"Going to be quite a day!" Excitement builds as total solar eclipse nears

At the lakefront Sunday, it was easy to find those getting ready to witness history. A rare total solar eclipse is set to begin at 11:53 a.m. Monday, August 21st. It's the first total solar eclipse to cross the U.S. from coast to coast in 99 years.

Somewhere along the 68-mile wide belt from South Carolina to Oregon, people will experience the astronomical event in totality. In Southeast Wisconsin, the moon will block 83 percent of the sun.

At South Shore Terrace, people could make their own eclipse on the giant Connect Four board while enjoying the beverage that gave us "the girl in the moon."

South Shore Terrace

"We don't really have a plan, just go for the adventure," said Adrian Pike.

Pike was in town from Seattle for a wedding. He and his girlfriend are driving to see the eclipse Monday; they're just not sure where they're going.

"We're just going to get in a car and drive south as far as we can," said Pike.

For those who can't leave and on't have the special glasses, just get a cereal box. FOX6 News featured a Facebook Live segment sharing with our viewers how to make them.

Whether it's looking up or into the box, others just don't share the enthusiasm.

"I do not have special glasses and I'm not using a pinhole camera," said Jack Mertz, who doesn't care about the eclipse.

Mertz added that he likely won't even step outside the experience the event.

"I may be washing the dishes or reading a book, probably," he demurred.

Excited or indifferent, anyone can see it's a rare occasion.

"It's going to be quite a day I think across the country," said Pike.

If you are among those who are excited for the eclipse, be smart about how you see it. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation reminds people not to look at the sky while driving.