Oswego stores to offer deals ahead of eclipse

OSWEGO, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Oswego County is preparing to double in population on Monday, April 8. But the city is starting the party early this weekend.

Anticipation is running high in the City of Oswego.

“This is a once in a lifetime event,” said Heidi Eggleston, owner of Bodified.

The once-in-a-lifetime event is expected to bring crowds of people to the port city to view Monday’s total solar eclipse. Something the city’s economic development team has been preparing for.

“It was over a year ago that we were planning. We knew this was going to be an event that totality would be right over the city, so we made a lot of efforts to start planning early on,” said Amy Murphy, economic development director for the city of Oswego.

Local businesses in Oswego are hoping travelers follow the eclipse path right to their store, with some businesses offering discounts and deals this coming small business Saturday. Like locally owned retail store, Bodified.

“Saturday, we’re doing 10% off the entire store from 11 to 6. So anything in the store will be on sale, and hopefully, people will come in,” said Eggleston.

There are special deals around for everyone in the family, kids too.

“We decided to participate because there’s a lot of other businesses in town that are participating, and we’re expecting quite a few visitors in the area this weekend,” said Lisa Emmons, owner of Curious Kidz.

The kid’s store is taking advantage of the eclipse, selling science-themed toys, puzzles and games, hoping it sparks an interest in science for kids.

“Selected science products are 25 to 50% off,” said Emmons.

Bodified is located at 25 West Bridge Street and is open 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6.

Curious Kidz is located at 145 West Bridge Street and is open from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. The super science sale will continue on Monday, April 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Other stores participating in small business Saturday include YMCA, GS Steamers Bar and Grill, Snax Enterprises, Coffee Connection, The 315 Studio and La Parrilla on the Water.

An Eclipse Block Party is being held on Sunday, April 7, from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on West 1st Street. There will be food, live music, fun and more.

An Eclipse Viewing Area will be held at Breitbeck Park on Monday, April 8, from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Eclipse visitors will be provided to the public for free from Thursday, April 4, to Monday, April 8, at various locations in the city.

For more details, click here.