April 7, 2024 • 10 mins
Matt MacLaren from thr Ohio Chamber of Commerce is in to talk about the Eclipse where it will be, and what to expect.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
If you look to the sky tomorrow, you know what I'm talking about.
We've heard about the solar eclips forweeks, for months, forever, but
now it's finally coming down to it, and we're going to hear all about
it. Where to go, whattime it's happening. Why is Ohio in
the path of totality? Ohio Chamberof Commerce, Director of Travel and Tourism,
and our great friend Matt McLaren,oh Wait, Director of Travel and
(00:24):
Tourism Policy. McKayla. There youhave it, Matt McLaren, let's talk
at clips. Hey, mindy,Hey Mikayla. Yeah, this once in
a lifetime event is only a dayaway. The solar eclipse is coming tomorrow
to Ohio April eighth, and I'mexcited. Matt. I've heard that this
could get pretty crazy. I mean, do we have any idea of how
(00:44):
many people are coming into Ohio andpotential economic impact from all of this.
We do. Hundreds of thousands ofpeople are coming to Ohio and we know
that from the amount of hotel roomsthat are being sold, Airbnb's campgrounds that
are filling up. We're also seeingbig events see points event the total eclipse
at the point is sold out,or the packages that the Rock Hall for
their Solar Fest is sold out.We're seeing things selling out. So with
(01:08):
good weather predicted, I think thathundreds of thousands of people the prediction that'll
be here is right on. Youtalk about people, but I mean put
a dollar sign to it, becausewe interviewed Matt for Spectrum News one and
you actually have a good idea ofhow much money is coming into the state
of Ohio because of the solar eclipse. Yeah, it'll be well over one
hundred million dollars. In fact,we think it'll be far more than that
(01:30):
when you include the spending from thosein the state of Ohio that are also
traveling to go see it. Again, the weather's projected to be good tomorrow,
so that thinks things in a goodspot for all of Ohio. It
really does. So some of theother things you know, we've been discussing
it are where to go, whatto do, and as you alluded to,
some things are already sold out.What are some of the things though
that you're hearing about that there's stillopportunities to take part in well, and
(01:53):
it's been neat to see the stateof Ohio is one of only a few
states where you're going to be ableto see the total eclipse. And what's
unique about Ohio is that so manyof our major cities, so Dayton,
Sandusky, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, even north parts of Columbus, are
all in the past of totality,and those communities, along with many others,
(02:14):
have big watch parties planned. Thinkof your metro parks, places like
high Banks and Columbus, and yourstate parks, places like Malabar Farms and
near Mansfield, all great places towatch the eclipse tomorrow. You know what's
so bizarre to me is Ohio.If you're looking up at the sky and
you think of how much area thesun covers and some cities that are in
(02:35):
the path of totality and others thataren't. How does that happen? Because
Westerville is not in the path oftotality, but other parts of Ohio are.
It's just weird to me how thatworks out. It is weird,
and maybe you may need someone that'smore of an expert in the stars than
I am. But when it comesto the path of totality, it's all
about how the moon will cover theSun, and those areas where the moon's
(03:00):
getting full coverage just happened to bea large swath one hundred and twenty four
mile pathway that kind of goes likea strap across the state of Ohio.
You know, I'm thinking about whatI'm doing with the boys. I kind
of have a plan. But howdo you think traffic is going to impact
all of this? Man? AndMindy and I are a little lost too,
And I'm not saying you're the experton this, but we don't know
how. We know, like it'sdark dark in some places for like two
(03:23):
to three minutes, but I'm hearingthat it could be like a little dark
for over like a two hour periodmaybe. Yeah. So, and not
only that, no matter where youare in the state of Ohio, you're
going to see at least the partialeclipse. It's that area we're talking about
that I'll see passatality a total eclipse. So, as you pointed out,
the Sun will be fully clevered bythe moon for areas between two and four
(03:45):
minutes. But that happening. Thatpartial eclipse starts happening around two o'clock,
with the most of the sun coveredaround three ten in the afternoon, and
then the event itself will be overby four, but yeah, you're right,
it's much bigger than in just thosefew minutes. We'll start seeing things
happening around two o'clock tomorrow. Mikaylaand I both have our glasses to wear
because doctor Burtley from Kosai brought himin last time he was in studio.
