A mesmerizing celestial event unfolded on Monday afternoon as the solar eclipse cast its shadow over New Brunswick. While spectators in the likes of Fredericton, Florenceville-Bristol and Miramichi were on the path of totality and got to see the total eclipse of the sun, Charlotte County residents enjoyed near-perfect viewing conditions with the moon almost completely covering the sun around 4:30pm. That's when the sky got dark and the air got cold.

In St. Stephen, nearly 250 people, young and old, gathered at the waterfront of the St. Croix River for a solar eclipse glow dance party to celebrate the rare experience. The municipality handed out free glow sticks, popcorn and cotton candy to event goers to add to the excitement and celebratory nature of the day.

In St. Andrews, solar eclipse seekers congregated in Market Square to take in the natural phenomenon. Lyn Mayo, owner of Wee Fabric Shop, decided to close up shop and bring her Monday sewing group outside on the patio for the once or twice in a lifetime experience. 

"We have open sews on Monday, and the ladies decided we should pop outside and take a look," said Mayo.

Traffic was closed to vehicles on the market wharf to make way for eager spectators. Families, friends, and curious onlookers alike gathered in anticipation on the waterfront, not to mention on patios, with schools even dismissing early to allow students the opportunity to witness the spectacle firsthand.

Against the backdrop of the region's pristine weather, the eclipse unfolded in all its splendour, with minimal air pollution enhancing visibility across our province and providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable experience. And while the next total solar eclipse won't grace North America until August 23, 2044, the memories of this celestial phenomenon will surely linger for years to come. The eclipse may have lasted merely minutes, but it was a powerful reminder of the vastness and beauty of our universe, inspiring awe and curiosity in those who witnessed it, and sparking a sense of wonder about the cosmos beyond our own.  

Finally, Lydia Stubbert, a passionate 9-year-old from St. Stephen, is on a mission to spruce up her community. After successfully hosting a town-wide cleanup of St. Stephen last spring, this year she is rallying all Charlotte County residents to participate in a county-wide cleanup.

"We are trying to get people to clean around Charlotte County. I don't like looking at garbage. It makes me sad, and it's bad for the environment," said Lydia.

If you're in the St. Stephen area, Lydia's Second Annual Community Cleanup starts at 12:30pm sharp on April 20, with volunteers meeting at the Border Arena Parking lot. Other Charlotte County communities like Blacks Harbour, Campobello, Deer Island and St. Andrews are joining the cause with their own versions of the event.  Armed with gloves, garbage bags, and a shared sense of purpose, Charlotte County residents will set out to beautify their community picking up one piece of litter at a time.