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May 30, 2023

Copperas Cove: Businesses can capitalize with next year’s eclipse

Reporter COPPERAS COVE — The cities of Killeen, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights are all in the path of totality for the upcoming total eclipse of the sun, April 8, 2024. In Cove, about 40 residents

Reporter

COPPERAS COVE — The cities of Killeen, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights are all in the path of totality for the upcoming total eclipse of the sun, April 8, 2024.

In Cove, about 40 residents and some business owners went to the second of two presentations by the city’s Community Events division to learn about some of the preparations being made by city leaders.

“We have put together some information which may be beneficial to folks who are interested in the possible revenue that could come from the influx of people who will come to our city,” said Samantha Martin, a community events specialist with the city.

She took the audience through some statistics which showed that Carbondale, Illinois, a town of a smaller size with 21,700 people, saw approximately 50,000 visitors during the last total eclipse in the United States on Aug. 21, 2017.

The population of Copperas Cove is approximately 37,000.

According to Martin, the Carbondale economy saw the biggest day of sales for the year on the day of the eclipse.

Martin shared some comments from businesses in Carbondale that might be helpful for business owners to keep in mind.

“Businesses that did not open on the day of the eclipse, regretted that decision,” Martin said. “Businesses that did not order eclipse merchandise really missed out. Those that did, wished they had ordered more.”

Martin reminded the audience that there were no specific guidelines on who could sell what, but that any eclipse-specific items such as sunglasses, hats or bags that featured Copperas Cove or the surrounding area would be a great souvenir for visitors to collect.

“Most of the visitors will come for the weekend, since the eclipse happens on a Monday,” Martin said.

Copperas Cove schools will be closed for the day, but the district will offer its athletic stadiums as venues for viewing the event. Martin said the details of that arrangement have yet to be finalized.

In Copperas Cove, totality is scheduled to begin at 1:36 p.m. and is scheduled to last 4 minutes, 23 seconds.

The time spent in totality in 2024 will be nearly double what it was in 2017. According to NASA, the longest time of totality in 2017 was 2 minutes, 40.2 seconds.

In his conversations with other cities, Copperas Cove Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Stoddard said he expects any open space inside city limits to be full.

The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce has planned a vendor market in downtown Copperas Cove for that weekend.

“If anyone wants to plan an event or has parking space, you are welcome to contact me and we will include the information on our website,’ Martin said.

According to Martin, there are several options for people or groups to “host” parking, camping and watching events. The City has created a web page on their site that addresses some of these issues and where people can search for information.

“One suggestion I can offer,” said Casey Wiggins, owner of U.S. Portable Buildings in Cove. “You might look into a satellite internet service.” He suggested Starlink Mobile had a plan to provide equipment and service for short term use or rental.

“If you plan to use credit/debit card transactions, or if you are hosting a group that would like to have internet service during the event, it might be worthwhile to look into it,” Wiggins said.

Several issues were brought up by attendees who were concerned about traffic, the availability of basic grocery and necessity items and traffic.

“That’s why we are planning so far ahead,” Martin said. “To give everyone a chance to think through what effect an influx of 50,000 people may have to our daily routines.”

Martin was asked about coordination of events with other cities and with Fort Cavazos.

“We haven’t heard from Fort Cavazos yet,” Martin said. “We are sure they will plan something, because of the unique opportunities that are open.”

Martin said she hoped to be able to call on people, perhaps soldiers, to volunteer during the day of the event.

“Contact our office, and we will have opportunities available,” Martin said. “Or, if you have an opportunity and need help, contact our office. Only by working together, can we make this experience a memorable one.”

[email protected] | 254-501-7551

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