WLM | events
WYOMING’S WIND RIV
The Heart & Soul of the
W
itnessing a total solar eclipse is an experience
that will shift a person’s perspective -- on
the universe, on one’s size, on time, and on
nature. It is, in whatever way you define the ethereal, a
spiritual experience. Wyoming’s Wind River Country
has room to take a deep breath, the room to have a
profound eclipse experience.
On August 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will cross the
continental United States, and only a thin path
from Oregon to South Carolina will experience the
indescribable and rarefied total solar eclipse. Parts of
Wyoming are within that path. Specifically, Wyoming’s
Wind River Country and Fremont County will be the
heart and soul of the Great American Eclipse.
Why View the Eclipse in
Wind River Country?
Weather data from the U.S. National Climatic Data
Center show that historically Riverton has only been
overcast on the 21 st of August eight percent of the time,
and based on historical records, there is a zero-percent
chance of even scattered clouds on August 21, 2017.
While the skies are clear for the solar show in Wind
River Country, where on Earth will you be?
The dramatic landscape stretching as far as the eye
can see in Wind River Country provides near-limitless
options for viewing an eclipse. Find yourself in an
uncrowded, peaceful space, surrounded only by rugged
mountain scenery, high-altitude deserts or pristine lakes
while nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomenon unfolds.
Thanks to the warm, welcoming hearts of our
communities, you can turn this two-and-a-half-minute
event into a full weekend. Events, treks, speakers, parties
and more start Friday, August 18 and run through to
the evening after the Monday, August 21 eclipse. Find
a calendar of events and a list of special offerings across
Wind River Country at windrivereclipse.org.
Here is a sampling of ideas for experiencing the eclipse
in this wild and culturally rich corner of Wyoming:
Native American Culture
Immerse yourself in Native American culture,
music, and storytelling while the moon takes bite
after bite of the sun.
The Wind River Hotel and Casino and Northern
Arapaho tribe have designed a long weekend full
of Native American experiences centered around
the solar eclipse. Enjoy star-viewing parties —
not with the constellations you already know
but with those the Northern Arapaho named.
Dance to the spiritual songs of Native singers
and drummers, moving alongside dancers decked
out in colorful, stunning regalia. Learn songs
about solar eclipses and even witness a rare
archery ceremony to bring the sun back during
totality. Learn more about the Arapaho Eclipse
Celebration at eclipsecelebration.com.
10
Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine | Spring & Early Summer 2017