DALLAS – (WBAP/KLIF) – As many as 22,000 spectators were expected to be in downtown Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park, and as the time of the partial eclipse began, the crowds appeared to bunch up like fans at a rock concert trying to squeeze in to get closer to the band.
Groups of people gathered on sidewalks, corners, and outside downtown buildings as well; talking, being as friendly with each other as is the Texas reputation for it. In Klyde Warren Park, officers on horseback spent time chatting with everyone from adults to children; not expecting any issues, said the Dallas Police Sgt. in charge, but the horses can slip around people and other obstacles quicker than police vehicles, ensuring more safety in the thick crowds.
While thousands more gathered on slivers of sidewalks and outside restaurants all over downtown, the total expected tourist count was expected to reach as many as one million. People like Ben from Shreveport, his wife and two Golden Retrievers said they decided to jump in the car the last minute for the three-hour drive. He and his wife said they were as struck by the friendliness from everyone as much as the eclipse, and vowed to come back during less crowded times for vacation.
An eclipse with a path of totality hasn’t happened in the Great State of Texas since 1878; the next one won’t be until August 12th, 2045.
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