Wyoming churches, camp prepare for solar eclipse next weekend

As North America anticipates the total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, churches in the path of totality in Wyoming are preparing to welcome visitors and celebrate this phenomenon. In Casper, Wyoming, the city is offering an Eclipse Festival, with a list of music events, tours and the Central Wyoming Fair and Rodeo.

To coincide with that, First United Methodist Church in Casper is offering several activities, including: demonstrations of its Casavant pipe organ at 1 and 3 p.m. Aug. 18 and 19, and 1 and 2 p.m. Aug. 20; tours of the sanctuary and presentations on local western history; a dunk tank; snow cones and pizza; and eclipse shades for sale. First UMC will have Sunday morning service at 11 a.m. Aug. 20 as well as a pie and ice cream social from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations for these activities will go to the church's mission outreach.

Thermopolis Federated Community Church in Thermopolis, Wyoming, will be serving a pancake breakfast from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. Aug. 21 before the eclipse starts. Call Thermopolis Federated Community Church at 307-864-2524 for details. Circle J Retreat Camp in Ten Sleep, Wyoming, is offering visitors camping spots and RV hookups, plus breakfast and a laser light show. The camp also has swimming, hiking, fishing and other onsite activities. Eclipse shades will also be on sale there.