News From Eclipseville – Sharing our Culture
On Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7 downtown Gatesville will be the site of a Block Party (Block out the sun Party). This festival will provide our community and visitors an opportunity to gather together to celebrate the coming eclipse. We especially want to give our visitors, who are coming from across the United States and around the world, a little taste of Central Texas culture!
ART
On Saturday, April 6, local artists will display their work at Art in the Shadow inside Leaird’s Furniture. Paintings, sketches, photos and sculptures by local artists will be on display from 9am to 2:30 pm. Some of the works will also be available for sale. Local artists with works on exhibit include Elaine Fitch, Gail Johnson, Jenifer Newby, Bonnie Armstrong-Wales, Justin Gummelt, Carrie Baggett, Maria Dost, Angie Lilljedahl, Kimberly Copeland, and K-6th grade students from Gatesville ISD’s Grade Gifted and Talented program.
LITERATURE
Area authors will be visiting with the public, signing and selling books inside 1854 Mercantile from 10am to 4pm. Participating authors include Jean Ann Shirey, Helen Munday, Clay Reeves, Carrie Burrows, Chyanne Brake, Joye Thackston, Steven Wilcox, and David Screws.
On Saturday evening at 6pm, there will be a storytime for children. Author Jayme Sandberg will present a reading of her illustrated children’s book “Total Solar Eclipse – A Stellar Friendship Story”.
MUSIC
The festival entertainment stage will provide music throughout the day on Saturday. Students from the Gatesville High School band program will perform at 10am, followed by DJ Jamie Ament from 1pm-4pm. Country artist Booger Boiles will play a set at 4pm, followed by local favorite Ed Leonard from 5pm to 8pm. We need local country dancers to show off their two-stepping skills and possibly give our visitors some dance lessons during the day.
On Sunday, our faith community will take over the entertainment stage. Local church groups and some gospel performers will be featured throughout the day.
HISTORY
Coryell Museum will be open to visitors on Saturday, as well. In addition to the world’s largest collection of spurs, the museum has an extensive collection of displays related to Texas and local history. Admission to the museum will be free and donations will be accepted. The gift shop will also be open.
AGRICULTURE
Texas Farm Bureau will provide their interactive, educational trailer with displays to help festival goers learn about the important role of agriculture in Texas.
There will also be a petting zoo so children (and adults) will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with some farm animals.
MAKING MEMORIES
We know our visitors will want to take home some memories of their time in Texas. We will have some photo props, including a western backdrop with a saddle and a truck with a roping seat. With the courthouse as a backdrop, these are sure to be popular spots. We also have a special photo location coming to downtown soon, thanks to Higginbotham Brothers. If you, your business or organization have something that would make a good photo prop, please contact me.
We will have US and World maps where visitors can add a sticker to show where they traveled from. We also have an online guestbook at GatesvilleTxEclipse.com. We will post QR codes throughout town, asking our guests to leave a record of their visit. These and other items will be saved in a time capsule.
You can learn more about the festival and other plans for the eclipse at our website GatesvilleTxEclipse.com or on our Facebook page Gatesville, TX “Eclipseville” 2024
If you have questions, comments, or would like to help, you can reach me at cshepherd@gatesvilletx.com or call or text (254) 326-8248. I hope to see you at the Block (out the sun) Party!