HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — From horse racing and St. Patrick's Day festivities to the total solar eclipse happening on April 8, there's no shortage of upcoming events in the spa city.
"When people visit Arkansas they always come back because they have a great time," said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs.
That's what Arrison expects to see as Hot Springs starts its busy season.
"We're really looking forward to this weekend with the rebel and then in March with all the different great events we've got going on," Arrison described.
Thousands are expected to make their way to Oaklawn this weekend for the Rebel Stakes races.
"This beautiful weather. I'm sure we have a lot of people down, you know, the best horses in the world race right [are] here at Oaklawn. So we're really looking forward to that. And then on to the Arkansas derby," he explained.
Arrison said there's a lot happening leading up to the 21st annual World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17.
The Cherry Blossom Festival is part of that this year, and Sumo Sumo Sumo, which is sumo wrestling.
Then the state high school basketball championships will bring a lot of people to the Hot Springs Convention Center, and of course, the St. Patrick's Day parade right after.
"It's been estimated that over 30,000 people show up for St. Patrick's Day every year so we're expecting a record crowd this year. Emmitt Smith has really created a buzz for us," he said.
Since Spring break is right around the corner, he said that typically helps businesses in the area.
We also can't forget about the solar eclipse.
"We think we'll see at least 100,000 extra people in town for that event since we're right in the path of totality," he added.
He compared it to having another Arkansas Derby which is happening the week before.
"I think with the great horses and especially with a lot of the Arkansas contacts we have this year, I bet you [there] will be 70,000 or 80,000 people at the Arkansas Derby this year," he explained. "It's just a great time to live and visit Hot Springs."
Racing will return to Oaklawn on Friday and then the Rebel Stakes card is on Saturday.
A horse named "Timberlake" is the favorite.
The track announced they will open the infield that day for the first time this year, weather permitting.