Thousands choose Texas Hill Country to view total solar eclipse

Communities throughout the Texas Hill Country are gearing up for an influx of visitors expected to converge on April 8 for the total solar eclipse.

One of the prime locations set to witness the spectacle is Kerrville, known for its extended totality of 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The city anticipates drawing thousands to experience this rare event firsthand.

Selected by NASA as one of three cities in the nation to livestream the eclipse, Kerrville will host the broadcast at Louise Hays Park, just a few miles from the center line of totality.

However, for those unable to secure accommodations in Kerrville due to fully booked hotels and heavy traffic, nearby options are available.

Approximately 30 minutes away, the City of Boerne is bracing for an influx of visitors, expecting to experience a totality of 3 minutes and 23 seconds.

Chris Shadrock, the communication director for the City of Boerne, commented on the preparations: “That weekend, there’s definitely going to be an uptick in traffic across the interstate and on our local streets. We’re fully prepared for that. What we’re mostly concerned about are the last-minute planners, people who maybe didn’t plan.”

While Boerne does not have an official city-sponsored event, they are anticipating a significant increase in population, with projections suggesting a doubling from 22,000 to 40,000 or even 50,000 residents.

Local businesses in Boerne’s historic downtown have been actively planning for the event, organizing meetings and discussing logistics for months. Lacey Retzloff, a local boutique owner, is excited about the opportunity: “It’s a great opportunity for all the businesses here because we’re gonna have lots of people. We have people calling from all over the United States saying they’re coming to Boerne to see it.”

The cosmic event has even turned Boerne into a wedding destination, with couples traveling from out of state to tie the knot during the total eclipse.

Despite the anticipation, some locals express apprehension about the potential turnout overwhelming the small town. Brandi Sees, a Boerne native and business owner, shared her concerns: “I’m excited but nervous because of the expectations that they’re going to have for the people coming to town. It can really overrun all of us.”

Nevertheless, businesses have made preparations, stocking up on eclipse glasses and other essentials, and adding more staff to ensure visitors have a memorable experience.

The excitement is palpable as Boerne eagerly awaits the arrival of visitors from near and far to witness this celestial phenomenon.