Embracing darkness in daylight: Hot Springs comes alive for Great American Solar Eclipse

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Hot Springs was in the path of totality reaching over 3 minutes of darkness during the Great American Solar Eclipse.

It is one of the only two National Parks across the country falling into the path of totality.

Oaklawn was packed with people from all walks of life with one common goal.

Seeing the total solar eclipse that they prepared months in advance for this day, hosting a full festival with a chance to enjoy live music, massages, a car give away and most importantly the moment of totality.

The family friendly event brought a variety of generations together and some of the most interesting to speak with were the youth. Many of which got to have a free day out of school due to the eclipse.

The day took an emotional turn at Oaklawn Park as hundreds were gathered on the infield to take in the, for some, once in a lifetime experience. For a few moments, total silence before the crowd erupted in joy to celebrate the life changing moment that had just passed.

Among the thousands who came from out of state, one group traveled from Mississippi. Another man, who saw Tennessee's Total Solar Eclipse, traveled to Hot Springs to see his second. One couple traveled from San Fransisco after making a night-before decision to watch the eclipse in Arkansas instead of Texas.

Though many stayed at home to watch the eclipse, lots of Arkansans got out to celebrate as well including one native who chose to celebrate her birthday at Oaklawn.

Katie Welch shared that she was born 25 years ago in Hot Springs around the same time totality hit today.

"I'm just so blessed to be here. I couldn't have asked for anything better," Welch said.

Many questioned before if the Total Solar Eclipse was worth the hype. Attendees that KATV spoke with in Hot Springs said it was "all of that and more", with dozens stopping on their way out to reminisce on what an amazing moment was shared.