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Genesee County gearing up for total solar eclipse with merchandise, children's book

The total solar eclipse is happening on April 8, 2024.

GENESEE COUNTY, N.Y. — We are still about six months from a total solar eclipse, but excitement continues to build in Western New York, which will be in the path of totality on April 8, 2024.

And in Genesee County, there's a new ad campaign encouraging people to travel to the rural region to catch a glimpse of the unique phenomenon. They also have merchandise, such as cow-print solar eclipse safety glasses, t-shirts, and sweatshirts. There's even a new children's book called "Genny Sees the Eclipse." 

It explains what happens when we slip into darkness for almost four minutes on that day in a kid-friendly way.

"The skies are going to get dark. The temperature is going to drop, and animals will think that it's nighttime. That's the premise of this story. When it turns dark, the animals start heading to bed in the barn, and it's Genny [the cow] who stops them and explains that it's actually a total solar eclipse. And they all witness it together wearing their safety glasses," said author Colleen Onuffer.

You can purchase the book at the Genesee County Visitor's Center in Batavia or by going to the center's website. All proceeds will be donated to non-profit animal shelters in Genesee County.

Despite the darkness, officials in Genesee County hope to shine a spotlight on this part of Western New York.

"You know there are some bigger cities around us, but to experience the eclipse in a rural county is going to be different. Less people, less light, less light pollution. We're hoping some of the real enthusiasts will see us as a destination for that reason," said Steven Falitico, public communications/web design specialist for Genesee County.

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