Hillsboro, Texas Eclipse Update
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Hillsboro will witness a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1878. Situated directly along the eclipse’s center line of totality, which marks the optimal location for viewing, Hillsboro was designated 7th best location in the world to experience this celestial event. City administration is preparing for an influx of tourists from near and far: both regional visitors driving in for a better view and committed eclipse-chasers, known as “umbraphiles.”
A global audience of eclipse enthusiasts is already staking out viewing and lodging locations in advance of the event. In 2017, a total solar eclipse crossed the United States from Oregon to South Carolina and drew hundreds of thousands of tourists to the path of totality. The 2024 eclipse will be almost twice as long at an impressive 4 minutes 23 seconds. Statisticians at Great American Eclipse suggest that the state of Texas will see as many as 720,000 visitors. Larger cities will see larger numbers of tourists, but Hillsboro should be prepared for a significant influx.
Lodging and viewing opportunities are already being identified and reserved. Hotels in Hillsboro are already selling out, and for premium prices on the days leading up to April 8th. Umbraphiles will often camp along the path of totality. To accommodate the influx in tourists who may prefer camping or are unable to find a hotel room, the City of Hillsboro is listing tent, RV, and airplane campsites for reservations at Wallace Park, the Outlet Mall, and Hillsboro Municipal Airport respectively. Private citizens and entities are offering spaces as well.
Hillsboro Public Safety, in partnership with Hill County Emergency Management, Sheriff Watson, and other health and safety partners, is coordinating planning to ensure a smooth experience. A listing of event and lodging sites, including number of visitors expected at each, will build over time and supply the information needed for preparing transportation and response capabilities. These efforts will help ensure safe routes for emergency services and provide adequate staffing in high-traffic areas.
This once-in-a-lifetime event presents an opportunity for businesses and individuals to profit by hosting campgrounds, short-term rentals, and eclipse-related events. The City of Hillsboro encourages these activities to help feed, house, and entertain the city’s expected guests. Individuals and businesses hosting eclipse events or lodging are asked to register through the Eclipseboro website at www.eclipseboro.com/residents. Registration is free and supports planning by the Eclipseboro health, safety, and logistics team. A separate option in the registration process is the choice to promote a site or event on the Eclipseboro website for $20. “This historic total solar eclipse is a massive opportunity to put Hillsboro on the map, highlight our unique way of life, and boost our local economy,” says Allyson Cliett, Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Hillsboro and lead Eclipseboro planner. “There are myriad opportunities to get involved. If you are interested in supporting Hillsboro’s Eclipseboro initiative, please visit www.eclipseboro.com/ittakesavillage and sign up to receive information on opportunities to be a volunteer, sponsor, vendor, entertainer, educator, or donor. Eclipseboro planning teams are working diligently to make Eclipseboro a safe and memorable experience for all.”
Contact
City of Hillsboro, TX
P.O. Box 568 | 214 E. Elm St.
Hillsboro, TX 76645
(254) 582-3271
