Seneca County’s Seasons & Stories – Monthly Blog | April 2025
Each month, we bring you stories and inspiration shaped by what makes that time of year special in Seneca County. From seasonal events and local traditions to unique places and hidden gems, our themes highlight what’s most relevant to the month. See the recap video here to relive all the fun!
This April, we’re celebrating one of the most unforgettable chapters in our story — the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse. A year later, the sky-high excitement and community pride are still shining bright. On April 8, 2024, the sky darkened, the stars appeared, and Seneca County witnessed a moment of cosmic wonder. Under the theme Solar Eclipse of the Heart: Love Your Time in Totality, our community welcomed visitors from near and far to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event — and we made it one to remember.
Out of the Dark Glow 5K & Fun Run
The Out of the Dark Glow 5K & Fun Run, sponsored by Mercy Health, kicked off the festivities on April 6, 2024. More than 270 runners from 10 different states lit up Tiffin with glow sticks, neon gear, and unstoppable energy. The night race raised $6,000 for the Tiffin Community YMCA Backpack Program, helping local children head back to school prepared for success.
It wasn’t just a race — it was a glowing symbol of how we come together for a cause.
Eclipse Business Bingo
Leading up to the eclipse, visitors explored Tiffin, Fostoria, and beyond with Eclipse Business Bingo. Shops, restaurants, and local businesses offered exclusive eclipse deals and offerings — from tote bags and glass creations to ornaments, t-shirts, jewelry, and more.
It was a fun and creative way to celebrate and support local entrepreneurship — getting decked out for the eclipse from head to toe and picking up mementos to remember this special moment forever.
A Community Concert to Remember
The evening before totality, hundreds gathered at Frost-Kalnow Amphitheater on the East Green for a free community concert sponsored by Destination Seneca County and Eclipse Window Tinting. Families and friends filled the lawn, enjoying live music from fan-favorite Wally and The Beavs as anticipation for the big day grew.
It was a powerful reminder of what makes Seneca County special — a community that gathers, celebrates, and lifts each other up.
Elope at the Eclipse: A National Spotlight Shining on Seneca County
In one of the most heartwarming events of the weekend, 120 couples from 11 different states traveled over 12,000 miles combined to say “I do” or “I do again” by renewing their vows under the shadow of the moon. The event exceeded our expectations and we wanted to guarantee a smooth, memorable, and fun experience for all the couples. Coupled event received a Eclipse Guide and a walk through video on what to expect the day of. Elope at the Eclipse received over 100 national media mentions, putting Seneca County in the spotlight for its creativity, hospitality, and love. These couples were invited back this past weekend for the “Eclipse Ever After” Anniversary Celebration. We are so fortunate to have Seneca County written into the love stories of couples from across the country.
A Recognized Success
The Solar Eclipse crossed 13 states, over 200 counties, and the path of 31 million residents — so why did so many choose Seneca County?
Major brands like Oreo, Krispy Kreme, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Princess Cruises, Delta Airlines, and many more tied their national eclipse campaigns to this historic event. Seneca County was proudly listed among the nation’s eclipse success stories and recognized for our planning, creativity, and impact.
The 2024 Solar Eclipse even became a case study in the academic publication “Success Stories: Solar Eclipse Brand Campaigns, Events, and Products: Early Planning, Collaboration, and the Role of Social Media — A Model for Future Event Success and Lessons Learned from Eclipse 2024” researched and written by Danielle C. Foster and David M. Savino of Ohio Northern University. The report states: “One of the most notable nationally covered, well-planned, and executed events occurred in a small town in northwest Ohio called Tiffin.”
Love Your Time in Totality — and Beyond
One year later, the memories are as bright as ever. From runners glowing in the dark to couples beginning their forever under a once-in-a-lifetime sky, Seneca County proved that when the stars align, amazing things happen. And while the eclipse has passed, the spirit of connection, celebration, and community shines on in every story we tell, every mile traveled, and every heart touched.
Here’s to the memories we made and the many more yet to come. See the recap video here to relive all the fun!
