Alton, Mo. – The Alton Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at the Alton United Methodist Church. With the Walnut Festival behind, the planning for the eclipse was a major topic.
Eclipse Thoughts
President Hope Rackley presented the need to have planned activities in Alton on the weekend of the April 8 eclipse. Although the need for events was discussed in late 2022 and early 2023, chamber members, in the spring of 2023,  voted to promote Alton as a prime location forÂ
eclipse viewing but leave special events up to individual businesses and organizations. Â
However, at this meeting, members agreed that some planned events were necessary. They agreed to hold an afternoon festival on the square on Saturday, April 6, and a viewing event at Piney Creek Park on April 8. All activities would be subject to the City of Alton’s approval.
As an eclipse theme, the chamber chose Comet Country Gone Dark. Then, they delegated tasks of contacting vendors for booths and planning music. Closer to the date, Paula Crum will take care of radio publicity, and Laurel Johnson will cover newspaper publicity.  Â
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The chamber decided that the online price of the organization’s eclipse glasses should be reduced from 8.00 to 5.00 with a 6 for 25.00 offer.  Glasses will be sold for 2.00 locally. Glasses can be stored at the United Country office.
Scholarship
The chamber discussed and voted to approve raising the annual scholarship given to an Alton High School graduate from $500.00 to $1,000.00.Â
Meetings
Those present discussed a meeting place. The chamber has met at restaurants, churches, and the CWC. An official place where everyone would know where to meet each month could help local business owners choose to attend.
Committees
The chamber is also working on making committees for various events held throughout the year.
The next Chamber of Commerce meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 15.
