Leiann Stewart is no stranger to change. As executive director of the Miami County Visitors Bureau, there’s no such thing as a ‘typical workday.’ In a role where flexibility is a constant requirement, planning for a once-in-a-lifetime event – the 2024 total solar eclipse on April 8 – was all in a day's work.
That’s not to say Stewart and her two-woman team hadn’t spent extensive time considering the implications of the event.
The Miami County Visitors Bureau, in partnership with local officials and business leaders, planned for the solar eclipse for a year and a half. The Great American Eclipse estimated a broad range of visitors to Ohio (between 125,000 and half a million people) for the event, so the committee needed time to prepare for the influx of visitors from a social and safety perspective.
Funding Solar Eclipse Safety
Miami County was in the path of totality, a prime location for experiencing the full eclipse. But viewing an eclipse without protective eyewear is extremely dangerous, especially when the sun is only partially eclipsed by the moon. Our retinas don’t feel pain, but staring at the sun can burn them in a matter of seconds and cause permanent damage.
Solar eclipse glasses are essential for a safe and enjoyable viewing experience. Don’t be fooled by their seemingly flimsy appearance. Their extra dark lenses block nearly all light, allowing you to safely watch the eclipse without hurting your retinas.
The Miami County Visitors Bureau and their fiscal sponsor, the Piqua Chamber Foundation, applied for a Duke Foundation grant to supply solar eclipse glasses for residents and visitors alike.
“We feel extremely blessed and thankful that the Duke Foundation was on board for this,” Stewart said, “and felt the same way about making sure our residents and visitors were safe.”
Stewart said it was difficult to estimate the number of visitors to the eclipse, but most hotels in the county were fully booked. The bureau looks forward to evaluating the number of visitors and the event's economic impact on the county.
A Warm Miami County Welcome
Stewart and her team are passionate about amplifying the great events happening around the area and extending a warm welcome to guests – a mission that aligns with the Duke Foundation’s focus on improving the quality of life in Miami County.
From restaurants, shops, special events, and historic attractions, Miami County has a lot to offer. And they’re not shy about sharing what’s great about it with others.
“We’re easy to get to. We have very friendly communities. We want people to see everything we have here and come back,” she said.
The total solar eclipse was a perfect opportunity to get people excited about Miami County, support the local economy, and make their first visit to the area. Restaurants, bars, fairgrounds, parks, and attractions had watch parties and special events the entire weekend.
The Duke Foundation is proud to support the Miami County Visitors Bureau's efforts to provide free solar eclipse glasses to all who needed them!
Since the Foundation’s beginning in 1983, it has awarded more than 700 grants totaling over $16.8 million to organizations that benefit Miami County residents. Combined with grants made in central Ohio, in keeping with Paul Duke's wishes, more than 1,150 grants totaling over $27.3 million have been distributed to help the people of Miami County and central Ohio.
