CONWAY, Ark. — As millions across the United States experienced the eclipse, one of the spots that saw totality was Conway, Arkansas, about two and a half hours from downtown Memphis.
The University of Central Arkansas in Conway hosted a big watch party with people from across America there to watch the two-minute event.
Graduate students Lauren Carter and Courtney Clawson were two of the thousands at the university who took in the views Monday.
“It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Carter.
The anticipation built up as millions across America waited to watch a total eclipse, and for a few minutes for the large crowd of families, students and others who traveled to central Arkansas, it was unforgettable.
“As it’s now reached totality you can really feel that excitement, that emotion here in the crowd. It also feels different out here too,” Clawson said. “The temperature has dropped about 10 to 12 degrees, really such an incredible, historical experience out here in central Arkansas.”
Another couple, experienced eclipse-watchers, made the 900-mile trip from Florida.
“It’s unworldly, you know, you just can’t comprehend what it’s like. It instantly turns dark during the middle of the day,” said Mick Groszko.
Even the pups were taking in the views. Domino the dog and his family visited from outside Dallas, Texas.
“It’s great because we get to meet new people, make new friends, you may not see them for awhile. It does bring people together,” said Charles Paquett, from Plano, Texas.
Those with the university expected to host people from 35 different states, offering a variety of learning activities and games for families throughout the day.
“This is a real unifying event. It’s something that might be a once in a lifetime experience for people,” said Amy Whitehead with UCA. “We’re seeing people from coast to coast, Hawaii, other countries coming together for a really special event.”
- Trump ordered to give some Venezuelans 21 days notice before deportations
- Overton Park Shell reveals free concert series lineup
- Operation Babylift crash survivor still searching for answers 50 years later
- POW who shared cell with McCain recounts six-year ordeal
- Memphis’ new “Pre-K for All” plan explained
Among those who made the trip from Memphis were 140 students from University High School.
“Thank you to University of Central Arkansas for inviting us out here.,” said Lexington Griffin. “We’re very grateful for this opportunity and we’re taking advantage of everything we can do out here. Love, love, much love.”
The university has been planning for this for over a year as it’s squarely in the path of totality, in the darkness for almost four minutes.
