One year ago Tuesday, Hopkinsville took up the mantle of “Eclipseville” and welcomed over 100,000 people to the community to share in a moment with the total solar eclipse.
Hopkinsville and Christian County prepared for the eclipse for over a decade, in an effort of mass partnership, organization and community driven participation. No one may be better suited to recall the event than Brooke Jung, who was the Solar Eclipse Coordinator for Hopkinsville at the time.
She says looking back, she remembers best how everyone pulled together to make it truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and she’s enjoyed hearing everyone’s memories.
Jung says the community is continuing to build off the momentum of the eclipse, which to her means having a feeling of unity and excitement and using that to make Hopkinsville flourish.
Governor Matt Bevin remembers the day as truly remarkable that put everyone in awe together.
The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, of which Jung is now the Director, hosted an eclipse anniversary party until 5 p.m. at their location on East Ninth Street. Attendees were able to take pictures, get eclipse themed souvenirs and write a sign about their memories of that day.
As for the next eclipse set to take place in the United States in 2024, Jung says she thinks many new eclipse chasers will come from Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
