In Watertown's Thompson Park, first responders and city officials worked diligently to ensure a smooth and safe experience for the approximately 6,000 eclipse enthusiasts gathered on Monday. Despite a lower turnout than expected, the event, aptly named "Total Eclipse of the Park," was deemed a total success according to Mayor Sarah Pierce.

Mayor Pierce expressed her satisfaction with the city's planning process, stating that the event had been years in the making. She remarked, "I honestly do not think we could have asked for a better day." Proactive planning played a crucial role in avoiding major issues for attendees.

Throughout the event, the Watertown Police Department maintained a visible presence, with officers outfitted in full gear and a fleet of cruisers at the ready. The Watertown Fire Department also stood on standby with an engine, prepared to address any potential emergencies.

Watertown Fire Chief Matt Timerman reported that the incident count remained minimal, saying, "We literally put a couple of band-aids on people up in the park. We had one person who tripped, and that was about the extent of it." Guilfoyle Ambulance was also present in the park, but fortunately, there were no major medical concerns.

One of the primary concerns leading up to the event was traffic congestion and the potential challenges in transporting patients to hospitals. However, Watertown roads remained clear, and the anticipated traffic issues never fully materialized. Unfortunately, a few Guilfoyle ambulances encountered delays further south while transporting patients to Syracuse due to a sudden increase in traffic. Bruce Wright, the president and CEO of Guilfoyle Ambulance, mentioned that the unexpected traffic caused approximately an hour-long delay.

Overall, the coordination between first responders, city officials, and event organizers ensured a successful and safe experience for all those who attended Watertown's eclipse event. Despite the lower turnout, the meticulous planning and preparedness exhibited by the authorities significantly contributed to the positive outcome.

As the eclipse enthusiasts dispersed from Thompson Park, they expressed their gratitude for the well-executed event and commended the efforts of the city officials and first responders who made it possible.