Eclipse 2024 Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport

Mid-American Air Center Prepares to Dazzle: Countdown to the 2024 Dancing in the Dark Total Eclipse Celebration

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ill. – Mid-American Air Center at Lawrenceville-Vincennes International Airport, located between Lawrenceville and Vincennes, Ind., will make history again with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A little more than 80 years after serving as an Army Air Corps training base during World War II, the airport will host Dancing in the Dark, a two-day celebration of music, food, family fun surrounding the Eclipse 2024 on April 7-8, 2024.

The 500-acre site has plenty of room for enjoying the eclipse, sampling various food options, playing games with the kids, camping, tailgating and dancing to two wildly popular bands. And that’s not to mention Mid-American Air Center serves as the best place to see the eclipse in the Wabash Valley here on Big Sky country on Allison Prairie.

“In partnership with the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lawrenceville, we have put together a great place to see a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Mid-American Air Center manager Kurtis Schwartz said. “Not only is this a great place with wide-open spaces to enjoy the eclipse, but we also have food, music, family activities, a beer tent and the excitement of a busy airport here in rural America.

“This is the best place to spread a blanket, bring a few lawn chairs, do some dancing and enjoy the eclipse.”

On Sunday, April 7, the high-energy band Intrigue from Detroit will entertain the crowd during the preview Hangar Party. Regarded as one of the most popular bands in the Midwest and a top 150 band nationally, Intrigue brings a varied play list from top 40 to rock to Motown. This show draws everyone to the dance floor until the last encore.

On Monday April 8, Mid-American Air Center will serve as the hub of the eclipse in the Wabash Valley. Of course, the roughly 4 minutes of total darkness along the line of totality is why everyone is converging on Lawrence County. Eclipse chasers say it’s a life-changing event. With Dancing in the Dark, there’s so much more that watching the sun.

“We’ve developed a complete experience for everyone, whether you just like to see the eclipse or if you want to eat, drink, dance, camp or play games with your children,’’ said Amy Seed, the executive director for the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. “The eclipse is an event to be celebrated in Lawrence County, and we’re excited to bring such an active, family-friendly day for everyone to enjoy.’’

The eclipse will share the spotlight with Muddy Creek & Co., the fast-rising band from Lawrence County who wanted to stay local for this amazing event before extensive touring during the summer and fall. A four-piece original Americana rock band, Muddy Creek & Co. brings its Soulful Sounds of the South to the Beer Tent stage. From heartfelt ballads to high-energy anthems, Muddy Creek & Co. offers a dynamic and engaging performance that’s sure to have you on your feet and leave you feeling good for weeks to come. Muddy Creek & Co. can be enjoyed in the tent and outside on the lawn.

For a special way to experience the magic of the eclipse, reserve a seat in the VIP club on the second floor of the Terminal. The VIP ticket includes a hearty lunch, view the aviation traffic and a great spot to watch the eclipse turn the party and the prairie dark.

Children will have a great time in the Family Fun Zone with Bounce Houses, Jumbo Connect 4, Tic Tac Toe, Bubble Blowers and other games. And it’s not a party for the kids without cotton candy.

Vendors will be on site with several food options. Like any football game, concert or race, this is also a great chance for families to throw their own tailgate party.

Admission is $10 per car/SUV and $30 for buses. RV camping is $30 with spaces on pavement limited. Tent camping is $10. VIP Tickets are $125. The preview Hanger Party ticket is just $25, and admission to the Beer Tent is free with an ID.

• You can reserve your camping ticket here
• You can purchase VIP Tickets Here
• Hanger Party Tickets Here

NASA-approved souvenir eclipse glasses will be distributed to the first 5,000 to enter.

For tickets and more information, see midairevents.com or call the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 618-943-3516.

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