Sikeston gears up for eclipse events

Gina Williams/Standard Democrat Sikeston Jaycee Noah Curtis, who is the chairman of the Crawfish Boil, fixes the Pre-Eclipse Party and Crawfish Boil sign Thursday, March 28 in Miner. Several events are planned April 5-8 as part of Sikeston’s “Total Eclipse of the Park.”

SIKESTON — Sikeston and other communities are preparing for a series of eclipse-themed events in the coming days, giving residents the opportunity to witness the April 8 astronomical phenomenon through a variety of experiences.

The City of Sikeston will be in the eclipse’s path of totality for more than three minutes, and as many as 10,000 to 15,000 additional visitors are expected to travel into town for the event, which will coincide with a weekend full of activities and events during the “Total Eclipse of the Park.”

The Sikeston Public Library kicks off the first of the weekend events with the first day of its annual used book sale from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 4.

According to David Jenkins, communications manager for the City of Sikeston, the library will also be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 5; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 6; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“On Sunday at the library, all items are sold for a $1 a bag, and they will give you the bag and you can fill it up and buy as many bags as you want,” Jenkins said. “A lot of people visit the book sale, especially on Sunday.”

The Sikeston Public Library will also host “Animal Tales” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6. The program will be presented on how animals will react to the eclipse. 

The Sikeston Jaycees will host a Pre-Eclipse Party from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, April 5 at the Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo grounds. Admission is $10.

“They will have Blind Velvet, who’s been here numerous times and they put on a good show, along with other bands, Noir Daze and Logan Chapman,” Jenkins said.

The Sikeston Convention and Visitors Center is selling eclipse glasses for $3 per pair and eclipse-themed T-shirts for $20. (DeAnna Nelson/Standard Democrat)

Then, on Saturday, April 6, the Jaycees will host the annual Crawfish Boil at the rodeo grounds for $15 per ticket with Bryan Martin as the headline act.

According to Jenkins, the other bands on Saturday will be Nobody’s Darling, Countless Daze, Sean Coray, Americal, Deuce Denninger Band and Heet and The A/Cs.

“This will draw a big crowd out at the rodeo grounds,” Jenkins said. 

There is also a $20 two-day pass available to attend both the Pre-Eclipse Party and Crawfish Boil.

On Saturday, April 6, the Sikeston Recreation Complex will host cosmic pickleball.

According to Jenkins, the cosmic pickleball will be a free event and it will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“It’s supposed to be a lot of fun,” Jenkins said. “This is the first time we’ve had one of those here in town and a lot of people are looking forward to that.”

On Sunday, April 7, the “Movie in Legion Park” event will start at 7:30 p.m. 

“The movie is ‘E.T.’ and bring a lawn chair or a blanket,” Jenkins said.

Historic Downtown Sikeston will also provide free popcorn at the event.

On Monday, April 8, an eclipse viewing party will take place at the Recreation Complex from noon to 2:30 p.m. with the eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m.

Reid Howell and KYMO Radio 105.3 FM will provide live radio programming and an eclipse countdown from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the Clinton Building.

According to Jenkins, there will be a NASA information booth and giveaways at the Clinton Building, as well as a citizen C.A.T.E. science booth and a popsicle stand from the city of Sikeston.

The Sikeston Recreation Complex will also feature a 9-hole mini golf course and a variety of food trucks.

Moonlight Madness Shopping in Historic Downtown Sikeston will also be open throughout the weekend, with sales and specials available at certain stores in downtown.

According to Jenkins, on April 8, a “Scoping the Skies” telescope viewing will take place in Historic Downtown Sikeston at the Sikeston Depot Museum parking lot and the Sikeston Public Library parking lot. 

The Sikeston Convention and Visitors Center also is selling eclipse glasses for $3 per pair and eclipse T-shirts for $20.

Several communities hosting eclipse events

Throughout the community, other towns are hosting eclipse-themed events.

The Benton Speedway in Benton will also host a festival from April 5-8

There is a $5 admission fee. Races, camping, carnival vendors, live bands and food trucks will be part of the event.

On Friday, April 5, the carnival will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., with Blake Wade and the Milestones Band performing at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, April 6, the carnival will run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Go kart races will start at 3 p.m. and the Wilhelmina Band will perform at 5 p.m.

The carnival will take place on Sunday, April 7 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the drag race beginning at noon. The Project 573 Band will perform at 2 p.m.

On Monday, April 8, the carnival will begin at 11 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. Guests are also welcome to watch the eclipse.

According to New Madrid Chamber Executive Director Christina McWaters, from noon to 3 p.m. April 8, New Madrid’s levee will be blocked off from traffic to allow eclipse viewers a location where they can safely watch as the moon moves in front of the sun.

“We have a unique view where people can watch the eclipse,” said McWaters. “I think it will be fun seeing the eclipse over the Mississippi River.”

Any vendors or food trucks which would like to set up on the grass lot across from the levee can do so at no charge. Those businesses planning to take part can receive a vendor application by emailing: chambernm@yahoo.com.

Immaculate Conception Catholic School will host an eclipse party beginning at 1:15 p.m. April 8 on the IC School grounds, 560 Powell Ave. Viewing glasses and snacks will be provided.

Those taking in the total eclipse on April 8 will have the opportunity to learn about the Mississippian Indian culture at Towosahgy State Historic Site.

The free event will begin at 10 a.m. April 8 with the opportunity to meet Missouri State Parks staff and archaeologists from the Archaeological Institute of America. Beginning at 11 a.m. Dr. Michael Fuller of the Archaeological Institute of America will give short lectures on the Mississippian culture at Towosahgy and American Indian traditions concerning solar eclipses.

Those attending should bring a chair or blanket and eclipse glasses to view the eclipse. The eclipse will start at 12:41 p.m. with totality beginning at 1:59 p.m.

Towosahgy State Park is located on County Road 502.

For more information, contact the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site at 573-758-5340. For more information about the eclipse and Missouri parks visit: mostateparks.com/2024-eclipse.