TIFFIN, Ohio — We're just over 150 days away from being at the center of the next total solar eclipse.
Seneca County is working to make it easier for businesses and residents to host events during the big day and is preparing for a potential 100,000 visitors to the region. County leaders know many residents will see the event as a money-making opportunity.
So, the Seneca County General Health District has announced it is accepting applications for temporary campsite and temporary food service permits specifically for the eclipse.
"Well, we already do temporary permits for festivals and events all through the year, said Seneca County Health Commissioner Julie Richards. "This really is no different, we just know that this is a one-time, special event that is coming to Seneca County."
With hotel beds at a premium in the smaller, rural community, many landowners are planning on using their properties as campsites.
Others may want to serve food out of a food truck or host a festival over the weekend leading up to the eclipse.
With so many expected applicants, the health district will need a little more time to perform the necessary inspections.
"We do ask that if they're thinking about it now, the sooner the better," said Dainna Raye, the district's director of environmental health. "Hopefully we can anticipate how many people we have on board to do those inspections because it does require someone that does have a license to do so."
The initiative is only part of the work that Destination Seneca County has already put in to make sure that the county, which sits in the dead center of totality, doesn't miss out on any potential tourism dollars for the once-in-a-lifetime event.
"It's making our partners think outside of the box so they have events ready, they have activities ready and their doors are open that weekend and especially that Monday," said Bryce Riggs, the executive director of Destination Seneca County.