About This Festival
Event Overview
Get Mooned in Boone was a three-day celebration held April 6–8, 2024, spanning Boone County, Indiana, northwest of Indianapolis and easily accessible from I-65. The event centered on the rare total solar eclipse visible in the area on April 8, 2024, and attracted both local residents and out-of-town visitors, including international guests. The weekend was family-friendly, community-focused, and featured a lively, inclusive atmosphere with a variety of activities for all ages.
Area Surrounding the Event
Boone County, Indiana is a vibrant, midsize suburban and rural county located northwest of Indianapolis. Lebanon is the county seat, and the area is known for its welcoming small-town feel, scenic parks, and community spirit. The county offers convenient amenities while retaining a sense of rural charm, with open spaces, local shops, and historic downtown areas serving as gathering points for residents and visitors alike.
Vibe and Experience
The event’s vibe was festive and communal, emphasizing shared wonder at the astronomical phenomenon and fostering a sense of connection—not just among attendees, but also with the broader universe. Downtown Lebanon buzzed with activity, echoing an 80s theme for “Total Eclipse in The Heart,” while parks hosted large crowds and offered open spaces for viewing. The weekend was marked by music, food, family activities, concerts, and races, all accessible to guests of varying abilities and interests.
Activities
- Eclipse Watch Parties: Multiple locations, including Downtown Lebanon, Memorial Park, and Abner Longley Park, hosted viewing parties where crowds gathered to experience totality—an awe-inspiring moment of total darkness during the eclipse.
- Music and Entertainment: The Pink Droyd Eclipse Concert was a highlight, featuring live music and laser shows.
- Races: The Mooned in Boone 5K/10K runs took place on April 7, 2024, offering a fun, competitive element for runners and walkers.
- Family Activities: Throughout the county, various sites hosted games, educational talks, crafts, and interactive science exhibits related to the eclipse.
- Community Meals and Food Trucks: Local eateries and food trucks provided refreshments at major gathering spots.
- Photography and Social Sharing: Attendees were encouraged to share their eclipse photos on social media and the city’s Facebook page, creating a shared digital memory of the event.
- Accessibility: Events were designed to be handicapped accessible, ensuring broad community participation.
Rough Schedule
| Date | Event | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Community kickoff, family activities, local markets | Various locations across Boone County | Setup for weekend festivities |
| April 7 | Mooned in Boone 5K/10K Runs | Lebanon, IN (exact start line in town) | Morning event |
| April 7 | Pink Droyd Eclipse Concert & Laser Show | Boone County 4H Fairgrounds, Lebanon, IN | Evening entertainment |
| April 8 | Eclipse Watch Parties (Downtown, Memorial Park, Abner Longley Park) | Downtown Lebanon & major city parks | Afternoon, focus on totality |
| April 8 | Community meals, food trucks, music, crafts | Various gathering spots in Lebanon | All day |
Note: The schedule reflects the main events; many smaller activities, vendor markets, and local business specials ran throughout the weekend.
Event History and Founding
There is no detailed history available about the founding of “Get Mooned in Boone” as a recurring or annual festival. The 2024 edition appears to have been created specifically to celebrate the total solar eclipse—a rare and highly anticipated astronomical event. The City of Lebanon and Discover Boone County were primary organizers, engaging local businesses, community groups, and artists to provide a memorable experience for both residents and visitors. The event’s name and promotional materials played on the astronomical theme and Boone County’s location in the “path of totality” for the eclipse.
Conclusion
Get Mooned in Boone was a landmark, community-driven celebration, leveraging the once-in-a-generation total solar eclipse to create a vibrant and inclusive weekend. The blend of scientific wonder, outdoor recreation, live entertainment, and local hospitality made it a standout event for Boone County and a memorable experience for all who attended.