Is the Solar Eclipse REALLY That Big of a Deal?

Rooms are going for over $500 a night, people are flocking to Idaho from all over the country and memorabilia is being sold everywhere you turn. It's an eclipse. Why is everyone creating such hype? 

I'm sitting at dinner on Monday and there is a woman in the booth behind me just yapping about the eclipse. If she was talking about it or having a conversation, I would have described it as such. Do you know what I'm talking about? There's a way people "yap". I was paying attention to her date (yep, it was a date) and he started fidgeting with his silverware and napkin then got up to go to the bathroom. That's how you know it's a "yap". She was talking about how it's going to get dark and that it's happening on the 21st of this month and yada yada yada...

I am fine with the eclipse because, to me, it's whatever. It happens, it's great for scientists, it will be dark and then I will likely have to still continue with my day.

Maybe I'm bitter. I heard people get the day off work for the total solar eclipse. Do you?

Following lady at dinner, I went to Fred Meyer. This is what I saw.

Are we being serious, here? Friends. Whyyyyyyy?

Is this event important? Like, is it important enough to spend over half of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS for a hotel room? What about having to wait in long lines to use the restroom because they are in such high demand? It's the experience and I know this but I just can't with the hype.

Seriously, how salty do I sound?

I wanted to see if it's worth all the hype.

Does this mean "yes it is"? August 21st at 10:22 a.m. (or 11-something depending on who you ask).

What do you think?