✨ Let Pittsburg and Camp County’s Light Shine

Bright during Eclipse Weekend. ✨

Pittsburg will experience 3½ minutes of total darkness in the middle of the day on Monday April 8, 2024, and we expect thousands of visitors to be in our area to witness this extraordinary event with us. While they are coming to see the darkness, we will have the opportunity to show them our light as it shines bright with warm hospitality and a welcoming spirit.

What type of people are coming?

Tourists are expected to travel from near and far. Regional visitors will drive to the Pittsburg area for a better view and committed eclipse-chasers known as “umbraphiles” will travel great distances. Most eclipse tourists fall into one or more of the following categories:

🌑 The Eclipse Enthusiast - Eagerly awaits the eclipse, knowledgeable about eclipses, interested in scientific discussions.

🌿 The Nature Lover - Drawn to the natural beauty, seeks scenic locations and outdoor activities.

🏛️ The Cultural Tourist - Interested in local culture and history, visits museums, attends cultural events, and embraces local traditions.

📷 The Photographer - Focuses on capturing the perfect eclipse photo or video, seeks photography techniques.

🙏 The Spiritual Seeker - Seeks spiritual significance, attends spiritual or meditative events.

⛰️ The Adventure Seeker - Seeks unique and exciting eclipse-viewing experiences, like hiking or hot air balloon rides.

👥 The Socializer - Interested in meeting new people and socializing, attends social events and group activities.

🍽️ The Foodie - Interested in trying local cuisine, seeks food-related eclipse events or restaurants.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Family Traveler - Travels with family, seeks family-friendly eclipse activities and accommodations.

⏰ The Last-Minute Traveler - Decides to travel last minute, seeks information on eclipse-related events and activities, may join group tours or attend public events.

Source: Arkansas Tech University https://www.atu.edu/emergencymanagement/eclipse.php

How many people are coming?

Great American Eclipse is predicting anywhere from 180,000 to 720,000 visitors will travel to Texas. Even the low end of this range is significant as the tourist population will be spread within a narrow path of totality.

Estimate of eclipse tourists traveling to Texas. Source: Michael Zeiler of Great American Eclipse.

Eclipse Date

Monday, April 8, 2024

Eclipse Time

Begins: Monday, April 8, 2024 at 12:26 pm

Maximum: Monday, April 8, 2024 at 1:45 pm

Ends: Monday, April 8, 2024 at 3:05 pm

Duration: 2 hours, 39 minutes

Totality: 3 minutes, 32 seconds

Community Impact Days

Thursday, April 4 – Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Get Ready for the Influx!

Pittsburg is expecting a large number of visitors, although the exact count is uncertain. Our Emergency Management team, and local officials are working hard to accommodate this surge.

This is a great chance for local businesses to thrive. But it’s important that we ALL prepare for this event. Expect heavier traffic in areas like grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants, particularly along Hwy 271, Hwy 11, Loop 179, Lake Bob Sandlin area, and downtown historic district.

By taking proactive measures, we can ensure a smooth and successful experience for both visitors and locals. Let’s embrace this opportunity and make it a memorable time for everyone!

Here's how YOU, the local, can prepare to Avoid Inconveniences

Leading up to the eclipse, here are a few suggestions for things you can do to help you have a positive experience:

Errands and Appointments

• Schedule your errands and appointments early – before Thursday, April 4, 2024, if possible. Check ahead if you have plans for Monday, April 8, 2024. Some services and businesses will be closed or have limited hours during this time. By scheduling your errands early, you will beat the crowds and give local stores and businesses time to restock before eclipse visitors arrive. This includes grocery shopping, doctor/dentist/veterinary appointments, prescriptions, etc.

Communications

• Expect interruptions in cellular service. If you do not already have a landline telephone, consider installing one by March 2023.
• Expect interruptions in internet service.
• Determine a backup plan for communicating with friends, family, and coworkers.

Supply and Demand

• Make sure you have an ample supply of all your medicines on hand. If you require oxygen tanks, have extra.
• Make sure your vehicles are fully fueled. Lots of visitors means lots of gas tanks that will need to be filled before our new friends can return home. Having your vehicles fueled before the weekend will keep you out of traffic and lines.
• Make sure that your pantry is stocked with food, paper goods and other necessities. Local restaurants will experience full tables and you probably will not be able to walk into your favorite place on Sunday night and be immediately seated.
• Stock up on hospitality, patience, and goodwill! Be prepared to share them will everyone!

Business Preparations

Consider extending hours of operation to meet customer needs

• Here is an opportunity for businesses who stay open late on Thursday, April 4, 2024, through Tuesday, April 9, 2024, including Sunday, which may be the busiest shopping day.

Stock

• Prepare for a significant increase in customers. Have extra stock (merchandise) and supplies (paper goods, handsoap, etc.) on hand.

Supply Chain Issues

• Be aware of, and plan to avoid, potential supply-chain issues. Stock up ahead of time.