(04:10):
But that's a huge part of it. People are really warning others to wear
those glasses. They are. Theglasses are important a lot of the events,
A lot of the watch parties areproviding glasses. If you're going to
places like the Columbus Zoo, AkronZoo, Tweedo Zoo, those are all
opportunities, but they also have alimited supply, so if you have your
own, you should be bringing themto your party and looking for ways to
(04:31):
acquire them. What are some ofyour other partners saying about some of it,
Matt, Like, what are youhearing from some of the chamber members
about, you know, things thatare going on and thoughts they have on
it. Yeah, they're excited.So you know, when you look at
places like Cedar Point, April eighthis the earliest that it's ever opened up
right, opening up early for theclips here. The big events that we're
(04:55):
seeing across Ohio and April, it'skind of extending that tourism season to start
early this year. You know,a lot of these places don't start seeing
big crowds until May. Places likeCleveland, they are expecting and have been
seeing record number of visitors this weekendbecause they had the NCAA Women's Final Four,
in addition to being very close rightright in the paspitality and very close
(05:17):
to one of the best places toactually watch the solar eclipse. And then
they're even adding the Guardian's Home openertomorrow too, so we're seeing a lot
of excitement. You did ask abouttraffic. Yes, you should come early,
should plan to stay late. Youshould plan for there to be some
traffic, especially after the eclipse.I mean, some of the smaller towns
were hearing that they may double inpopulation for this tomorrow. So even though
(05:40):
we know that O doot's doing theirbest reducing work zones and such to handle
the traffic, a little bit ofpatience from everyone would be the best way
to go about it. I'm gladyou brought up the opening day because I
was just going to say the samething. What's the chance of that.
The Cleveland's opening day is tomorrow aswell, watch it rain different. No're
(06:00):
not putting that out there, Mandy, what not putting it out to the
universe? He said, We're notdoing it. I know. But what
would happen really, well, itwon't be as good. But that's why
we've been watching the weather and youknow, I'm going to leave it up
to the weather men to be incharge of this. But what we're seeing
now is mostly sunny throughout the areaof the state of Ohio for the eclipse,
and that's really what's going to makeit a great experience. If it
(06:25):
is sunny during the eclipse, you'llactually see some people if it's cloudy in
areas what they call chase the eclipseor drive to the areas where it's sunny
to be able to see it.Wow. You know, we were coming
back in from we went to NewYork for spring break and we were driving
back in, I want to say, yesterday to Ohio, wheeling to Zanesville,
and I saw a couple of signsthat said on April eighth, prepare
(06:46):
for delays. And I'm thinking,oh my gosh, we really are preparing
for traffic because is there a worrythat people will pull over potentially on the
side of the road to take alook at this thing. I have heard
that, Matt, Yeah, andthat's why I think the patients and then
also planning to get to your destinationearly and stay late as far as seeing
it's the right way to go aboutit. Ohio and many of these communities
(07:06):
has been planning for the eclipse forover a year, which puts us in
a good spot. But it's stillyou know, our state's welcoming hundreds of
thousands of people tomorrow, a greatway for us to show all the wonderful
attractions and great cities in our state, but also a little bit of patience
for the traffic that's likely to happenafter the eclipse tomorrow too. You've been
doing things like this for years.That's kind of who you are. Can
(07:28):
you remember something this big that comesaround really once in a lifetime? Planning
a year out for something like this. What's unique about this There have been
some really big events in the state. Think of things like NBA All Star
Games in Cleveland and NHL drafts andColumbus and those big events. That's what
we're experiencing. Tomorrow. But what'sdifferent about tomorrow is it covers so much
(07:50):
of this state and so many citieswithin the state. I think that's truly
what makes it unique and why we'resaying it's once in a lifetime event,
because you I don't see Ohio inthe path of totality for a solar eclipse
again until twenty ninety nine, notin our lifetime. It's why places like
Mansfield are like, whoa, herecomes the traffic, here come the people.
