Eclipse West Plains Task Force plans four day festival

The total eclipse of the sun which will occur on April 8, 2024, will offer West Plains residents and visitors to the area a chance to experience totality for over three minutes, a special opportunity that won’t happen again in the Ozarks until the year 2178. To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime event, the Eclipse West Plains Task Force has already been meeting to discuss plans for the past two years, and with the big event now less than a year away, details are starting to be finalized.

The party kicks off Friday evening, April 5, with a concert at the West Plains Civic Center. Other weekend events include a 5K run at Galloway Park, a neon parade through downtown West Plains, stock car racing at Legit Speedway, a hot air balloon glow event hosted by the Child Advocacy Center, and a food truck rodeo. More activities will be scheduled in the months ahead. 

West Plains Tourism Manager Melissa Wharton says, “Area businesses and organizations are encouraged to plan their own special events and promotions, as an influx of visitors is expected which will present an opportunity for a big economic boost for the community.”

For questions about the eclipse and the events surrounding it, contact Wharton at the West Plains Welcome Center, 417-256-8835. Like and follow the “Eclipse West Plains” event page on Facebook to stay up to date.