The planning committee for 2024's Great North American Eclipse is hosting a "Path to Totality" event Thurs., April 6 at 11 a.m. at the Rialto Theater in downtown Morrilton. The public is encouraged to attend this free community event.

This "Path to Totality" event is the first of many community forums that the committee has planned for the next year for the public to get involved with eclipse planning. Eclipse t-shirts will be on sale at the event, and light refreshments will be served. Among those addressing attendees at the event is Arkansas Sky Observatory's own Dr. P. Clay Sherrod, an expert on the upcoming eclipse whose home is right here on Petit Jean Mountain.

The much-anticipated total solar eclipse will cast complete darkness over Conway County and most of Arkansas next year on Mon., April 8, 2024. Morrilton will experience just over four minutes of total darkness beginning at 1:50 p.m.

The "Path to Totality" is a collaborative effort of many organizations, including the City of Morrilton, County Conway, Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Morrilton, and local emergency services personnel. Stay updated on the progress of local eclipse planning at www.arkeclipse.com, on Facebook at "Morrilton and Conway County's 2024 Eclipse Preparations" page, or visit the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.