An unobstructed view of the total solar eclipse is enough of a reason to make the journey to Oregon Eclipse Gathering this summer. Add in the collaborative efforts of over 10 international groups who curate the most intriguing festivals the world has seen, and the beautiful backdrop of Big Summit Prairie, and you now have the must-attend event of the year. And with this list, you can choose an adventure to add on to your itinerary to make the trip even more meaningful. No matter if you choose one experience, or all of them, I am sure you will be talking about the gathering for the rest of your life!
- Enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Going on a hot air balloon ride at Oregon Eclipse is the best way to literally elevate your experience! Attendees will have the option of choosing between a 45 minute scenic ride, or a 6 minute tethered ride. Tethered rides are perfect for children, too. Rides are offered each morning of the festival so you are guaranteed to have the most serene view of the sunrise. This promises to be a festival memory you will cherish for the rest of your life, whether enjoyed solo or with your whole festival family. Sign up for a ride here: www.icxingpromotions.com/index.php/big-summit-prairie-flights
- Join Global Wheeling
This is a once in a lifetime event, so why not do something lengendary? Global Wheeling is a 700 mile biking expedition taking off from San Francisco Bay and ending in Big Summit Prairie just in time for the festival. The 14-day trip, led by filmmaker and cyclist extraordinaire Kayden Kleinhans, will take a group of badass Earth Warriors to Oregon Eclipse while they complete several environmental conservation initiatives on the way. You could be one of them! This journey will be challenging and meaningful, and those who participate receive a comped ticket to the festival. What’s even better? If you choose to pedal your way to the eclipse, your travel plans will also result in a neutral carbon footprint. Contact [email protected] for more info!
- Permaculture Design Course
This educational offering will be held the week before the festival, and a ticket to the Oregon Eclipse Gathering is included with admission. This course will teach you all you need to know regarding permaculture and how to become a responsible producer in your community. You will learn the importance of bioarchitecture, how to identify the different roles of organisms in our environment, and what it takes to create a successful home garden. Learning how to compost is also on the docket, a crucial skill needed by any aspiring permaculturist. Get more info here: oregoneclipse2017.com/permaculture-design-course/
- Volunteer
If you want to be a part of the rockstar team that makes Oregon Eclipse happen, volunteering is the way to go. This is a great option for those looking to get some experience working in the festival industry, too. Volunteering your time means that you get to help make the biggest event of the summer happen: you can work anywhere from Safety Coordination to Stage Production, making it is another awesome way to receive a comped ticket! Best of all, you will leave with plenty of beautiful memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Apply here: oregoneclipse2017.com/participate/volunteers/
- Wear Solar Glasses
Having a pair of eclipse glasses on hand is more of a necessity than a luxury. These shades filter out all of the harmful UV rays and infrared waves so you can safely get a clear look at all of the action up above. The total solar eclipse is expected to last about 2 minutes and will be a beautifully shared moment between all festival-goers. And while you can look straight at the eclipse during totality, it is crucial to wear protective eye gear for the waxing and waning. Luckily, glasses will provided onsite!
