There will be plenty to do on Monday, Aug. 21, but you don’t have to wait that long to have some eclipse day fun. Several activities will take place in advance of the eclipse.
Friday, Aug. 18
■ The Jefferson R-7 community is invited to attend an informational training session regarding the eclipse and safety concerns at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in the Performing Arts Center at Jefferson High School, 7 Blue Jay Way.
■ The Mobile Dome Planetarium, a 16-by-16-foot, 10-foot-high mobile high-definition theater, will be at the Herculaneum High School Theater lobby from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 19
■ The Fourth Annual Golf Tournament and Hot Air Balloon Glow fundraiser will take place at the Deer Creek USA Fore Honor Golf and Event Center, 5300 Dulin Creek Road, in House Springs. The four-person scramble tees off at 10 a.m. Cash and prizes will be awarded. Gates open for the balloon glow at 5 p.m. The event includes music, concessions and beverages. No coolers, outside food or beverages allowed. Proceeds will benefit a new PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) Wellness and Services Center for Jefferson County, which will serve first responders and 17,500 veterans. For more information, call 636-671-0447 or visit www.Deercreekusa.com.
■ Camping will be available Aug. 19-22 at the Fort Hill Ramrods, a historic frontiersman re-enactment club at 9401 Goldman Road in Hillsboro. The cost to rent a site for primitive tent camping is $45, and for recreation vehicle camping is $75 or $100 with electricity. Day passes are also available for the day of the eclipse. The private campground has potable water as well as shower facilities. Many campsites are shaded, and a tent will be set up with fans and a water mister. There are several centrally located picnic tables, and fire rings and wood will be available. For more information or to reserve a spot, visit www.hillsboroeclipse.com.
■ The De Soto August Car Cruise will be held from 5-9 p.m. at the De Soto Dairy Queen, 120 Jefferson Square. The event includes give-aways, prizes and trophies. Cars, trucks and bikes are welcome to show.
■ Mahn Funeral Home will hold a Car Cruise starting at 6 p.m. at the historic Texaco gas station, 900 N. Main St., in De Soto. Registration begins at 5 p.m., and the cruise begins at 6. For more information, call 636-586-2288. Rain date is Saturday, Aug. 26.
Sunday, Aug. 20
■ The De Soto Police Department, De Soto Fire Department and De Soto Rural Fire Protection District will jointly sponsor a Movie Under the Stars event, starting at 5 p.m. at the De Soto Dairy Queen, 120 Jefferson Square. The evening will kick off with visitors trying their best to send city officials splashing into the dunking booth. Balls are $1 each and the targets include the De Soto Police Chief, De Soto Rural Fire Protection District Chief, Dairy Queen owner Danny Duepner, Scott Williams from American Family Insurance and Debbie Boyer from the Chamber of Commerce. The movie “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” will start at dusk. Admission is free. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chairs.
