Small-town North Texas businesses embrace total solar eclipse crowd rain or shine

In a Texas town, reminiscent of nearly 150 years ago, the anticipation of a total solar eclipse is tinged with the familiar worry of cloud cover spoiling the view.

Forecasted overcast skies threaten Monday’s celestial event, drawing eclipse enthusiasts to small-town businesses in hopes of a clear spectacle.

Waxahachie, located half an hour south of Dallas, is gearing up for its first total solar eclipse since 1878. Festivities abound, with concerts and events planned for the weekend leading up to the 4 minutes and 20 seconds of totality on Monday.

Gospel Square, formerly known as 2209 Emancipation Ave., Houston, near the Historic Third Ward, is set for a transformative redevelopment project.