In just under three years, Americans will have the rare chance to experience one of the most awe-inspiring phenomena nature produces. And Texarkana has the even rarer opportunity to welcome tourists here to see it.
On April 8, 2024, the moon will move between Earth and the sun, resulting in a full eclipse. Maps of the "path of totality," where for more than four minutes that day the sun's light will be completely blocked, show a ribbon reaching from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Burlington, Vermont - covering Texarkana in between.
Texarkana is well positioned to attract eclipse watchers who want amenities such as good hotels and restaurants without the traffic, high prices and other big city headaches they would find in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas or Little Rock, all of which are also in the path.
Our location is also an advantage. Interstate 30 makes getting here easy, and because the length of total darkness will decrease the farther northeast one views the eclipse, those serious about maximizing the experience will be looking for a destination in the opposite direction.
Our odds are good for clear, pleasant weather that day. The average high temperature on April 8 is 74 degrees, with average precipitation of about an eighth of an inch.
Make no mistake, people will travel to take in the spectacle. The most fervent eclipse chasers trot the globe to add more to their lists. But those extreme fans are a tiny minority of the people in 2024 who will be willing to drive a few hours to be sure they don't miss a once in a lifetime event.
It's up to local leaders and business people to begin working now to take full advantage of the opportunity the eclipse presents.
There will be competition, and we're already behind. The Mineola Nature Preserve in Texas is planning a three-day festival featuring food, live music, nature walks, and science and astronomy activities. The Mid-America Science Museum and the national park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, have also announced watch parties. Other events are certain to crop up the closer we get to the big day.
With vision and initiative, Texarkana can do it better.
Imagine the hush falling over a festival crowd as the sky darkens above Spring Lake Park. Imagine others watching with one foot on either side of the state line just for the added novelty, then continuing the celebration in the Arkansas side's downtown entertainment district.
Texarkana can make that happen. We have time to think up more creative ideas and get out the word. But all the time in the world is worthless if we refuse to use it and fail to start planning now.
If there ever were an appropriate project for the Arkansas-side Advertising and Promotion Commission, this is it. The Commission could get the ball rolling at its quarterly meeting this month without spending a dime. It already has an able marketing agency under contract.
It's an opportunity for the Commission to validate its existence and the taxation that comes with it at a time when some on the city Board of Directors gladly would get rid of it.
It's also an opportunity for Leadership Texarkana to employ the "strategic doing" method it touts as an effective way to accomplish big things.
The Chamber of Commerce also should play a key role, perhaps by convening a bi-city task force of business leaders, especially those in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Both city governments should begin to secure and budget necessary funding. Our school districts, colleges and universities, and museums should start planning educational programs.
It's time for hotels to offer promotional prices. It's time to book the bands, food vendors and other festival staples that will be in high demand. It's time to write the slogans, design the T-shirts and perfect the recipes for blackout burgers and cosmic cocktails. It's time to get ready.
There's a mint to be made, but a one-time economic boost is not the only reason to embrace a citywide eclipse project. Joining together in the common purpose of making Texarkana the place to be that day could result in permanent improvements, much as hosting the Olympic Games leaves cities with better infrastructure and public facilities.
Doing so would also work wonders for civic pride, as only succeeding in a shared major goal can.
A few minutes of darkness could prove to be Texarkana's most shining moment, but only if we start taking steps today.