Alton, Mo. – The Oregon County Eclipse Meeting gathered at the Court Square Cafe in Alton on Tuesday, September 5. People from all walks of life arrived to share their interests and concerns about the upcoming eclipse.
Lodging
A large topic discussed frequently last night was the subject of lodging. While campgrounds and Airbnb’s are rapidly filling up throughout the week surrounding the eclipse, more visitors want to know where to stay in the area. With RV sites now going for $1,000 and tent sites going for $500-600 per night, landowners may want to look into renting a portion of their land to these visitors. While additional homeowners insurance is highly suggested, the increase in revenue could far outweigh the initial insurance cost.
Visitors
While some residents are still slow to believe that visitors will come here just to watch it get dark, others are excited at the thought of profiting from these visitors. Although West Plains expects 12,000-15,000 visitors for the eclipse, Alton can expect 5,000. Compared to the Annual Walnut Festival, which entertains approximately 1,200-1,500 visitors, Alton needs to prepare far in advance.
Stores
Experts are already warning locals of empty shelves during this time. Most visitors will stay a minimum of 4 days. Groceries will sell out. Locals could stock ahead. This is true for pharmaceuticals, too. It may be two weeks after the eclipse before stores and the pharmacy are fully restocked. The chamber decided to not have planned booths or activities on the square that weekend, leaving the advertising to each business.
Churches
Churches can, together or with the Ministerial Alliance, plan a potluck luncheon, possibly a song service, or a one-day VBS for visiting children.
Experiences
One way to help visitors know our area is by offering hiking, boat, and landmark tours. One can sell locally grown and made food. How about a petting zoo with goats and peacocks? Maybe offer a walking trail. All of these can have a price attached.
Websites
A community eclipse website can help arrange meetings between visitors and locals. Seeing what others do can help locals solve their food, lodging, and bathroom problems. Neighboring cities like Doniphan and Eminence have websites. An Oregon County website is in the works. Its goal is to connect visitors with locals.
Traffic
One can expect traffic jams- yes, even in Alton- following the eclipse. Some wondered if the school would close. Others thought it would be good to have the kids safely at school with a teacher monitoring glasses. At home, latchkey children may not wear special glasses. The County Commissioner, David Stubblefield, is looking into additional police and sheriff help directing traffic during this time.
This boils down to more planning needed and soon. It takes time to prepare a lodging. set up food, or clear hiking trails. Whether Alton is prepared or not, the eclipse is coming. This is the last total eclipse most people will experience in their lifetime. And Visitors want to experience it, too.
