NEWPORT, Ark. — ABC24 will be out in Northeast Arkansas to cover the total solar eclipse on April 8th. Being one month out, we went out to talk to local residents about the excitement ahead of the big day.
“The closer it gets, I can really think you can tell the excitement.”
Brittany Churchman like, other teachers in Newport has the day off for the eclipse. She says anticipation is building by the day.
“I do think it is really neat that we get to experience that here. I know there is so much buzz around Arkansas, I know there are a lot of people coming into town. I know several of the motels are booked with all of the people coming in.”
Jon Chadwell is with the Newport Economic Development Commission and says that every business is expecting a boost from the thousands of visitors.
“So we know restaurants, gas stations, hotels, motels, campgrounds, all of those places are seeing interest right now.”
He says a lot of planning has gone into the events that will be taking place the entire weekend including the watch party downtown on the day of the eclipse.
“The mayor has been working with our community emergency services group, with the police, with the hospital to try and make sure everything is outlined to have safety first; so that everything is taken care of, and everybody has a great time but, we have as few hiccups as possible.”
Just up the road, visitors can get a scenic view of the eclipse at Jacksonport State Park. Park Superintendent Mark Ballard expects the park to be full that Monday.
“We are expecting several thousand people that might come out to Jacksonport. Our campground is full we have a beautiful location for people to experience the eclipse.”
Whether you watch the eclipse in Newport or Jacksonport Mark says one thing will be for sure.
“It is going to be a great experience, something that we’ll remember for a lifetime.”
Ballard says that for those who go to the state park, there will be solar eclipse-related merchandise for sale in the park store.
The ABC24 weather team is going to have the latest forecast and give you the latest updates as we get closer to the big day.