City of Pocatello to host town halls on total eclipse
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POCATELLO — The eclipse on August 21 may be to the north of Pocatello, but that doesn’t mean the Gate City won’t feel its impact.
Over the course of the summer, the City of Pocatello will be hosting a series of town hall meetings with local businesses and the general public ahead of the occasion. During the meetings, officials will outline the City’s planning, detail the possible impacts, and listen to residents about their concerns for the astronomical event. Estimates range from 50,000 to more than a million people coming to East Idaho.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people not just in the United States but around the world,” said Mayor Brian Blad. “We want our businesses to be prepared and all residents ready that day-to-day life may be impacted by the influx.”
The website GreatAmericanEclipse.com ranks the Snake River Valley in their top ten of “perfect viewing spots” to see the eclipse saying the “area is an attractive spot for eclipse chasers because of fairly good weather prospects and many roads for evasive maneuvering in the event of local clouds.” Totality will extend from approximately Shelley to north of Dubois.
“Pocatellans have an amazing sense of hospitality and we want to make sure we put our best foot forward for our guests,” said Mayor Blad. “I know of a couple from Denmark who booked their accommodations in Pocatello a year in advance.”
All of the meetings will be held in the Pocatello City Council Chambers, 911 North 911 North 7th Avenue. A full list of meeting dates with various industries is included below.
- Tuesday, July 11 – 8 a.m. Hotels/Motels
- Wednesday, July 12 – 3 p.m. Restaurants/Convenience Stores
- Saturday, July 15 – 10 a.m. Public Town Hall
- Monday, July 24 – 11 a.m. Tow Truck Companies
- Friday, July 28 – 8 a.m. Restaurants/Convenience Stores
- Tuesday, Aug. 8 – 6 p.m. Public Town Hall