LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — We're now just a little over a month away from the total solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024.
Several groups across the state of Arkansas, including us, have been looking toward April 8 for months— some even for years. There are several cities in the Natural State that will be in the path of totality during the eclipse.
On Monday, multiple leaders in government came together for a show and tell of sorts where they were able to showcase their plans for a smooth eclipse event.
"The 2024 Solar Eclipse has [the] potential to be the largest tourism event in Arkansas history," said Shea Lewis, Secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism and Director of State Parks.
Those high expectations brought officials from nearly every state department together, and each of them reported their progress in planning for the total solar eclipse.
However, one big question still remains— just exactly how many people are expected to make the trip to Arkansas?
"Obviously the weather and some other factors outside of our control can impact the number of visitors. If we have really great weather and Texas has really bad weather, then we may see an influx," said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) has been referring to April 8 as a construction holiday, meaning they will stop all road closures and will shut down active work zones from April 5-9.
They are doing this in hopes of easing traffic congestion and because of concerns regarding emergency response times.
"We will be able to use our trauma comm if there's a traumatic event to be able to get any patients that need to be transported to a hospital, " said Renee Mallory, Secretary of Health.
More than 100 school districts across Arkansas have even canceled school for the day.
However, despite students not being in the classroom on the day of the eclipse, Education Secretary Jacob Oliva urged the importance of not taking this rare educational opportunity for granted.
"We've deployed about a million glasses to the schools directly so that we can make sure that our students and teachers and parents and families are able to participate in a safe experience," Oliva added.
Each department has been echoing the same message. They said that in just a few short weeks, the Natural State will be poised to provide an exciting, and safe eclipse experience.
"It's our goal through the eclipse to welcome many, many guests to Arkansas. Have them experience our Natural State and [want to] come back and see us again," said Lewis.
Arkansas highway police and ARDOT staff will be stocked with gas, food, water, and first aid supplies at rest stops and key travel locations to help in case of an emergency.