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Here's how Collinsville is celebrating the 2024 solar eclipse

From viewing parties and movie marathons to Moon Pie Custard and Solar Shandy, here's how to celebrate the 2024 eclipse in Collinsville.

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The St. Louis region on April 8, 2024, will fall within the path of a total solar eclipse. It will be two decades before the contiguous U.S. sees another total solar eclipse, according to NASA.

A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth at just the right moment. During a total eclipse, the moon blocks all of the sun's light, creating a brief moment of darkness in the middle of the day.

RELATED: The comprehensive guide to the total solar eclipse in the St. Louis area

When to watch the eclipse in Collinsville

Although Collinsville is not in the path of totality, the city will offer a spectacular view of the partial eclipse beginning at about 12:43 p.m. Monday and continuing for just over two hours, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Credit: KSDK

Where to watch

The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is inviting visitors to enjoy a partial view of the eclipse from the largest pre-Columbian site north of Mexico. Although the Interpretive Center is closed for renovations, the museum lobby and gift shop will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to offer limited edition eclipse souvenirs. Custom Cahokia Mounds eclipse glasses are available while supplies last for $16. Visitors should park in designated spots, including the warehouse parking lot near Monks Mound.

The Eclipse Viewing Party from noon to 3 p.m. at Herald Square will feature fun activities for all ages, shopping opportunities with local vendors, music and more. Plus, you can grab a free pair of protective eclipse glasses.

RELATED: Here are some of the best spots in the Bi-state to see totality during the 2024 solar eclipse

How businesses are celebrating

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is brewing a special Solar Shandy and collaborating with Big Muddy Brewing to create a Dark Noon Whiskey to honor the rare solar event.

Uptown Scoops is offering a frozen custard specialty, Moon Pie Custard, which is a banana cream custard with Moon Pie pieces and drizzled with a chocolate hard shell.

Collinsville Memorial Public Library is hosting a solar eclipse movie marathon from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday in the lead-up to the eclipse. The library will show a variety of movies aimed at teens and adults that feature eclipses, and visitors can do eclipse-themed crafts as they watch the movies.

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