FAQ for the OMSI Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party in Salem
Q: How many people do you expect to attend this year’s event?
A: We are estimating 8,500 guests.
Q: I lost a copy of my print-at-home ticket. How do I get another copy?
A: Email with the subject line “New PAH Eclipse Ticket” and we will send you a new one.
Q: How long will the event last?
A: The event is 6am to noon on Monday, August 21, 2017. Totality is at 10:18am.
Q: Are there any other activities planned in addition to viewing the eclipse?
A: There will be presentations by space science experts, educational demonstrations and activities, and local astronomy organizations.
Q: Do I need to purchase solar eclipse viewing glasses?
A: No, they are included with your ticket.
Q: When do I need to wear solar eclipse viewers?
A: If you are inside the path of totality, remove your solar filter only when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face and it suddenly gets quite dark. Experience totality, then, as soon as the bright Sun begins to reappear, replace your solar viewer to look at the remaining partial phases. Outside the path of totality, you must always use a safe solar filter to view the Sun directly.
The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as “eclipse glasses” or handheld solar viewers. Homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses, even very dark ones, are not safe for looking at the Sun (special-purpose solar filters are many thousands of times darker than ordinary sunglasses). See the AAS Reputable Vendors of Solar Filters & Viewers page for a list of manufacturers and authorized dealers of eclipse glasses and handheld solar viewers verified to meet the ISO 12312-2 international standard for such products.
The OMSI Science Store sells safe solar viewing glasses for $4.99 each.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Yes. Parking will open at 3am and will be $5 per vehicle. All ticketholders are guaranteed a parking spot; please be prepared to show your event ticket to the parking lot attendant upon arrival. If you would like to pre-purchase your parking, you can do so through the Parking Panda website, Access code: Eclipse632.
We are opening parking early to allow for guests to depart home early, but please be mindful of your behavior and respectful of the fairgrounds’ neighbors. Toilets will be available. There is no smoking, tailgating, or amplified music allowed in the parking lot. There will be no loitering in the parking lot during the event.
Q: Is therehandicap parking available?
A: Yes. It will be $5 and we have a special lot reserved for handicap access.
Q: Can I sit by my car and watch the eclipse?
A: No, there is no loitering in the parking lot.
Q: Can I bring in my own picnic lunch?
A: No outside food or drink will be allowed into the event. The Oregon State Fairgrounds will be providing food carts and a bar. Current food options include Pronto Pup, Yakisoba, JR’s Taqueria and more. If you have any dietary restrictions, you can email with questions/concerns.
Q: Is the amphitheater wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, there will be a wheelchair-accessible area available.
Q: Can I bring my own personal telescope into the event?
A: Due to the number of guests attending the event, we are not allowing personal telescopes to be brought into the event.
Q: Can I bring my camera tripod?
A: Due to the number of guests attending the event, we are not allowing 3 legged tripods into the event. If you have a single pole, monopod those are allowed.
Q: Can I bring my own chair or blanket to watch the eclipse?
A: No. We don’t have access to the entire fairgrounds for this event. However, you are allowed to bring in seat cushions for the amphitheater.
Q: Will there be wheelchairs or strollers available for rent?
A: No. Please bring your own.
Q:Does my ticket include a guaranteed seat in the amphitheater?
A: Yes.
Q: How long will it take to get from Portland to Salem the day of the event?
A: While wecan’tanswer this question definitively, ODOT recommends you add at least 5 hours to your planned travel time.The current estimated drive-time from Portland to Salem on Monday morning is 6 hours. It may also take 1-2 hours to travel from the freeway exit to the fairgrounds.
Q: How do I get to the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center?
A: Take I-5 south to exit 258 and following the signs to the fairgrounds. There will be additional signage telling you where to park.
Q: Where can I stay overnight in Salem?
A: All hotels and state campsites in Salem are completely full. RV campingis still available at the Fairgrounds. Travel Salem is the best resource for lodging.
Q: I am taking the train to Salem that day. How far is the train station from the fairgrounds?
A: There are two trains coming from Portland on August 21. Train 1013 arrives at 6:10am and Train 503 arrives at 7:00am. Both will stop near the fairgrounds at Woodrow St. Railroad Crossing (5 blocks from the event entrance). Train 1012 will depart the Woodrow Street Railroad Crossing at 1:00pm and all passengers should be there by 12:40pm. ONLY these three trains will be stopping at the fairgrounds. All other trains will be picking up and dropping passengers at the Salem Station only. Please check your train tickets to confirm times and locations, and call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) with any questions.
Q: Are weapons permitted in the event?
A: No. "Weapon" includes, but is not limited to, any firearm: any destructive device; any dirk or dagger; any knife with a blade three inches or more in length, and any snap-blade or spring-blade knife, regardless the length of the blade; any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool; any straight-edge razor blade fitted to a handle; any device by whatever name known, which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of compressed air, gas, compressed spring or by any chemical action; any dangerous or deadly weapon within the meaning of any Oregon law restricting the use there in; any cutting, stabbing or bludgeoning weapon or any other device of inflicting grievous bodily harm.
Weapons of OSFEC law enforcement officials and those carried by persons authorized by law to carry them when carried in a manner authorized by law will be permitted.
Q: Are fireworks permitted into the event?
A: No. Fireworks, explosives or explosive devices, and inflammables are prohibited.