(08:11):
I've heard rumors, Matt. Idon't know if this is true or
not, so I'm gonna put thisdisclaimer on it. But I've heard is
there an airport at that direction?And I heard there might be planes sitting
on the tarmac that have just flownin to be able to see this thing
happen. I don't know, I'msure or not, but I've heard that
rumor. That's the first time hearingthat one. But I wouldn't be surprised.
(08:31):
I'm hearing of a lot of plans, friends and family, you know,
family of friends that are flying infrom places like California to see the
eclipse. A lot of people,and especially knowing whether they're supposed to be
pretty good. I think a lotof people are making their plans or have
made their plans to come to Ohiofor tomorrow. Let's just admit it.
Ohio is the happening place to be. I mean, we just had the
Women's Final four. Everything happening herewith that, Ohio is just it.
(08:54):
It's a great place to be.It is. And to your question,
if that, even if it isa little cloudy tomorrow, it's still going
to be a good experience because ourstate provides a good experience welcoming people,
great cities, great communities, andreally some special events things like Solarfest,
but the Rock Hall, the differentevents that are happening at the zoos across
the state, and then places likeSandusky with Cedar Point and all their fun
(09:18):
things to do. It's going tobe a good day tomorrow. The heart
of it all, we live upto our tagline. So Matt, thank
you so much. We know allthe great work you're doing for the Ohio
Chamber of Commerce and we just appreciateall your knowledge that you share with us
when you come in on the show. Can you imagine Matt being on like
a power tower or Millennium Force duringthe assuring the eclipse that would be amazing.
The thrill of roller coasters and theexcitement of the eclipse that events sold
(09:41):
out quick and I can see why. Well, Happy Eclipse Day tomorrow,
matt enjoy it yourself. Where areyou going to be. We've got to
go to break, but tell usreal quick where you're going to be.
You'll find me at the Clumba Zoowatching the eclipse with the animals that are
going to be totally confused. Yeah, exactly, Mattah, thank you,
thank you, thank you. Thisis what matters. On six ten w
(10:03):
t V. It
If you look to the sky tomorrow, you know what I'm talking about.
We've heard about the solar eclips forweeks, for months, forever, but
now it's finally coming down to it, and we're going to hear all about
it. Where to go, whattime it's happening. Why is Ohio in
the path of totality? Ohio Chamberof Commerce, Director of Travel and Tourism,
and our great friend Matt McLaren,oh Wait, Director of Travel and
(00:24):
Tourism Policy. McKayla. There youhave it, Matt McLaren, let's talk
at clips. Hey, mindy,Hey Mikayla. Yeah, this once in
a lifetime event is only a dayaway. The solar eclipse is coming tomorrow
to Ohio April eighth, and I'mexcited. Matt. I've heard that this
could get pretty crazy. I mean, do we have any idea of how
(00:44):
many people are coming into Ohio andpotential economic impact from all of this.
We do. Hundreds of thousands ofpeople are coming to Ohio and we know
that from the amount of hotel roomsthat are being sold, Airbnb's campgrounds that
are filling up. We're also seeingbig events see points event the total eclipse
at the point is sold out,or the packages that the Rock Hall for
their Solar Fest is sold out.We're seeing things selling out. So with
(01:08):
good weather predicted, I think thathundreds of thousands of people the prediction that'll
be here is right on. Youtalk about people, but I mean put
a dollar sign to it, becausewe interviewed Matt for Spectrum News one and
you actually have a good idea ofhow much money is coming into the state
of Ohio because of the solar eclipse. Yeah, it'll be well over one
hundred million dollars. In fact,we think it'll be far more than that
(01:30):
when you include the spending from thosein the state of Ohio that are also
traveling to go see it. Again, the weather's projected to be good tomorrow,
so that thinks things in a goodspot for all of Ohio. It
really does. So some of theother things you know, we've been discussing
it are where to go, whatto do, and as you alluded to,
some things are already sold out.What are some of the things though
that you're hearing about that there's stillopportunities to take part in well, and
(01:53):
it's been neat to see the stateof Ohio is one of only a few
states where you're going to be ableto see the total eclipse. And what's
unique about Ohio is that so manyof our major cities, so Dayton,
Sandusky, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, even north parts of Columbus, are
all in the past of totality,and those communities, along with many others,
(02:14):
have big watch parties planned. Thinkof your metro parks, places like
high Banks and Columbus, and yourstate parks, places like Malabar Farms and
near Mansfield, all great places towatch the eclipse tomorrow. You know what's
so bizarre to me is Ohio.If you're looking up at the sky and
you think of how much area thesun covers and some cities that are in
(02:35):
the path of totality and others thataren't. How does that happen? Because
Westerville is not in the path oftotality, but other parts of Ohio are.
