Park Operator Has A Variety of Activities Planned Starting at 9 a.m.; Says the Front Lawn, Boardwalk, & Beach on the Mighty Niagara River Are The Best spots to See the Historic Eclipse on April 8
Cyndy Montana loves the sun.
Growing up on a farm in Quebec, Canada, her family relied on sun to survive the long growing season and now, she has solar panels on her Grand Island home which provides power to the house and her electric car.
The owner and operator of Montana International, LLC, which signed a 20-year contract to manage guest services inside the 950-acre Beaver Island State Park in 2019, has never wanted to see the huge ball of sun more than she does on April 8. Millions of visitors are expected in Western New York to view the historic 2024 Solar Eclipse.
The Falconwood Event Center, left, the V’Randa Restaurant, right and the Sand Stand, center
Montana said the park’s Falconwood Event Center, V’Randa Restaurant, Sand Stand beach concession, the Front Lawn and Boardwalk that overlook the one-half mile sandy beach on the shores of the mighty Niagara River, are directly in the path of totality, which occurs at 3:18 p.m. that day and lasts until 3:22 with the maximum at 3:20. The totality partial begins at 2:04 p.m. and ends at 4:32 p.m.
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. Those viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun—known as the path of totality—will experience a total solar eclipse.
The long boardwalk facing east between the beach and the front lawn
“This is the day I am praying for,” Montana said Monday afternoon at 3:20 p.m. as she wore her sunglasses and smiled as the sun beamed down upon the park. “It will happen, and it will be a dream come true. Our goal when we took over this amazing state park was to bring life back to the park by offering something to do for the entire family and to attract visitors from all over Western New York, the state and beyond.”
Montana and Grand Island’s Blue Water Marina are offering a unique opportunity to watch the eclipse in a kayak on the Niagara River. They will be available for rent and will be launched from the beach. Visitors may bring their own kayaks and launch them from the special launch at the marina.
Since signing the contract to manage the park, Montana International, LLC has survived the Covid pandemic and its aftermath and now the construction of a new bridge off the 190 North Highway. It forces guests coming from the south to exit at Whitehaven Road, turn left and enter 190 South to the next exit for Beaver Island. “It is a four-minute difference,” she said.
Montana decided to make the historic viewing of the Eclipse an all-day event throughout the park for families. Details of Eclipse Day at Beaver Island State Park include:
Free Park admission and Free parking with 1,000 parking spaces.
A certified Solar Eclipse 5k race and kid’s 1-mile fun run begins at 9 a.m. Register here.
A Craft & Vendor Fair opens at 9 a.m. in the Falconwood Event Center and adjacent Terrace. Information here.
Kayak rentals launched off the beach by Blue Water Marine. Visitors can bring their own kayak and launch from the Beaver Island marina.
The great lawn beneath the Falconwood will feature a beer tent and live music from Ransom Road.
There will be many jumbo lawn games provided by Leaping Beauty Bouncehouse and Tent Rentals of WNY set up near the playground on the front lawn under the V’Randa Restaurant.
On the beach, Bryan Caudill is organizing a Volleyball tournament. Information here.
Montana said the park’s 18-hole championship golf course will not be open but its Bogey’s Restaurant will be open, along the V’Randa Restaurant and the Sand Stand beach concession stand along with a popcorn vendor and specialty drink maker for kids. There will also be a t-shirt vendor who will create personalized shirts on the spot.
Beaver Island State Park is also home to the historic River Lea Museum, built in 1849 by William Cleveland Allen, cousin to former President Grover Cleveland, who visited the family farm on several occasions. The home was restored by the Grand Island Historical Society, which now operates the museum.
Montana, who earned a degree in commerce from John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec, and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Guelph, specializing in food service and hotel management, moved to Grand Island 20 years ago and “absolutely fell in love with the town.”
Wanting to do something big with her Montana International, LLC, the mother of two adult children went up against the big boys in bidding against the likes of Delaware North for the management rights at three state parks on Grand Island. In the past, the contract was held by multi-billion dollar companies, Delaware North and Rich Products Corp.
“When we actually won the bid back in February 2019, we were over the moon excited but also a little surprised,” she recalled. “I took on this extremely large financial commitment, because I believe my diverse professional background, my work ethic as a Canadian farmer’s daughter, my love for customer service, and my passion for Grand Island will bolster a dream to bring life back to the park.”
She now is totally focused on April 8th and creating events to keep families occupied throughout the entire day with the pinnacle occurring mid afternoon when everyone puts on their glasses and looks upwards.
“It is truly going to be a historic day for all of WNY and we are so proud we can provide a front row seat for the eclipse,” Montana added with a wide smile as she absorbed the warm sun Monday afternoon.
Lead image: Cyndy Montana, owner and operator of Montana International, LLC, smiles on a sun-drenched March 25, two weeks before the eclipse
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