a.m. and by 1:08 p.m. is when we will have 95 percent of the sun covered,” Cantu said. “We want people to arrive early and get situated.”

There will be multiple security guidelines that attendees must follow, including wearing solar glasses, provided for free.

“We have already had a lot of people call in to ask about the glasses,” Cantu said. “It’s just an exciting thing.”

Cantu said some people may have taken off work and some people may just be stopping by for some of the viewing party, but she wanted to have an event that would be close to home for the community.

“As we get closer and people are seeing more in the news people they are planning their day so they don’t miss out,” Cantu said. “This will just be a fun way to watch it with the group and in an educational and beautiful park setting.”

Cantu said that since the unique eclipse hasn’t happened in 20 years attendees should only be worried about one thing — sitting back and enjoying it.

“We recommend not trying to get a picture of the eclipse, you aren’t going to be able to get a good picture on your phone,” Cantu said. “There will be lots of pictures on the internet. Leave that for the professionals.”

Youth Services Librarian Phyllis Peter said the library jumped on board and began to collect solar glasses for the event, which were given out through signing a waiver.

Peter will be leading craft activities before the viewing, including moon Playdoh.

“We will be observing the peak of the eclipse and watch it gradually go away,” Peter said. “It’s a great chance for them to learn about their natural world and even a partial eclipse doesn’t happen often.”

Attendees can bring a picnic and lawn chairs to the viewing party.

Ashton Woodland Park is located at 8755 W. 122 St. N. in Mingo.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com