It's just weird to me how thatworks out. It is weird,
and maybe you may need someone that'smore of an expert in the stars than
I am. But when it comesto the path of totality, it's all
about how the moon will cover theSun, and those areas where the moon's
(03:00):
getting full coverage just happened to bea large swath one hundred and twenty four
mile pathway that kind of goes likea strap across the state of Ohio.
You know, I'm thinking about whatI'm doing with the boys. I kind
of have a plan. But howdo you think traffic is going to impact
all of this? Man? AndMindy and I are a little lost too,
And I'm not saying you're the experton this, but we don't know
how. We know, like it'sdark dark in some places for like two
(03:23):
to three minutes, but I'm hearingthat it could be like a little dark
for over like a two hour periodmaybe. Yeah. So, and not
only that, no matter where youare in the state of Ohio, you're
going to see at least the partialeclipse. It's that area we're talking about
that I'll see passatality a total eclipse. So, as you pointed out,
the Sun will be fully clevered bythe moon for areas between two and four
(03:45):
minutes. But that happening. Thatpartial eclipse starts happening around two o'clock,
with the most of the sun coveredaround three ten in the afternoon, and
then the event itself will be overby four, but yeah, you're right,
it's much bigger than in just thosefew minutes. We'll start seeing things
happening around two o'clock tomorrow. Mikaylaand I both have our glasses to wear
because doctor Burtley from Kosai brought himin last time he was in studio.
(04:10):
But that's a huge part of it. People are really warning others to wear
those glasses. They are. Theglasses are important a lot of the events,
A lot of the watch parties areproviding glasses. If you're going to
places like the Columbus Zoo, AkronZoo, Tweedo Zoo, those are all
opportunities, but they also have alimited supply, so if you have your
own, you should be bringing themto your party and looking for ways to
(04:31):
acquire them. What are some ofyour other partners saying about some of it,
Matt, Like, what are youhearing from some of the chamber members
about, you know, things thatare going on and thoughts they have on
it. Yeah, they're excited.So you know, when you look at
places like Cedar Point, April eighthis the earliest that it's ever opened up
right, opening up early for theclips here. The big events that we're
(04:55):
seeing across Ohio and April, it'skind of extending that tourism season to start
early this year. You know,a lot of these places don't start seeing
big crowds until May. Places likeCleveland, they are expecting and have been
seeing record number of visitors this weekendbecause they had the NCAA Women's Final Four,
in addition to being very close rightright in the paspitality and very close
(05:17):
to one of the best places toactually watch the solar eclipse. And then
they're even adding the Guardian's Home openertomorrow too, so we're seeing a lot
of excitement. You did ask abouttraffic. Yes, you should come early,
should plan to stay late. Youshould plan for there to be some
traffic, especially after the eclipse.I mean, some of the smaller towns
were hearing that they may double inpopulation for this tomorrow. So even though
(05:40):
we know that O doot's doing theirbest reducing work zones and such to handle
the traffic, a little bit ofpatience from everyone would be the best way
to go about it. I'm gladyou brought up the opening day because I
was just going to say the samething. What's the chance of that.
