Oaklawn Eclipse Festival brings in hundreds for a ‘totality’ awesome experience
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – People come to Oaklawn for the races but on Monday the race was for the best spot on the infield.
Hot Springs is typically a busy tourism location in the Natural State and Monday was no different except this time they’re here for the eclipse.
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Oaklawn Racing and Casino posted a full day of festivities for all ages and brought many people in from all over the US.
“Everybody was just in awe and when it was happening people were like, ‘This was worth the trip,’” Chris Ho with Oaklawn said. “I’ve talked to people from New Hampshire, I’ve talk to people from Ohio, I’ve talked to people from Nevada, all here at Oaklawn and I think the trip was worth it and I think they enjoyed it.”
For those wondering about the horses, they were inside in the comfort of their stall, and awaiting the races this weekend.
The doors opened at 10 a.m. A couple from Atlanta, Georgia, arrived at 7:30 a.m. to make sure they were the first in line.
“I am a huge national park fan I’m trying to hit all of them. So, it just kind of made sense since Hot Springs National Park was going to be in line of totality to come to Arkansas,” Jessica Dahn from Atlanta said.
The couple experienced the National Park this weekend and stopped in on Monday for the Oaklawn Eclipse Festival.
“Seeing that like absolute darkness was just very awe-inspiring and just very different seeing everyone get quiet and seeing just those diamonds on the before and after side was just so so cool,” Christian Keur said.
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The eclipse lasted three minutes and 37 seconds leaving some speechless while others cheered.
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