Copperas Cove ready to welcome visitors for total solar eclipse
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Campers from the east and west coasts of the U.S., along with other states in between are coming to Copperas Cove for Camp Totality at Ogletree Gap Park.
The Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce began setup on Thursday morning in preparation for the influx of anticipated visitors ahead of Monday’s total solar eclipse.
Camp Totality guests will begin checking in as early as Friday, April 5 at Ogletree Gap Park.
“We are full speed ahead on preparing for Camp Totality. We still have spots available and will be accepting same day campers that may come into town for the event,” said Beth Galick-Carney, chamber president.
“We have campers joining us from Maine, Florida, Oregon, Arizona, Louisiana, California, Utah and parts of Texas as well. We haven’t had any cancelations from the weather and of course we are hoping for clear skies during the eclipse. We will have a blast regardless and we are hoping everyone has a great time.”
The chamber has rented out camping and RV spots for the weekend. There will be food trucks, vendors, as well as Copperas Cove solar eclipse memorabilia for sale. Jesse Dean, Paula Fleming, Trainwreck Sunday, Incognito, and the Backroads Band will be providing entertainment at that site.
Locals who aren’t camping at the park can attend the four days of the festival.
The daily parking fee is $10, with eclipse weekend parking passes $25. There is no charge for walk-ins, but parking along the roadside or nearby Business 190 is not permitted.
Camp Totality is open Friday through Sunday from 2-10 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
With travelers and out-of-town guests converging on Copperas Cove, City Park will be the site of Spring Into the Eclipse Festival, which starts on Saturday April 6 and runs through Monday.
Not Past 11 and The Huser Brother Band will be taking the stage on the first day of three-day event. There will be food trucks, market vendors, a Kids’ Zone, and beer tents.
Then on Sunday, April 7, Memphis Kee, as well as Taylor Branch and The Lonestar Ramblers, will be providing entertainment.
The festival and entertainment are free, but there is a $10 parking fee.
Copperas Cove City Park is located at 1206 W. Avenue B in Copperas Cove, which is also F.M. 1113.
In addition to the city festivals and the live entertainment, locals and visitors can visit the Cove Theater downtown to hear from local astronomers. The first presentation is on Friday, April 5, at 5 p.m., Warren Hart, also known as “The Naked Eye Astronomer”, will make a presentation at the Cove Theater in downtown Copperas Cove. Admission is free.
Then on Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Jay Huston, a resident astronomer will also be presenting.
If you go…
Astronomer Presentations, Cove Theatre
Friday, April 5, 5 p.m.
Warren Hart, “The Naked Eye Astronomer”
Saturday, April 6, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Astronomer Jay Huston
Camp Totality, Ogletree Gap
Preserve, April 5th-8th
$10 Parking Per Day - Free to Walk in
Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7, 2-10 p.m.
Monday, April 8th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Entertainment
Friday, April 5th
Jesse Dean 6-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6th
Paula Fleming, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Trainwreck Sunday, 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, April 7
Incognito Band, 4-6 p.m.
Backroads Band, 7-9 p.m.
Spring Into the Eclipse Festival, Copperas Cove City Park
$10 Parking Per Day - Free to Walk in
Saturday, April 6th 2-10 p.m.
Sunday, April 7th, Noon – 8 p.m.
Monday, April 8th, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Entertainment:
Saturday April 6th
Not Past 11
The Huser Brothers
Sunday April 7th
Memphis Kee, 2 p.m.
Taylor Branch and The Lonestar Ramblers, 5 p.m.
Flying Frisbee Disc Dogs, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.