The area has hosted umbraphiles before. Trish Erzfeld, director of Perry County Heritage Tourism, claimed nearly 17,000 people visited Perry County during the 2017 solar eclipse, which lasted 2 minutes and 40 seconds. That event generated $680,000 in economic impact and “has kept us in the limelight for community planning for the past seven years,” she said.
After the 2017 eclipse, Perryville opened the American Tractor Museum and a full-scale replica of Washington, D.C.'s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which it expects to lure more people. The county's 18,000 population is expected to double or triple, boosting the economy by $1 million, however weather may hinder turnout.
The latest census data shows the area's median household income was $61,500 in 2022, $13,000 below the national average. A dry food packing company, Toyota car parts maker, and hospital are major employers.
Alex Patel, hotel manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on Interstate 55, said all 75 rooms were reserved for eclipse weekend more than six months ago. Weekend rates range from $149 to $169, but the eclipse cost was $399, and there's a huge backlog hoping someone would cancel. If a room opens, some will take it at any price, he claimed.
Katie Holland-Davis and her husband, Tim, left 9 acres of Hollandale Acres farm unplanted this year to create a pop-up campground for eclipse observers.”
Ninety tent and small camping vehicle spaces are marked. Continental breakfast, bottled water and soda, port-a-potties, shower towelettes, and kids' and adults' activities cost $90 per night.
However, local and visitor safety remains a concern. The weekend and Monday see 15 Perryville police officers on patrol. Perry County Sheriff Jason Klaus has 11 of his 15 deputies on duty to handle weather, medical, and traffic issues.
Klaus said, “We're going to do everything we can not to use any kind of parking enforcement,” but he added, “When it comes time for totality, I hope people don't just stop in or on the roadway.” On Monday, Klaus will allow deputies to bring their spouses (but not their children) in county patrol cars with enhanced sun-viewing specs.
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