The 2024 Franklin Eclipse Festival logo.
Franklin officials have announced their public information, emergency plans and event details for next month’s total solar eclipse.
A total solar eclipse will take place on April 8. The rare natural phenomenon happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.
This type of solar eclipse is the only one where people can momentarily remove their eclipse glasses for a brief time when the moon is completely blocking the sun. A partial eclipse will take place from 1:50 to 4:23 p.m. April 8, with totality being from approximately 3:05:52 to 3:09:54 p.m. in the Franklin area. The city and Johnson County overall are among the top viewing spots for the eclipse as it has one of the longest periods of totality at 4 minutes and 2 seconds.
The city, in partnership with Festival Country Indiana, is hosting the 2024 Franklin Eclipse Festival from April 6 to April 8. The festival will be held at the DriveHubler.com Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park.
Activities on April 6 include food trucks, a beer and wine garden, the Run for the Sun Eclipse Festival 5K, an Eclipse Merchandise Market and My Yellow Rickshaw in concert. April 7 activities include food trucks, a beer and wine garden, the merchandise market, tethered hot air balloon rides, karaoke, special speakers and yard games.
On the day of the eclipse, activities include food trucks, a beer and wine garden, yard games, the merchandise market, kids activities, free face painting and a photo booth.
Festival Country has purchased viewing glasses that will be given away while supplies last.
Planning for this event began over a year and a half ago, and the city, along with the parks, fire, police and street departments have worked with the Johnson County Emergency Management Agency to create a safety plan. Residents will receive information on social media and on the city’s website about what to expect leading up to, during and after the eclipse, according to the news release.
Ahead of April 8, residents are asked to be aware of and follow this advice from public safety officials:
- Traffic patterns: Changes will happen from April 6 through April 9. This means some streets will be difficult to navigate during these dates.
- Road closures coming: Exact road closures and traffic changes will be announced within the next 30 days, city officials say. Public safety officials estimate it may take until midnight on April 9 to get all visitors out of Franklin.
- School closures: Franklin Community Schools (and all other Johnson County public schools) will be closed on April 8.
- Trash service: Waste Management plans to operate a day delayed. All questions can be addressed at WM.com/us.
- City offices: City offices and buildings will be open on April 8 with limited staff. Other city employees will be working to provide staffing support to public safety and emergency teams.
- Attending events: Residents plan to attend eclipse events are encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation — walking, biking, golf carts — due to increased traffic.
- Visitors: Those who follow the eclipse all over the country will park wherever they can to view the eclipse. If you wish to prevent people from camping or parking on your property, property owners have the right to block access to their property, such as front and back yards and driveways. City officials suggest speaking to your homeowner’s insurance company to list out your liabilities.
- Plan ahead: Residents are encouraged to run errands, get groceries, refill medications, and fuel vehicles before April 6 to help lessen the strain on traffic and roadways.
- Emergency calls: Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.
Residents are also encouraged to follow the city, parks and recreation and police departments on social media and to visit www.franklinparks.org. They can also follow the Johnson County Joint Incident Management Team on Facebook.
