RANGELEY, Maine — Thousands are expected to flock to western and northern Maine to see the solar eclipse on April 8. There are countless events planned across the state and they are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars — if not more.
"We started receiving requests more than four or five years ago," Travis Ferland, the owner of the Rangeley Inn, said. "We have had some cancellations and then they fill right back in very quickly."
All of Rangeley's hotels are booked up as well with occasional cancellations, according to Rangeley's Chamber of Commerce.
"It’s a very timely and much-needed infusion for many of these local communities," Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of New England Oak McCoy, said.
While this winter was tough on businesses that thrive on winter tourism and recreation, the celestial event offers a big break, McCoy said.
"It just happens to make up for a little quieter winter that we’ve had, so things seem to balance out in the end," Ferland said.
Rangeley's Chamber of Commerce is estimating about 20,000 people in town for the total solar eclipse. Houlton is planning for 30,000 visitors.
"People are offering their camps. People are offering their rooms in their homes," Jane Torres, Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce's executive director, said.
Houlton is the last place in the U.S. where the path of totality will be visible. The town is holding a three-day event, which will generate immediate revenue for the town's lodging and restaurant business.
Beyond creating an unforgettable experience in April, Torres said they want to capitalize on the opportunity to show people all that Houlton has to offer.
"Our goal is to have people come back, and to show people that hospitality and that, you know, we do exist up here," she said.
McCoy said events like this generate revenue that will have a ripple effect through Maine's economy.
"The benefits of this is it's not just us holding a solar eclipse. There's some promotional and future marketing value here as well," McCoy said. “This isn’t just a moment of darkness, right? It’s really an opportunity for us to build a very bright future," McCoy said.