Online – Hill Country Eclipse Round Table

The City of Fredericksburg, the Gillespie County Economic Development Corporation, and the Hill Country Alliance invite community leaders to participate in a Hill Country Eclipse Round Table, Tuesday, June 29 from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm on Zoom to discuss ongoing preparations for the total solar eclipse, which may draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to our region in April 2024. Register here: https://hillcountryalliance.z2systems.com/np/clients/hillcountryalliance/event.jsp?event=95&

During the last total solar eclipse event in the U.S., back in 2017, many rural communities in its path were overwhelmed by the crowds and the challenges they created for local infrastructure, emergency services, lodging and restaurants, and supermarkets. However, the communities that fared the best were those that started preparing years in advance. In 2024, the total solar eclipse will pass directly through the middle of the Hill Country, affecting all of our communities. This round table is an opportunity for us to share our plans, learn from one another, and benefit from lessons learned by other U.S. communities during the 2017 eclipse.

We will be joined by Gary Williams and Steven Mitchell, City Manager and Economic Development Director, respectively, for the City of Carbondale, IL, which was on the path of totality during the 2017 eclipse and will be again in 2024. Mr. Williams and Mr. Mitchell led their community’s preparations for the influx of visitors; they will share their perspective and lessons learned, helping their Hill Country counterparts understand what to expect and how to plan for it.

After a brief presentation from Mr. Williams and Mr. Mitchell, we will open the round table for discussion, around-the-region check-ins, and planning.