Alton, Mo. – The Great American Eclipse happened yesterday, April 8, 2024. Although this eclipse traversed fifteen states, travelers came to the Missouri Ozarks to partake in our beauty while observing the heavenly sights. Besides enjoying the show of organized lights, one could not help but notice license plates from all over coming to the Alton, Missouri, area to participate in a wonder.
Traffic
While much was in the news about Interstate 55 shutting down because of eclipse traffic, Alton and Oregon County also saw their share of traffic. As last week closed out and this week began, more out-of-towners were prevalent. Up at Greer, each campsite was full of groups from Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, Iowa, Alabama, and New Hampshire. One saw vehicles from Texas, Kansas, and even California in Alton. Before this event, the local gas stations were busy with people filling up on snacks and gas. While many visitors stayed a day or two at local campsites, some drove in for the day.
Viewing Parties
Although schools were dismissed for the day, many locals had friends and family over for this spectacular event. Some households had eclipse parties with groups of 20-30 visitors, truly making this memorable. With the eclipse happening shortly after noon, groups hosted barbecue parties with eclipse cupcakes. Homes set up wind trackers and outdoor thermometers and got out colanders.
Eclipse Wonder
It is a wonder that man can calculate to the minute something as far away as the sun and moon displacing each other, add to that the alignment of planets and a comet. All who did view these exciting scenes will not quickly forget them.
