SEARCY, Ark. — The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is less than two weeks away, and eclipse fever is spreading throughout central Arkansas.
Allison Dennison, owner of Mr. Postman Expresso in Searcy, is preparing for anything.
"We're anticipating a lot of people," Dennison said. "We hope to have extended hours, and [we're] kind of all hands on deck. We're excited, but we really don't know."
Searcy officials expect the population to double on April 8, and Dennison is ensuring there's more than enough caffeine.
"Already stocking up on coffee and milk... that kind of thing," Dennison said. "There's a shortage at the stores."
Eclipse Coordinator Jenna Friday has been preparing for the total solar eclipse since last year. She said Searcy expects an increase of 20,000-40,000 people when the event arrives.
Ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 8, the city is handing out 50,000 glasses and still has a few hotel rooms left, which cost between a few hundred and a thousand dollars per night.
"We have just made preparations for different street closures, our emergency departments, and where they need to be stationed," Friday said. "Coordinating those alongside all of our events that are going on."
Searcy's main event will be at its Galaxy Fest: Return of the Sun at the Searcy Expo Center field.
"Our Star Wars event is on eclipse day," Friday said. "We have a 35-foot fire dome planned with a silent disco inside; our headliner is called Galactic Empire. They're a heavy metal cosplay Star Wars cover band."
The city is also making shirts, posters, and giving away glasses as they countdown to the eclipse.
"Everyone I've spoken to who's experienced a total solar eclipse already says it is life-changing," Friday said. "I'm looking forward to that."
Click here for a list of total solar eclipse viewing events, including more in Searcy.