City releases eclipse plans

Jan. 29—GREENSBURG — Local plans for the upcoming solar eclipse, which will begin at approximately 1:51 p.m. and conclude at approximately 4:24 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, have been made public.

Partnering with Visit Greensburg (Tourism), the event is titled "Tree City Total Solar Eclipse" and the focus of local activities associated with it will take place in Pirate Park, which is located adjacent to Greensburg Community High School on the city's east side.

The two day festival is scheduled for April 7 and 8 and will feature live music from Nuttin' Fancy, Classic Rock Experience, Carrie'd Away (Carrie Underwood Tribute), HiFi Honey, and Soul Pocket.

Friends of Fred food trucks will also be on hand offering a variety of foods, and Main Street Greensburg is hosting a beer garden. The Decatur County Arts Council is hosting a souvenir photograph station, and there will be plenty of family friendly activities available.

Planning for this event began more than six months ago and involved all public safety partners in Decatur County, the City of Greensburg, the Decatur County Commissioners and Visit Greensburg. Public safety has been at the forefront of the planning process to make sure that residents and visitors have access to emergency services while enjoying the activities and events happening around the county.

Residents will be receiving information in their utility bills, in the mail via a postcard, on social media, on WTRE and via the Daily News, and through the city's website about what to expect leading up to, during, and after the total solar eclipse.

Additional Info

Traffic patterns will change Sunday, April 7, to Tuesday, April 9. Some streets will become one-way only and navigating Greensburg streets may be difficult during this time. Exact road closures and traffic changes will be announced within the next 30 days.

Those involved with planning for the event estimate that it may take until midnight Tuesday, April 9, to get all visitors out of Greensburg.

Greensburg Community Schools and Decatur County Schools will have an e-Learning Day Monday, April 8.

Businesses are encouraged to attend information sessions hosted by the Greensburg/Decatur County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 9 a.m., or 5:30 p.m. that day at Greensburg City Hall. Public safety officials will be on hand to answer questions about logistics and planning.

Greensburg trash service and Rumpke recycling service will be suspended on Monday, April 8. Double pick-up will occur on Tuesday, April 9.

City offices and buildings will be closed on Monday, April 8, to provide staffing support to public safety, emergency services and more.

If residents want to attend eclipse events, they are encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation (walk, bike, golf carts, UTVs) due to increased traffic.

Visitors who follow the eclipse all over the country will park wherever they can to view the eclipse. To prevent people from camping or parking on your property, property owners have the right to block access to their property (front and back yards, driveways, etc.).

Residents are encouraged to run errands and fuel vehicles before Sunday, April 7, to help lessen the strain on traffic and roadways.

Please do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.

For all general inquiries and questions about the event, traffic conditions, or to submit a complaint, call (844) 260-1230 and ask for city services in a non-emergency manner. This phone number will be valid Saturday, April 6, to Tuesday, April 9.

Make sure to sign up for CodeRed for emergency notifications by texting "DECATUR CO" to 99411.

This information is essential to being prepared for the influx of visitors for the total solar eclipse. Residents are encouraged to follow the City of Greensburg on social media, visit www.greensburg.in.gov, and watch their mail for more information and details about the event.

Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com