The local task force planning a four-day festival leading up to the total solar eclipse of the sun, which will occur in West Plains on April 8, 2024, has a sneak peek of the lineup of events. The Eclipse West Plains: Party in the Path festival will kick off Friday evening, April 5, 2024, with a concert at the West Plains Civic Center. Saturday’s events will include a 5K run at Galloway Park, a parade through historic downtown West Plains, stock car racing at Legit Speedway, and a Hot Air Balloon event hosted by the Child Advocacy Center. A bicycle race will be held on Sunday. Monday’s main event is the eclipse.
In addition to these events and leading up to the eclipse, educational programming and art shows and contests will be held.
Local businesses are encouraged to offer specials and entertainment during the four-day event. Information packets for businesses will be available on April 8, 2023, giving them a year to plan.
Official West Plains: Party in the Path Eclipse glasses are available for purchase at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center. West Plains will be in the Path of Totality for the 2024 event. Totality will occur at 1:54 p.m. and will last approximately three minutes. Eclipse glasses will be required for safe viewing.
More information will be available as plans are finalized. Visit https://explorewestplains.com/tse/ to learn more or email melissa.wharton@westplains.gov.