Local businesses and city officials happy with turnout for the eclipse
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - One day after the eclipse, it’s still unclear exactly how big of an impact the eclipse had for the area, but business owners and local officials say they’re happy with how it went.
14 News Robinson Miles met with city officials and entrepreneurs in Evansville who say the effect of the event is starting to come into focus.
For Honey Moon Coffee Company, eclipse day was busy.
“It’s chaos but in the best possible way,” says Mindy Hale, Honey Moon Coffee Co. logistics manager.
With the exception of a few minutes during totality, the coffee shop was open all day.
Those in charge say they expected a surge, and prepared for it like they would a holiday, with extra supplies and people on hand.
They say it all paid off too, with it being one of their biggest sales days ever.
“We were anticipating at least a busy day, it was super exciting though to see an almost record-breaking day,” explains Hale.
The eclipse brought in thousands of visitors and local officials estimate 10,000 people at the riverfront alone.
They say they’ll get more specific numbers over the next few days, but they’re cautiously optimistic that their forecasts for the day will end up being accurate.
They say they’re in awe of how the community came together to prepare and to put together events.
“There has just been such an amazing sharing of information, transparency of plans,” says Alexis Berggren, Explore Evansville President & CEO. “I really have just been so impressed with the community and the collaborative effort that really everybody came to the table with. It was really inspiring.”
Those with Honey Moon Coffee Co. say their moon-related theming was a perfect fit for visitors hailing from across the country and around the world.
They say it was a great day for people like them who thrive with a bit of chaos and caffeine.
“We were just super grateful, glad that not only the community but everybody else came out,” Hale tells us.
Local officials say given how much work they put in to all of these different events, they say they’re still getting used to having the eclipse be in the rearview mirror.
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