Gun Barrel City plans events for eclipse weekend

GUN BARREL CITY, Texas (KLTV) - On April 8 around 1:43 p.m., several areas in East Texas will be in 100% totality for the solar eclipse, one of those cities being Gun Barrel City.

Brooke Atkinson, the city planner, says they are used to seeing an influx of people coming into their town all at one time.

“Gun Barrel City is unique in the fact that we have a small population of about 6,000 but on summer weekends during the times to use the lake, our city can see a growth of 20,000 people on the weekends,” Atkinson said.

The city will be kicking off their events at the city park on April 7.

“On Sunday we’re going to have we’re going to have vendors, we’re going to have food trucks, we’re going to have live music from many different performers,” Atkinson said.

Monday, the day of the eclipse, there will be more events.

“We’re going to have yoga in the park, we’re going to have a small fishing tournament,” Atkinson said.

Then everyone will turn their attention to the once in a lifetime event. People can also reserve camping spots throughout the weekend.

“I know that all of our city’s hotels are completely booked out and so that’s why we’re offering the camping spots. You can bring your RV and your tents and camp in our park,” Atkinson said.

Atkinson says this is a time to show off what their little city has to offer.

“I think it’s wonderful that all of the people will be coming to Gun Barrel City to see our beautiful city and see the beautiful Cedar Creek Lake and see our Gun Barrel City Park and be able to showcase all the great things we have here from people who may have never heard of us before,” Atkinson said.

To see more events in East Texas during the total eclipse in April 2024, click here.

Copyright 2024 KLTV. All rights reserved.