It was rock star Prince who once wanted to party like it's 1999.I say it's time to party like the sun is about to disappear.For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will cross America. Out of pure happenstance, McMinnville is in the direct line and has been identified as one of the prime spots to view this natural marvel.The McMinnville Board of Mayor and Aldermen can't take credit for this cosmic convergence. And the School Board can't consider it a reason to pass a 19-cent tax increase.But this rare occurrence can be seen as a time to celebrate and I want to give three cheers to our city officials, and other local organizations, for joining together and planning a blackout party.Court Square will be blocked off for hours on Monday, Aug. 21, and there will even be T-shirt sales to commemorate the occasion when a solar eclipse darkens our door.