Sulphur Springs talks economy following Total Solar Eclipse

TYLER, Texas ( KETK ) – With one of the longest times under totality in Sulphur Springs last week, thousands of visitors made their way to Hopkins County. Because of the influx in traffic, KETK checked in with the Chamber of Commerce about the economic impact.

“We only saw about half as many visitors as we anticipated for the weekend and so naturally our businesses prepared for the full amount,” Jaci Glenn, Hopkins County chamber of commerce social media membership and events coordinator, said.

The Hopkins County Chamber believes the weather kept some visitors away. “

It didn’t go great for some businesses like they anticipated for the eclipse weekend,” Glenn said.

The Magic Scoop General Store and Ice Cream Parlor in downtown Sulphur Springs where most of the crowds gathered, had their busiest weekend in their eight years since opening.

“It was the best Sunday that we have ever had and there was pretty much a line all day, Monday it was a line out the door from 9 a.m. until about 5:30 p.m. nonstop,” Lara Colby, owner The Magic Scoop, said.

Colby said that around 6,000 customers came through the day of the eclipse.

“We went through 24, 3-gallon tubs of ice cream on Monday alone,” Colby said.

The chamber of commerce explained that while it wasn’t the turnout they expected, in their downtown office they met tourists from nine different countries.

“I think we’re going to see a lot of visitors in the long-term coming back from this one weekend,” Glenn said.

People from around the world shared an unforgettable moment in the heart of Sulphur Springs and now people from all over know how special East Texas truly is.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.