The solar eclipse, which will last a couple minutes, could generate between $10 million to $20 million in out-of-state spending, according to estimates from the Department of Tourism and Marketing. Susan Ogden and Mark Kuprych have been preparing by organizing a fundraiser at their Burlington church. “They've got invited guests coming, and they said, 'Well, we don't want everybody using our bathroom, so we're going to rent a porta-let,'” said Kim Littlefield.
Many towns are planning similar events, and the financial boost from visitors spread out in so many places could add up to between $10 million to $20 million, according to state estimates. Rev. Karen G. Johnston wearing a dress depicting the eclipse. , designed a T-shirt, and organized over 20 listings for sale — ranging from $100 a night for a pullout couch to $1,500 a night for a three-bedroom apartment.
Sarah Rosedahl painted a cow for an eclipse-themed sermon. She also designed t-shirts for sale as part of the church's fundraiser.