Eclipse Mania: A Story of Elves, Shoes, and Traffic Jams

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Aug 10, 2017, 08:35 ET

PHILOMATH, Ore., Aug. 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- What do a small town in Oregon, a shoemaking workshop, and a total solar eclipse have in common? Not much…until August 21, 2017, that is. The elves at Softstar Shoes, a handcrafted shoe company in Philomath, Oregon, have spent months busily preparing for one of the biggest natural events their small town has ever seen. On August 21st a total solar eclipse will travel on a narrow path across the United States, including Philomath and other Oregon towns in its shadow. Cue hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the state and the country!

Softstar's buttery soft eclipse moccasins feature a hand-cut design to represent the sun's corona.

Philomath, home to about 4,500 people, is located on a main artery between the Willamette Valley and the Oregon coast. Because of its central location, this route is likely to be an extremely popular choice for visitors traveling to the area. With such a vast number of people coming to Philomath and surrounding towns, hotels have been booked for months. The high demand for lodging has enticed local residents to rent out their homes, spare rooms, and even their front yards to dedicated eclipse viewers. Some people in the area are also planning to take the day off from work due to the state's projections of traffic jams that could last hours. However, tourists stranded on Saturday, August 19, will be in luck as Softstar plans to host a free event open to anyone who wishes to see how the handcrafted shoes are made. Dubbed "elves" after the classic tale of The Elves and the Shoemaker, Softstar employees love sharing their craft with others.

Beginning at 10:00 a.m., Softstar will greet visitors by blasting "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and other eclipse-themed songs at the whimsical workshop that houses Softstar's shoemaking operations. In addition to free eclipse glasses and workshop tours, the elves will host a raffle for a free pair of special edition Roo Moccasins designed in honor of the eclipse. These moccasins are handcrafted in-house and are made of smooth, buttery soft leather and luxurious sheepskin. This special edition shoe will feature a hand-cut leather design to represent the sun's corona that often appears during a total solar eclipse. For a limited time, these special edition moccasins will also be available for purchase on Softstar's website (www.softstarshoes.com).

Softstar will be closed the morning of the eclipse on August 21, and will re-open at noon. If you are traveling to the area, make sure to stop by the workshop to meet the elves, see how Softstar shoes are made, and maybe even pick up a pair of eclipse moccasins as a cozy souvenir.

Softstar Shoes produces handmade soft leather shoes for babies, children and adults. The company is committed to using natural, eco-friendly materials and to developing direct relationships with their customers. Made in the USA: 100% of Softstar's shoes are handcrafted by American leather artisans in their Oregon workshop.

Contact:
Ali Ulstad, Marketing and Promotions
[email protected]
541-753-5845

SOURCE Softstar Shoes