With a rare astronomical event set for this coming Monday, a Windsor-Essex brewery has offered families a chance to view it safely and have fun doing it.
Bryerswood Youth Camp Optimist Club has teamed up with GL Heritage Brewing Company in Amherstburg for a free viewing party, in observance of a total eclipse of the sun.
"We are so excited to be partnering with GL Heritage to offer this extraordinary and once-in-a-lifetime event," said Optimist Club Vice-President Cathy Robertson. "It will be a fantastic day when the whole family can come out to GL Heritage and learn what the eclipse is all about, view it in person, and have fun as a family. There will be lots of opportunities for all to participate or to just sit back and watch what happens."
The brewery, which is usually closed on Mondays, will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on the day of the eclipse. Families who register will be invited to park on the brewery property and have their lawn chairs and blankets ready.
"We know our family-friendly brewery is a great location for all ages to experience and learn about this total solar eclipse through group observation and fun, hands-on activities," said GL Heritage Brewery Co-Owner Jen Desjardins-Grondin. "We love to collaborate with our friends and neighbours at Bryerswood Youth Camp to create an interactive, educational, and, undoubtedly, a very memorable experience for everyone right here in our own backyard."
A food truck will be available for visitors to purchase food and drinks, and the brewery will be open for people to purchase craft beer and soft drinks. ISO-certified eclipse glasses will also be sold for $3 each while supplies last.
Space is limited, so those who wish to view the eclipse at the brewery should register online.
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While all of Windsor-Essex will see at least a partial eclipse, the southern part of the region lies in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse. It will be the first total eclipse visible in Ontario since 1979.