The Cleveland's opening day is tomorrow aswell, watch it rain different. No're
(06:00):
not putting that out there, Mandy, what not putting it out to the
universe? He said, We're notdoing it. I know. But what
would happen really, well, itwon't be as good. But that's why
we've been watching the weather and youknow, I'm going to leave it up
to the weather men to be incharge of this. But what we're seeing
now is mostly sunny throughout the areaof the state of Ohio for the eclipse,
and that's really what's going to makeit a great experience. If it
(06:25):
is sunny during the eclipse, you'llactually see some people if it's cloudy in
areas what they call chase the eclipseor drive to the areas where it's sunny
to be able to see it.Wow. You know, we were coming
back in from we went to NewYork for spring break and we were driving
back in, I want to say, yesterday to Ohio, wheeling to Zanesville,
and I saw a couple of signsthat said on April eighth, prepare
(06:46):
for delays. And I'm thinking,oh my gosh, we really are preparing
for traffic because is there a worrythat people will pull over potentially on the
side of the road to take alook at this thing. I have heard
that, Matt, Yeah, andthat's why I think the patients and then
also planning to get to your destinationearly and stay late as far as seeing
it's the right way to go aboutit. Ohio and many of these communities
(07:06):
has been planning for the eclipse forover a year, which puts us in
a good spot. But it's stillyou know, our state's welcoming hundreds of
thousands of people tomorrow, a greatway for us to show all the wonderful
attractions and great cities in our state, but also a little bit of patience
for the traffic that's likely to happenafter the eclipse tomorrow too. You've been
doing things like this for years.That's kind of who you are. Can
(07:28):
you remember something this big that comesaround really once in a lifetime? Planning
a year out for something like this. What's unique about this There have been
some really big events in the state. Think of things like NBA All Star
Games in Cleveland and NHL drafts andColumbus and those big events. That's what
we're experiencing. Tomorrow. But what'sdifferent about tomorrow is it covers so much
(07:50):
of this state and so many citieswithin the state. I think that's truly
what makes it unique and why we'resaying it's once in a lifetime event,
because you I don't see Ohio inthe path of totality for a solar eclipse
again until twenty ninety nine, notin our lifetime. It's why places like
Mansfield are like, whoa, herecomes the traffic, here come the people.
(08:11):
I've heard rumors, Matt. Idon't know if this is true or
not, so I'm gonna put thisdisclaimer on it. But I've heard is
there an airport at that direction?And I heard there might be planes sitting
on the tarmac that have just flownin to be able to see this thing
happen. I don't know, I'msure or not, but I've heard that
rumor. That's the first time hearingthat one. But I wouldn't be surprised.
(08:31):
I'm hearing of a lot of plans, friends and family, you know,
family of friends that are flying infrom places like California to see the
eclipse. A lot of people,and especially knowing whether they're supposed to be
pretty good. I think a lotof people are making their plans or have
made their plans to come to Ohiofor tomorrow. Let's just admit it.
Ohio is the happening place to be. I mean, we just had the
Women's Final four. Everything happening herewith that, Ohio is just it.
(08:54):
It's a great place to be.It is. And to your question,
if that, even if it isa little cloudy tomorrow, it's still going
to be a good experience because ourstate provides a good experience welcoming people,
great cities, great communities, andreally some special events things like Solarfest,
but the Rock Hall, the differentevents that are happening at the zoos across
the state, and then places likeSandusky with Cedar Point and all their fun
(09:18):
things to do. It's going tobe a good day tomorrow. The heart
of it all, we live upto our tagline. So Matt, thank
you so much. We know allthe great work you're doing for the Ohio
Chamber of Commerce and we just appreciateall your knowledge that you share with us
when you come in on the show. Can you imagine Matt being on like
a power tower or Millennium Force duringthe assuring the eclipse that would be amazing.
The thrill of roller coasters and theexcitement of the eclipse that events sold
(09:41):
out quick and I can see why. Well, Happy Eclipse Day tomorrow,
matt enjoy it yourself. Where areyou going to be. We've got to
go to break, but tell usreal quick where you're going to be.
You'll find me at the Clumba Zoowatching the eclipse with the animals that are
going to be totally confused. Yeah, exactly, Mattah, thank you,
thank you, thank you. Thisis what matters. On six ten w
(10:03):
t V. It
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