Solar Eclipse - What an Amazing Sight

• The Solar Eclipse occurs in Freestone County at 1:41 p.m. on Monday, April 8, and was an amazing sight for all to see. Photo by Mitchell Pate/Fairfield Recorder

“Oooh”s and “Ahhh”s could be heard when the Solar Eclipse hit its totality at 1:41 p.m. in Freestone County on Monday, April 8. The entire event was amazing to watch, but the two minutes and 21 seconds of totality was an amazing sight for all to experience.

There were some travelers in town for the event, but traffic was not as bad as expected. All Freestone County schools closed for the day due to safety reasons. Teague ISD already had a bad weather day on their calendar. However, Dew ISD, Fairfield ISD, and Wortham ISD closed for the day.

Several businesses closed for the day or worked remotely as others closed just during the Solar Eclipse.

The Fairfield Chamber of Commerce hosted an Eclipse Watch Party at the Fairgrounds.

The Teague Chamber of Commerce hosted its viewing party at the BTW Park on Jefferson Street.

The City of Fairfield hosted a Solar Eclipse contest.

Landree Pineda won first place and a $500 cash prize. Isabella Ross grabbed second place and a $250 cash prize as Caraline Elliot garnered third place and a $100 cash prize.

Some enjoyed going outside periodically to view the event occurring while others laid out on their blankets in their yards to enjoy the entire event.