Solar eclipse expected to draw thousands, boost Maine’s economy [Video]

RANGELEY, Maine — Thousands are expected to flock to western and northern Maine to see the solar eclipse on April 8. There are countless events planned across the state and they are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of dollars — if not more.

“We started receiving requests more than four or five years ago,” Travis Ferland, the owner of the Rangeley Inn, said. “We have had some cancellations and then they fill right back in very quickly.”

All of Rangeley’s hotels are booked up as well with occasional cancellations, according to Rangeley’s Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a very timely and much-needed infusion for many of these local communities,” Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of New England Oak McCoy, said.

While this winter was tough on businesses that thrive on …