GOSHEN COUNTY – August is fast approaching, and the Goshen County Solar Eclipse Committee has several suggestions to ensure a safe, enjoyable and potentially profitable event for all residents.
GCSEC president Jennifer Lanier said it’s likely most people who visit Goshen County for the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21 will be “day-trippers”.
“The day-trippers are those who will get up early on Monday, put on a clean shirt, jump in their car and join us for the festivities,” she said.
Residents may also reasonably expect to encounter many international visitors. And, with the anticipated influx of people new to Goshen County, GCSEC suggests additional signage, and patience, may be necessary to prevent trespassers.
“Many visitors do not know our land or the laws,” Lanier said in a memo. “Wyoming is a fence-out state – if you do not want people on your property, post ‘No Trespassing’ and ‘Private Drive/Property’ signs.”
Residents are also advised to purchase enough food, gas, medicine and toiletries by Wednesday, Aug. 16 to last for two weeks. Many eclipse experts believe the county will run out of food, fuel and other amenities during the event.
Additionally, the use of the correct viewing glasses is key to prevent eye damage. For more information on how to safely view the eclipse, visithttps://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety.
“For many people, a total solar eclipse is life-changing,” Lanier said. “Learn more about the eclipse, how it could impact you, and why so many people love solar eclipses.”
To enhance your eclipse experience, GCSEC also recommends volunteering and “embracing the chaos,” as well as knowing where to direct visitors for more information.
Informational resources include www.GoGoshen.net, www.GreatAmericanEclipse.com, www.eclipse2017.org, www.BeingInTheShadow.com, and www.eclipse2017.nasa.gov.
Residents who are interested in profiting from the eclipse – including selling water, hosting a viewing site, providing lodging, conducting a tour and more – need to follow the correct steps to make sure their endeavors are successful and legal.
The following are required permits and insurance, as provided by GCSEC:
• Talk to your insurance agent to determine your coverage and liability.
• You will need a State of Wyoming Tax Revenue RID number as a Temporary Business, if you are charging money. This is different than a tax id number. Call (307) 777-5200 (main office) or Field Representative Crissy Lopez at (307) 532-5566 if you have any questions. If you are charging for lodging you will need to collect Lodging Tax (4 percent). Download application to mail in here http://revenue.wyo.gov/. Online application at https://excise-wyifs.wy.gov/. Pick up an application and information at 1618 East M St. in Torrington.
• You will need a “Transient Merchant” permit. If selling in a municipality, contact the town clerk to determine if they are issuing permits. If they are not, or you are based outside town limits, the county clerk (courthouse) will issue your permit. You may need to show proof of insurance.
• If you are selling alcohol, you will need a malt liquor permit. Again, check with your municipality or the county clerk if the town is not issuing them or you are located outside municipality limits.
• If you are selling food (including water), you will (probably) need a Temporary Food Vendor permit from Wyoming Department of Agriculture. You may need a hand-washing system. Contact Eric Avila at (307) 837- 2746 or eric.avila1@wyo.gov for more information.
As always, residents are encouraged to call Torrington Dispatch at (307) 532-7001 for all non-emergencies and dial 911 for emergencies.
