NEWSLETTER
East Aurora, NY—As the world observes the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, a pivotal moment in Indigenous history will be celebrated and honored at the Friends of Knox Farm State Park EAclipse Celebration.
Approximately 800 years ago, during a total solar eclipse, the Great Law of Peace was formed, creating the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Ticket holders at the EAclipse event will be able to enjoy a unique blend of live performances, teachings, and powerful Indigenous-produced sound scores centered around the theme of connectivity to the natural world and the creation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Grandmother Jackie Labonte, Mohawk, a prominent figure in the Indigenous community, will begin with the traditional Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address to give thanks and gratitude to all our relations in the natural world, followed by live performances of traditional songs and teachings to welcome and honor the total solar eclipse.
The program will commence with an immersive Indigenous soundscape to ground the audience and prepare them for totality, featuring sounds of the four directions, drum, flute, and the natural world.
Geneviève Gros-Louis—Wendat Nation composer of the original Knox Farm State Park EAclipse score—said, “In the celestial dance of light and shadow, it is my honor to compose a special piece of music, weaving melodies that echo our ancient journey towards peace. As the eclipse graces the skies, the music will tell the story of the enduring legacy of unity and harmony, woven into the fabric of our existence by the Great Law of Peace.”
“This event promises to be a unique and enriching experience for all ticket holders and a testament to the enduring traditions and wisdom of the Haudenosaunee people,” said Kathleen York, Executive Director of the Friends of Knox Farm State Park.
The EAclipse Celebration is sold out and there will not be any walk-up ticket sales available. The event takes place at the stables area of Knox Farm State Park on Monday, April 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Ticket holders will enjoy EAclipse programming provided by special guests from NASA, 32 activities presented by WNY businesses and organizations, live music by Folkfaces and The Buffalo Brass Machine, food and beverage vendors, and live streaming from the path of totality.
The Friends extend their deepest gratitude to the EAclipse sponsors who have made it possible to provide live music and outstanding programming and to keep ticket prices low. They include: Parks & Trails NY, Erie County, M&T, Moog, Freed Maxick, Harter Secrest & Emery, Hodgson Russ, National Fuel, Fox Run, Bartsch’s Auto Service, Rotary Club of East Aurora, Buffalo Games, Borderland, NISSHA Medical Technologies, Limbic Studio, and Turn of the Century Designs & Signs.
Ticket holders should park in the lot at 171 Knox Road. Knox Road will otherwise be closed to the general public. Other areas of the park are open to the general public, but please be aware that general public parking is limited to the lot near the main entrance/big red barns. People are encouraged to ride bikes, walk, or carpool, if they plan to come to Knox Farm.
To download the Friends of Knox Farm State Park EAclipse Programming Schedule, FAQs, and Safety Information, please visit: www.friendsofknoxfarm.org/.
About The Friends of Knox Farm State Park:
The Friends of Knox Farm State Park, Inc., is a not-for-profit corporation. Our primary mission is to preserve and promote the unique character and historic beauty of Knox Farm State Park for the community and for generations to come. We work under a partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.
For more information about the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, please visit:
https://www.haudenosauneeconfederacy.com/
https://www.genevievegroslouis.com/
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Contact:
Kathleen York
Executive Director, Friends of Knox Farm State Park
716-805-7205 | admin@friendsofknoxfarm.org