Eagle Pass to become First American City to Witness Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
The City of Eagle Pass, Texas will be the first American city within the continental United States to witness and experience the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, Arturo Marquez, Eagle Pass Economic Development Department Director, said.
Marquez, together with the City of Eagle Pass Police Department and Fire Department, hosted a digital Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the Eagle Pass Art and Culture Center, 368 Main Street, in downtown Eagle Pass to discuss the impact of the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse on Eagle Pass and how to prepare for the historic event in a safe and prudent manner.
Marquez highlighted that thousands of tourists and visitors are expected to visit Eagle Pass for the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse and Eagle Passans should prepare in advance purchasing food, gasoline, and household items to avoid a shortage during the weekend of April 6-8, 2024.
Eagle Pass is expected to be in the Path of Totality of the April 8th Total Solar Eclipse with the historic event commencing at approximately 12:10 p.m. and continuing until 3 p.m. and the Path of Totality (complete darkness) to occur at approximately 1:27 p.m. (CST) and last for approximately four minutes and 25 seconds. Eagle Pass is ground zero for the April 8th Eclipse in the United States, Marquez said.
Traffic within Eagle Pass is anticipated to significantly increase with the thousands of tourists and visitors in the community, causing delays in traveling from one location to another within the community. Local residents are encouraged to fill-up their gas tanks in their automobiles and vehicles as well as purchase sufficient groceries and toiletries for the home. Another recommendation is to have sufficient financial funds (cash) available to handle the weekend and any potential emergency situation.
Local restaurants and hotels are expected to be full and at maximum capacity. Plan in advance as waiting times are going to be long. Local residents are encouraged to consider cooking and eating at home to avoid the long lines and delays.
Local people and businesses should also check their communications, electronic devices such as cell phones and cash registers or digital payment methods to make sure they are properly working.
Demand for food will skyrocket during the weekend of April 6-8, 2024, added Marquez. Local restaurants are recommended to pre-order sufficient food and refreshment supplies to handle the increased demand for their meals and drinks. Restaurants are recommended to handle their customers in an efficient and courteous manner.
Local businesses should ensure they have sufficient parking to manage the increased flow of vehicles and traffic within the community.
People viewing the Total Solar Eclipse should wear solar protection eyeglasses to protect their eye vision. Eclipse viewing eyeglasses are available at the Eagle Pass Art and Culture Center as well as in local retail businesses.
People are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement at 911 or at the Eagle Pass Police Department at (830) 773-9244 and the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department at (830) 773-2123.
In addition to the increased visitors for the Total Solar Eclipse, the City of Eagle Pass and Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino are hosting a three day music festival titled 57 South Music Festival during April 6-8, 2024 at the grounds of the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in southern Maverick County, expected to draw thousands of tourists and visitors to the music fest.
The Eagle Pass Independent School District has cancelled school on April 8, 2024, the day of the Total Solar Eclipse.
The Eagle Pass Business Journal is offering an exclusive Eagle Pass Total Solar Eclipse T-Shirt for sale to commemorate the historic event in the community. People may purchase a shirt at the Eagle Pass Business Journal office, located at 438 N. Monroe Street, Eagle Pass, Texas during Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. while supplies last. Cost for the shirt is $20 and $22 each. For more information, call the Eagle Pass Business Journal at (830) 757-2705.
