Advertisement

Visitors flock to Houlton, Maine, as residents prepare for eclipse totality

10:46
Download Audio
Resume
A banner for the eclipse in Houlton, Maine. (Courtesy of Paula Woodworth)
A banner for the eclipse in Houlton, Maine. (Courtesy of Paula Woodworth)

In Northern Maine, the tiny town of Houlton (population 6,000), nestled on the Canadian border, is generally a quiet place. But as one of the last places in the country to view Monday's eclipse in totality, Houlton’s numbers could soar as high as 40,000; town leaders say it’s impossible to know exactly.

Events leading up to the day have included weekend fireworks, a road race and a bus tour of Maine’s solar system. Meanwhile, officials have been preparing by setting aside designated viewing areas, ordering portable toilets, instructing residents on eye safety, setting up a live feed and even creating a tent for yoga and tarot.

Host Robin Young checks in with three residents: Lindsay Anderson, manager of Brookside Bakery; Jane Torres, director of Houlton’s Chamber of Commerce; and Mark Horvath, a town councilor and astronomer.

A theater in Houlton welcomes NASA. (Courtesy)
A theater in Houlton welcomes NASA. (Courtesy of Paula Woodworth)
People dress up like aliens for the eclipse. (Courtesy)
People dress up like aliens for the eclipse. (Courtesy of Paula Woodworth)

This segment aired on April 8, 2024.

Advertisement

More from Here & Now

Listen Live
Close