How Small Town Businesses Thrive During the Total Solar Eclipse Event, Regardless of Weather Conditions on Monday
The small town of Waxahachie, Texas is buzzing with excitement as the total solar eclipse approaches. The last time an eclipse passed through this town was nearly 150 years ago, and residents are preparing for the event in full force. Despite the threat of cloudy skies, small town businesses are thriving and eagerly awaiting the influx of visitors.
Waxahachie, located just a half-hour drive south of Dallas, is pulling out all the stops to make this a memorable experience for both locals and tourists. The Ellis County Museum is showcasing newspaper article excerpts and headlines from the region’s last total solar eclipse in 1878. Visitors can catch a glimpse of history and learn about Waxahachie’s past as they prepare for Monday’s event.
Local businesses are also getting in on the action. The Oily Bar Soapery is hosting a Bubble Blackout all weekend, offering eclipse-themed soaps and giveaways. Owner Kalee Hume explains that since the next total solar eclipse won’t occur for almost 300 years, they wanted to go all out and make this weekend one to remember.
Nazir Moosa, owner of the Celebrity Cafe and Bakery, is hopeful for clear skies despite the weather report. He recognizes that weather is beyond anyone’s control, but remains optimistic about the number of visitors Waxahachie will attract. Mr. Moosa believes that this event will be great news for the town, with hotels fully booked and locals excited to welcome guests.
North of Austin, residents of Williamson County are also eagerly preparing for the eclipse. The newly opened River Ranch County Park is sold out and ready to host hundreds of visitors on Monday. Assistant office administrator Sam Gibson jokes that the park still has that “new park smell” and hopes that this event will put them on the map.
In Liberty Hill’s historic downtown, Stacie Kenyon is inviting people to watch the eclipse from her Main Street Marketplace. If it rains, guests can escape inside her boutique. While the weather may be a disappointment, Ms. Kenyon remains hopeful and plans to make the most of the event.
There is a sense of deja vu in Waxahachie as residents prepare for the eclipse. A banner in the museum’s front window displays newspaper headlines from the 1878 eclipse, which detailed cloudy skies all morning. However, just before the eclipse, the sky cleared, leaving viewers in awe. Visitors like Ed Yuhara from Campbell, California are studying weather patterns and hoping for a similar experience this time around.
Regardless of weather conditions, residents and visitors alike are determined to celebrate this rare event. Totality won’t sweep across the United States like this again until 2045, bypassing most of Texas. This realization has brought a sense of awe and excitement to small town businesses in Waxahachie.
As Monday approaches, small town businesses are gearing up for an influx of visitors. Despite the threat of cloudy skies, locals remain hopeful and eagerly await the total solar eclipse. This event is not only a visual and physical experience but also a boost for the economy and tourism in Waxahachie. As Marcia Dunn writes, “It just blows me away… it’s very good news for Waxahachie.”
