Maine Mineral and Gem Museum will partner with Sunday River to host an eclipse party April 8 at the mountain. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

NEWRY — The ski season isn’t over, but about 3 p.m. April 8, Sunday River’s chairlifts will stop spinning.

This is to allow, “for the safe viewing of the eclipse for all,” according to Sunday River’s website. Parts of Maine will experience a total eclipse of the sun around 3:28 p.m. April 8. Sunday River is not in the path of totality, but it is close.

The Newry ski mountain is collaborating with Bethel’s Maine Mineral and Gem Museum for the Sunday River Solar Eclipse Viewing Party where they plan to have food and special eclipse glasses.

Maine Mineral and Gem Museum representatives, Executive Assistant Jessica Siraco; Museum Founder Larry Stifler; Museum Ambassador Donna Marie Curtis, and Meteorite Collections Manager Chrys Snogren will be on hand to answer eclipse questions at Sunday River’s North Peak.

“When the opportunity arose to work with Sunday River for this incredible celestial event, it all just made sense. What could be more inspiring than standing on a mountaintop watching a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse while learning all about our place in the solar system, and having the chance to hold a piece of the Moon as the Moon crosses in front of the Sun?” said Siraco.

MMGM will have a raffle for the chance to win a heart-shaped muonionalusta meteorite pendant, Solar System Chalk, glow-in-the-dark stars and planets, a heat-activated changing moon mug, or a Chelyabinsk meteorite tumbler.

At a photo booth, visitors will be able to hold a piece of the moon from MMGM’s collection.

Tickets to ride the Chondola are $29. at South Ridge Lodge (in person only) and will be issued until 3:30 p.m. or until capacity is reached.

Visitors attending the event will get a $5 discount on MMGM admission from April 6 to April 8. They will need to present a Sunday River season pass or a receipt from their day ticket, showing any day between April 6 and 8, at the museum.

The Sunday River lifts will re-open following the eclipse once enough light is present to resume safe operations. The Chondola will power down for the day at 5 p.m. Guests will need to load before the last chair at 4:45 p.m.