29 Apr 2024 Pet of the Month: UCA Eclipse Barkanalia

The University of Central Arkansas offered several out-of-this-world events in the days before the Total Solar Eclipse and on April 8. Three dynamic festivities ran simultaneously on campus that afternoon. 

On the College of Business Lawn, a pet-friendly eclipse viewing party called “Dog Barkanalia” took place. The Event Coordinators were Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Amanda Horton, executive director of public appearances.

Barkanalia is a play on the word “Bacchanalia,” which gave a nod to the celebratory parties of ancient Greece. It featured eclipse-themed food and dog-themed live music, a dog spa, and a show ring for human and dog costume competitions, and many people took advantage of the opportunity to show off their fur babies. DJ Timbo played celestial tracks, there was a dog spa, a show ring, a dog kissing booth, a dog treat bake-off, a photo booth and more. The event benefitted local dog rescue organizations.

During this event, a scene from the movie Roadtrip to the Totality Zone was filmed. This is a new, feature-length movie, and this issue features an article about the movie and its Writer and Director, Emily Railsback.

Across campus, hundreds of students and community members gathered at Estes Stadium for an Eclipse Street Fair and Watch Party, complete with food and vendors. Party-goers were allowed to spread blankets on the purple and gray striped field dubbed “The Stripes,” and some onlookers filled the stands.