As the much-anticipated solar eclipse approached, students at SUNY schools were gearing up to celebrate in a big way. Parties were being planned, and classes have been canceled to allow students to fully enjoy the rare event. For many students, this was considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they were excited to take advantage of the day to party and have fun with friends. Fraternities on campus were expected to host parties, and non-Greek life students were also welcome to join in the celebrations.
In anticipation of the eclipse, bars and liquor distributors across New York were getting in on the action. Eclipse-branded alcohol was being released, and bars were planning themed events to mark the occasion. From sing-off contests to rooftop viewings, there were plenty of options for those looking to celebrate. Even outside the city, wine country was getting in on the fun, with a “Lights Out” tour planned for the path of totality. Pregaming New Yorkers could get a pass to visit wineries in the region leading up to the eclipse.
While many students were looking forward to the parties and celebrations, some were also planning to attend on-campus events to get free protective glasses for safe viewing. SUNY Oswego was expecting an influx of tourists for the eclipse, and students were excited about the prospect of sharing the experience with friends and visitors. For some students, this was a chance to relax and enjoy the eclipse with a few drinks, while for others, it was an opportunity to see the eclipse from a unique vantage point.
Eclipse-themed alcohol was also being marketed to those staying at home to watch the eclipse. Breweries in the Adirondacks were offering special drinks like “Total Eclipse of the Park” and Raquette River Brewing in Tupper Lake had a Black IPA on tap for the occasion. Wine companies were also getting in on the action, with a special “Radius Red Blend Eclipse” being recommended as the perfect watch companion for the eclipse. TINCUP Bourbon was selling a “Totality Bundle” for a cocktail that aimed to evoke the same sense of wonder as the eclipse itself.
While the parties and celebrations were exciting, there were also reminders that normal life would resume after the eclipse. Teachers and employers may not be as forgiving of hungover students or employees on Tuesday morning, so many students were planning to keep the celebrations relatively low-key. For some, it was more about enjoying a few drinks with friends and having a chill gathering rather than getting excessively drunk and throwing a wild party. Despite this, students were looking forward to enjoying the eclipse with friends and making the most of the unique and memorable event.
Overall, the solar eclipse was a cause for celebration among students and locals in New York. From themed parties at bars to on-campus events and special alcohol releases, there were plenty of ways to mark the occasion. Whether enjoying the eclipse with friends, watching it from a rooftop bar, or visiting wineries in wine country, New Yorkers were finding unique and creative ways to celebrate the solar eclipse. While the focus was on having a good time, many were also mindful of the need to stay safe and ensure they were prepared for the event.
