29 Apr 2024 501 LIFE Eclipsed

Posted at 10:42 AMh in Features by

Cities throughout the 501 planned elaborate eclipse-themed events to mark the Total Solar Eclipse. Many events kicked off on Friday, April 5, three days before the moon took center stage. Schools and businesses closed, creating a holiday for Central Arkansas citizens.

Publisher Jeremy Higginbotham attended the Main Street Malvern viewing of “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial” under the stars and partygoers dressed as characters from the movie.

Searcy hosted a Star Wars-themed weekend and painted space-themed murals to welcome locals and out-of-state guests. Sales Director Paulette Higginbotham was impressed by the transformation at Art Alley.

Carl Doze, Kim Berkemeyer and Morgan Zimmerman were “Loving LIFE” while volunteering to make the eclipse event an out-of-this-world experience.

Conway’s events centered around the University of Central Arkansas, with several on-campus activities drawing a huge crowd. Brand Ambassador Lisa Hutchison was thrilled seeing all the cute dogs.

Greenbrier hosted a four-day event at Matthews Park. Piccolo Zoppe’ presented The Eclipse Circus, with guest performers adding to an already spectacular circus. One man was shot from a cannon, and another walked a tightrope over the park’s pond! Editor Stefanie Brazile was amazed by their skills!

Brandon Kim (from left) and Melissa Duggan (both from Alabama) with Jasmin Stenger and Sebastian Stenger, who are from Germany.

Photographer Micheal Murray captured the excitement in Conway County when Main Street Morrilton hosted an electric “Everyone Under the Sun Solar Eclipse Totality Party” downtown, which began on April 5 and lasted through the big event on April 8. The festival offered live entertainment, science activities, presentations, food trucks, local craft and artisan vendors, yoga and kids’ activities.

Main Street Malvern showed “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” outdoors, with a special appearance by “Ellie N.”

Community volunteers came together to create a fun-filled weekend and the city’s new Wayland Holyfield Place at 120 N. Moose Street was the location for many activities.