HOULTON – On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass through Maine with the town of Houlton being the last place to view the eclipse in the United States while experiencing one of the longest periods of total darkness in the state. Southern Aroostook Development Corporation’s Attraction Committee began planning for Eclipse 2024 about 18 months ago.
Today marks the exact two-year countdown to the event and the committee is excited to announce that F. A. Peabody Company has signed on as the major event sponsor. Jon McLaughlin, SADC Executive Director said, “We appreciate the support that F. A. Peabody is showing by signing on to help us prepare for and promote this unique phenomenon.”
The last eclipse across America occurred in 2017 affecting a number of communities along the path of totality. These towns experienced a massive visitor surge with some communities welcoming up to 100,000 people. Nancy Ketch, Houlton’s Community Development Director, “This is an amazing opportunity to showcase our town and region to thousands of people.”
Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jane Torres exclaims, “Houlton is known for holding great events and the Eclipse 2024 will make our community the ‘must-be’ destination.” According to Torres, the committee is planning for a multi-day extravaganza surrounding the eclipse.
FAPCO President, Chris Anderson states, “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Maine, the town of Houlton and the surrounding area. FAPCO is excited to be a part of it!”
The Attraction Committee is developing additional sponsorship opportunities and will be making them available in the next few weeks. Opportunities for individuals to get involved in the event planning will also soon be announced.
Additional information on Eclipse 2024 and the local plans are available by contacting McLaughlin at (27)521-0157, Torres at (27)532-4216 or Ketch at (207)521-5938.
About F. A. Peabody Company:
The F. A. Peabody Company (FAPCO) owns and operates multi-line insurance agency locations throughout Maine under the trade name F. A. Peabody Insurance, a third party administration company called FAPCO Administrative Services in addition to creating Pioneer Broadband, a rural broadband company dedicated to tackling the digital divide in rural Maine.
About SADC Attraction Committee:
The SADC Attraction Committee is a collaborative effort with the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Houlton to attract people and businesses to Southern Aroostook County through targeted marketing.
About Houlton:
The Town of Houlton is the County Seat of Aroostook County and is the Service Center Community for the southern part of The County. Houlton has a population of approximately 6,000 people.