Where once the dimming of the sun was seen as an omen of misfortune, total solar eclipses today bring funnel cakes, hot air balloons and thousands of tourists. All were scattered in a diagonal band Monday across the Ozarks. When it comes to natural spectacles there is no better show than a solar eclipse’s totality, and so throngs gathered for a few hours to share a common gaze up to a shared sky.
“This is a nice, relaxing atmosphere here, and it makes me want to come back to the Ozarks for a longer stay,” said Michael Cohn-Geltner, who traveled hundreds of miles to see the solar eclipse from New York City. “I saw the 2017 eclipse in New York but didn’t get the totality. I read an article about how seeing the totality can truly be a life-changing experience. I know the next total solar eclipse isn’t in the United States for 20 something years, so I thought I would fly into Memphis and drive up.”
The Current River flows more than 100 miles from its headwaters in Montauk to its end just outside Pocahontas, Arkansas. It was there Cohn-Geltner was joined by locals and other visitors in witnessing the moon’s shadow fall upon the Earth. The furthest traveler hailed from Australia. Everyone enjoyed more than four minutes of darkness with only a wispy covering of cirrus clouds framing the view.
“It was definitely incredible, and a picture just can’t capture it,” Cohn-Geltner said. “I’m glad I saw it. It was certainly worth the trip, even if it was just for four minutes.”
Pocahontas wasn’t the only Ozarks’ locale to celebrate the coming of the total solar eclipse. Visitors to Big Spring outside Van Buren were welcomed by free rides in a giant Smokey the Bear hot air balloon. The opportunity was made possible by the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Service.
“We’ve been looking forward to this one, but since we live here were not getting too wild,” said David Baldridge, of Van Buren. “We’ve heard the hotels are all booked, and the parking lots are going to be full. There has been a bit of a buzz in the air.”
Baldridge, his wife Amy, and daughters Bailee and Avery were among the first in line for the balloon’s debut at Big Spring on Saturday. They rode up into the sky after a National Park Ranger gave the children eclipse viewing glasses and welcomed them to take an oath they’d wear them and encourage others to do so.
“Our girls are off school, but we have to work Monday,” Baldridge said. “We’ll step outside for sure and enjoy the four minutes of darkness.”
The darkness of an eclipse is different than night. An uncanny haze fills the air as the sky dims. Shadows become sharper against the ground. The sky’s horizon also radiates. As totality’s final moments approached, some in the crowded cheered while others stood silent.
Modern society atomizes its citizens. Through screens and algorithms, we’ve been separated from one another by branding and politics. It’s rare for an entire community to unite together in anything these days, particularly during an election year. Yet, despite what all still divides us Americans, we’re still capable of coming together. This year’s total solar eclipse may not be a victory in battle or generation-defining campaign, but it was beautiful. For those who lives to see it, the day’s return to light will be something they always remember.
