Eclipse brings out the curious at viewings across the Triad

The path of the solar eclipse did not pass directly over the Triad. But there was still enough for folks to get out and catch an indirect glimpse.

Students from the YWCA Best Choice Learning Center gathered outside of the Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center to wait for the passage of the moon in front of the sun. Some had eclipse glasses, while others used pinhole cereal boxes.

Youth Services Librarian Alisa Sanders described it as part science event, part party. Sanders says she likes it when kids learn while having fun.

“We have popcorn. We’re about to bring out the music pretty soon," she says. "You can dance if you want to. We’re just celebrating the eclipse, having a great day.”

The 2017 totality made a direct pass over western North Carolina, turning day to night in places like Sylva.

It wasn’t that dramatic here this time, but the eclipse was enough to draw gatherings across the region while many school students were still on spring break.

Thomasville City Schools were in session but dismissed early. In a statement, officials said they made the decision because the peak of the eclipse would coincide with school buses taking children home.