TAMPA BAY, FL – The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater have announced a partnership to host an eclipse beach party on Monday, April 8 on Clearwater Beach, according to a news release. The first 2,500 visitors in attendance will receive exclusive collectible eclipse glasses, commemorating the 2024 solar eclipse.
During the eclipse period, which is expected to occur from 1:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m., the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival will host special live sand sculpting to celebrate the total solar eclipse. At its peak, which is expected at around 3 p.m. EST, the Clearwater Beach area is expected to experience approximately 66 percent obscuration. Beachgoers can pick up their complimentary eclipse glasses at the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater booth at the Sugar Sand Festival starting at noon that day.
“With the eclipse taking place during one of our destination’s most popular art exhibits – the Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival, it gives us the perfect opportunity to host a unique watch-party,” said Steve Grimes, Visit St. Pete/Clearwater CMO.
“While even an eclipse can’t stop the sun shining completely in St Pete/Clearwater, our sugar white sand beaches and emerald green waters offer eclipse-watchers the perfect, unobstructed view of the sky. You’re not going to want to miss the special activities taking place to commemorate the solar phenomenon as only the Sugar Sand Festival can. With 361 days of sunshine on our beaches we’re excited to celebrate the few minutes when the sun won’t shine quite as brightly.”
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While the eclipse is celebrated locally at Clearwater Beach, the Visit St. Pete/Clearwater team will also be on site at the Total Solar Eclipse Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Ind. The “Pit Stop in the Sun” promotion will remind the tens of thousands of attendees that even an eclipse can’t stop the sun shining in St. Pete and Clearwater, Florida.
A word of caution: Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. Special eclipse glasses, with their special filters should be used for safe viewing. Telescopes and cameras also require proper solar filters to prevent damage to your eyes and equipment.