Solar Eclipse 2024: North Texas cities holding events ahead of Monday's total solar eclipse
ENNIS, Texas - We're now just two days away from the total solar eclipse, and several North Texas cities are welcoming people from across the world.
Ennis has spent a long time preparing for the celebration.
It is the center of the path of totality.
Downtown Ennis kicked off the weekend with a celebration ahead of Monday’s eclipse, with live music, food trucks, and games.
People from all over the country and beyond are coming to Ennis to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event.
The city of Ennis is expected to experience the longest totality, at four minutes and 23 seconds, making it a top destination.
The Range Vintage Trailer Resort in nearby Bristol is sold out.
The owner said they sold out in half a day for this weekend through Monday.
"This is really cool that so many have come just for one special reason, so we’re all bonded in the idea that we’re very excited about it," Sarah Beauregard said.
About 50 guests are staying there to see the total solar eclipse, with some from as far away as England.
"Several of our guests are very into the eclipse, they’re bringing their own telescopes and things like that. We all have our glasses ready," Beauregard said.
Others are coming from Dallas to experience the event outside the city.
MORE: 2024 solar eclipse map: Path through Texas, peak times on April 8
The guests have matching t-shirts, and one couple made custom koozies and hats for the event.
"It’s one thing that seems the whole state of Texas has really rallied around. Everyone is really excited about it. It’s covering so much of our state. Literally, a million plus people are coming to Texas for this," Maribeth Pappas said.
Pappas said she is optimistic that the clouds will part and they’ll be able to see the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse 2024: Ennis hosting travelers from across the country
The welcome center in Ennis, about 35 miles south of Dallas, was bustling with visitors from across the country and around the world on Friday.
Since the weather could pose some visibility issues, it’s hard to predict the exact number of people who will be here.
The city of Ennis anticipates anywhere between 50,000 to 200,000 visitors, and they’ve spent weeks preparing for Monday.