THCRR holds meeting to discuss forming a Solar Eclipse Task Force for 2023 Annual Eclipse and 2024 Total Solar Eclipse over Uvalde County
Several dozen people including elected officials, first responders, tourism heads and Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR) lodge owners and business owners met at Neal’s Dining Room in Concan this afternoon to discuss forming a Eclipse Task Force which would include city and county government officials, first responders, area Independent School Districts ISD’s, business owners as well as pastors and clergy and many volunteers. The Uvalde County area will be in the path of two eclipses: an annual eclipse on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 and a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8th, 2024.
While both eclipses are likely to draw tourists to Uvalde County and the Texas Hill Country, the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is expected to draw tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Total Solar Eclipse tourists from across the United States and around the world. Both Uvalde and Concan are situated in totality’s path which is the ideal place for viewing this rare celestial event.
According to THCRR Board President Jamie Holmes she stated the organization had initially purchased 2-3 thousand eclipse glasses. “We’re seen the numbers, it’s not enough.” Holmes said. Eclipse glasses are necessary to view the sun safely before and after solar totality which is estimated to last approximately 4 minutes.
For area lodge owners who plan on booking stays for the Total Solar Eclipse, one person who spoke at the meeting suggested they plan on charging 2 -4 times more than peak season rates for reservations with a Friday check-in date through Monday the day of the Total Solar Eclipse. Holmes suggested lodge owners update their maximum rates now which are posted on the front door of lodges and rental properties.
According to the information on the meeting’s handout under local outreach: “The goal of the Solar Eclipse Task Force: Educate and engage local groups so that the community is appropriately prepared AND supported for this historic event for Uvalde County.”
Other stated goals were stated under the following headings: Infrastructure and Logistics. Emergency Operations Center and Entertainment, Tourism and Media. According to the THCRR hand-out, the organization has a job opening for a Solar Eclipse Task Force Coordinator, listed as a full time position.
The THCRR is seeking volunteers for the Eclipse Task Force and many volunteers will be needed.