Employee Preparedness

• Encourage employees to arrive with a full tank of gas and leave knowing their homes are stocked with necessities by Thursday, April 4, 2023. Gas stations and grocery stores may be very busy or sold out of essential items. Make sure your staff has transportation to work and remind them to leave early when traffic is jammed.

Cash

• Be prepared for more cash transaction than usual. Have extra change and tills set up. ATMs could be down if Wi-Fi and cellular services are down.
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Credit cards

• How does your credit/debit machine access the internet? If you use cellular service, internet service, or wireless transactions of any type, be prepared with a back-up plan as communications systems may be taxed. Do you have an old-school method of accepting credit cards if systems are down?

Communications

• Anticipate possible cellular and Wi-Fi service disruptions due to increased demand. Have a backup plan if your cell phones do not work.
• Visitors may have urgent requests to use your landline business phone if cell service is limited. Decide beforehand how you want to handle these delicate situations and educate your employees on your policy. If anyone has a 911 emergency and you have a landline, be prepared to help!
• If calling 911 does not work, try texting 911. Be specific with information.
• Have a good ole radio handy and turn to K-Lake 97.7 or Star Country 96.9 for local information.

Deliveries

• Evaluate when you receive regular deliveries. Those arriving on Monday, April 8, 2024 may be significantly delayed. Consider rescheduling.

Restrooms

• The City of Pittsburg will provide extra Porta Potties around downtown but expect customers who may be primarily interested in using your restroom facilities, and stock up on toilet paper, hand soap, and paper towels.

Note: The City of Pittsburg will provide extra trash receptacles, porta potties, and food trucks in the downtown area during the community impact days. Approved solar sunglasses can also be purchased at City Hall for $3.00 each.

Pittsburg Business Opportunities

This is YOUR opportunity to market your business and increase your income.

• Extend your business hours and open on typically closed days.
• Increase staff to accommodate more customers.
• Consider expanding seating capacity if you’re a restaurant.
• Get creative with eclipse-themed decorations and storefront designs, like aliens or other space/eclipse themes.
• Welcome eclipse visitors with friendly signage on your storefronts.
• Showcase local talent within your business.
• Collaborate with neighboring businesses for joint events that encourage visitors to explore multiple establishments.
• Offer special promotions and discounts.
• Stay active on social media using #VisitPittsburgTx and #inthepathoftotality.
• Utilize Visit Pittsburg Event access to promote your sales or events.
• Keep your business listing updated on Visit Pittsburg, Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google Business.

Tips for Pittsburg Churches, Nonprofits, and Civic Groups

Pittsburg expects a large increase in visitors during the community impact days. Eclipse tourists will be looking for food, beverage, entertainment, and souvenirs. This is a huge fundraising opportunity for churches, nonprofits, and civic groups. It is also an opportunity to foster relationships between groups, collaborate on big ideas, and showcase the best of our community.

Planning for Churches, Nonprofits, and Civic Groups

• Further your mission. Think about what you can provide on eclipse weekend that will support your mission. For example, Lion’s Club international has sight restoration and blindness prevention as a global cause, so the Pittsburg Lion’s club could consider promoting eclipse eye safety and distribute eclipse glasses.
• Meet soon with your team. Planning takes time.
• Invite someone from the City or Chamber to speak to your group about eclipse related activities.
• Know and cater to tourist demographics. Familiarize yourself with the types of eclipse tourists listed above. How can your organization target eclipse tourists?

Opportunities for Churches, Nonprofits, and Civic Groups

• Host fundraisers. Add an eclipse theme or celestial component to your fundraiser to attract out of town visitors.
• Host a public viewing site on April 8, 2024 and register your viewing site with the City of Pittsburg to support planning by our Emergency Management Teams and Logistics teams.
• Sell eclipse glasses, bottled water, and food. These items will be in high demand.

Eclipse Etiquette:

During a total solar eclipse, it's important to observe proper etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind:

1. Eye Safety: Protect your eyes at all times when observing the eclipse. Use certified solar eclipse glasses or other safe viewing methods to prevent eye damage. Approved solar sunglasses can be purchased at City Hall for $3.00 each.

2. Be Mindful of Noise: During the eclipse, try to keep noise levels to a minimum. This allows everyone to fully immerse themselves in the experience and appreciate the natural phenomenon unfolding before them.

3.During totality, avoid external lighting, flashlights, camera flashes, sparklers, fireworks, or any light that would detract from the phenomena.

4.Turn off outdoor lights on eclipse day (April 8, 2024), and make sure that lights on a sensor are deactivated. Remove or cover solar lights.

By adhering to these etiquette tips, you can contribute to a positive and respectful atmosphere during a total solar eclipse. Enjoy the awe-inspiring event while being considerate of others and ensuring everyone's safety.

✨ Let Pittsburg and Camp County's light shine bright during Eclipse Weekend! Take this moment to showcase the best of Pittsburg and Camp County, sharing our kindness, generosity, and community spirit with all who visit. Together, we can make this eclipse weekend an unforgettable experience for everyone. ✨

💫 So, let your light shine bright, Pittsburg! Let's create lasting memories and leave a positive impact on all who come to witness this remarkable celestial phenomenon.