Get ready for ‘eclipse madness’ April 8

ELLIS COUNTY – Monday is the big day for an event of a lifetime with as many as 300,000 people said to be flocking to the area for the upcoming solar eclipse.

The eclipse will pass over North America between approximately 12:22 p.m. and 3:02 p.m., Central Time, on April 8, and Ellis County will be under the total eclipse shadow for about five minutes.

In fact, Ellis County has been named one of the best places to view Monday’s eclipse, with totality lasting from 1:39 to 1:44 p.m. local time.

Ellis County Judge Todd Little said he has also decided he will close county courts and offices at 12 noon that day.

“Due to the sheer number of potential traffic issues here locally as we are in the path of 100% totality,” Little said.

“Many staff and departments will work online via remote access, Microsoft Teams and WebEx.”

Little continued, “Our emergency management staff is working extensively with our sheriff’s department, city, TDEM, and DPS partners to ensure that all concerns for the eclipse are addressed. 

“Traffic is our biggest hurdle, but we trust that each of our emergency management partners is well prepared to continue providing uninterrupted services on April 8.”

In Waxahachie, there will be a “Hachie Eclipse of the Heart” watch party at the Railyard Park. Waxahachieeclipse.com is the official website for the Hachie Eclipse of the Heart where you will find information about eclipse events, viewing locations, parties, and more happening in Waxahachie beginning April 6 to 8. 

Also in Waxahachie, there will be a family friendly celebration at Waxahachie Bible Church, 621 North Grand Avenue beginning at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 8. 

In Ferris, the “Total Solar Eclipse Weekend Party” will take place beginning Friday, April 5 at 10 a.m. through April 8 at The Ol’ Queen Theatre Vendor Mall-Indoor Flea Market, 108 S. Church St.

While there, pick up a “Total Solar Eclipse of the Sun” $5 Eclipse Bag filled with giveaways, and eclipse glasses. Throughout the weekend, there will also be vendor discounts, games, giveaways, prizes, a live band, food, and free soft drinks/tea/water. A big bonus at The Ol’ Queen Theatre too, find commemorative t-shirts and original eclipse artwork by local artist, Rita Cook.

Owner Linda Batey said, “There might even be a special appearance of Big Foot over the weekend too.”

In Red Oak, the ISD amended its calendar for the solar eclipse with a district holiday, and all schools and offices closed. 

“We encourage our families to learn about the eclipse as a family, find a viewing location, and enjoy the show,” stated Red Oak Superintendent Brenda Sanford.

The City of Red Oak will not be having an organized event, but Red Oak Police Department Lieutenant Jason Meeks said the city is working in coordinated efforts with all departments in the city for a safe day. The Red Oak Fire Rescue Department has also created an incident action plan for the event.

Lieutenant Meeks said the Red Oak Police Department is upstaffing on April 8 with approximately 12 police personnel patrolling the city. 

Residents of Arabella of Red Oak Senior Living are preparing for the celestial spectacle with a “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” on Monday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 240 Washington Street, Red Oak.

The day’s festivities begin with a 10 a.m. showing of “The Ring of Fire,” (a documentary exploring the science behind solar eclipses) in the community theater, a themed lunch at noon, yard games at 12:45 p.m., a Blue Bell ice cream tasting and distribution of eclipse sunglasses at 1 p.m. and the big viewing beginning at 1:36 p.m. 

“We’re excited to offer our residents this event while also witnessing the total solar eclipse together,” said Amanda Barron, Executive Director at Arabella of Red Oak Senior Living. “This event perfectly blends education, entertainment, and community spirit. We’re sure it’ll be a day to remember!”

The City of Midlothian will also be hosting an eclipse party “Total Eclipse Watch” (www.midlothian.tx.us/DocumentCenter/View/16631/Eclipse-Watch-Flyer-PDF) on April 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at Midlothian Community Park. The public is invited to gather anywhere at the park and activities will take place on the great lawn, near the baseball fields. There will be food trucks and activities and officers will be present at the event. 

“We anticipate traffic control as citizens leave the Park to be the most pressing issue, but we will respond to any situation that may require police services while we are there,” Midlothian Assistant Police Chief Scott Brown said. 

Midlothian ISD is not in session that day either, so the PD will be deploying its School Resource Officers to assist as needed. 

“This is a welcome force-multiplier,” Brown said. “I anticipate the SROs will be used to help in our parks and other open spaces that may attract crowds. We will also require our non-uniformed staff to be in uniform that day. This includes investigators, Training staff, and Administrative officers. They will work their normal jobs but will be ready for rapid deployment if necessary.”     

In Ennis, visit EclipseOverEnnis.com for more details on their weekend party. 

On Saturday, April 6 there will be a pre-party from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. At 10 a.m. the Perot Museum TECH Truck and Astronomer will be in the city, at 6 p.m. there will be live music by King George: A Tribute to George Strait.

On Sunday, April 7, the party begins at 10 a.m. and goes to 6 p.m. with speakers and live music beginning at 4 p.m. Monday, April 8 the Watch Party with food trucks and live music begins at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music by LeFreak

Additional safety eclipse viewing precautions come from the Michaela Sandefer, the Ellis County Emergency Management Coordinator who has compiled input from local police, fire, EMS, and other emergency responders and can be found at https://co.ellis.tx.us/1204/The-2024-Total-Solar-Eclipse. 

“We want everyone to have a fun and memorable eclipse experience,” said Sandefer, 

With input from local emergency responders, Sandefer stressed three specific safety tips: 

“Do not look directly at the eclipse unless you have eclipse glasses,” Sandefer said, adding “Just because your eyes aren’t hurting doesn’t mean they aren’t being harmed.  

“Do not stop on the side of the highway to view the eclipse, as doing so can create dangerous traffic obstructions or result in collisions.

“Wait before uploading any footage of the eclipse to social media and refrain from livestreaming it,” Sandefer said. “Our cell tower infrastructure could become overwhelmed if everyone uploads their footage at the same time, which could cause a loss of coverage to people who need to call 9-1-1.”