It was over as quickly as it started. Two minutes and twelve seconds after the moon completely covered the sun and created a total solar eclipse in Jonesboro, the total eclipse was over.
Some 500 people, many from places other than Jonesboro, packed the grass covered Shop Local Park at Gamble Home Furnishings to view the eclipse. The event, Total Eclipse of the Park, was sponsored by Gamble and the Jonesboro Radio Group.
“It was truly spectacular,” said Tonja Martin from Jonesboro, who attended today’s event. “Memories were made today and it was amazing.”
“That was unbelievable. Magnificent. Much better than advertised,” said Kevin Houston, who came from Memphis with his twin kids and his parents.
Gamble owner Chris Gamble said he was thrilled with the crowd. “We had no idea what to expect. Everyone had a great time,” he said.
One couple said highways during the eclipse were eerily empty. “We drove to Gamble about 1:20 prior to totality. There was no one on the road. People were stopped somewhere watching the sky,” said Nate Owens of Lake City.