After months of preparation, visitors to Ozark National Scenic Riverways enjoyed a spectacular total eclipse, said officials with the National Parks Service.
The park’s “Zark Side of the Moon” event saw over 4,500 visitors at Big Spring, where they got a perfect view of the total eclipse, officials reported, and Alley Spring had the next largest gathering, with around 1,100 visitors.
“Clear skies and warm weather made for a lovely day: those present got to see the sun’s corona, which is only visible during totality,” said officials.
The eclipse peaked just before 2 p.m., showing off four minutes of totality at Big Spring. While the length of totality increased further south, visitors enjoyed the day no matter where they were in the park.
Some folks witnessed the eclipse from the ridgelines of the Ozark Mountains. Some observed from their campsites or places of business. Thousands of others watched along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, which officials said made “a stunning backdrop for an amazing day.”
ONSR’s “Zark Side of the Moon” event offered even free activities, booths, eclipse glasses and a special appearance by the Smokey Bear hot air balloon.
Smokey’s appearance started Saturday morning, where his balloon first took flight. About two dozen people got rides on the balloon before gusting winds forced the crew to set it down, said officials.
“Saturday evening, winds finally calmed enough for Smokey to make another appearance, this time putting on a spectacular night glow for about an hour for over 300 visitors,” they added. “Sunday morning also saw Smokey rather quickly deflated for the safety of the crew and visitors, though dedicated fans showed up for the chance to see him anyway. In all, over 550 visitors visited Big Spring on Saturday and Sunday to experience the Smokey Bear Balloon.
“However, on the morning of the eclipse, our team made up for lost time: The balloon flew for three hours, treating over 300 visitors to free rides! Conditions could not have been better. Alongside the balloon, Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl greeted visitors and educated them on caring for public lands.”
Also popular, said officials, was the Junior Eclipse Explorer program, a self-guided activity in which kids and their parents learned about how eclipses work,
Throug the rest of the day, attendees enjoyed booths and activities. Giant eclipse glasses, a solar system walk, telescopes, photo ops and fun activities with shadows were available.
“With the eclipse behind us, we’d like to thank concessioners, visitors, local businesses, partners, our many hardworking and dedicated volunteers, and park staff for an incredible weekend,” said officials. “Together, these groups elevated our event from ‘great’ to ‘incredible!’” Those partners included Mark Twain National Forest, Friends of Smokey Bear Balloon, Ozark Riverways Foundation, Carter County Health Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, DarkSky Missouri, Ozark Trail Association and Eastern National.
For summer planning and park information, visit ONSR’s website at nps.gov/ozar or call 573-323-4236 or follow on Facebook @ozarkriverways or on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.
