50,000 People

The city estimates that the projected 50,000 people expected for the eclipse did show up. Things started off slowly on Friday and Saturday with sales about that of a typical weekend and some restaurants that had overstaffed sending personnel home. Traffic picked up markedly on Sunday and Monday with lines, albeit short ones, at most downtown restaurants.m Although vehicular traffic was back to normal on Tuesday, there were still a large number of tourists in town, pushing sales to above average levels. Happily, there were very few problems requiring police or hospitalization, with visits to the emergency room, according to what I have been told, lower over the weekend than on a typical one. From a press release sent out by the city.

The City of Carbondale estimates approximately 50,000 people came to Carbondale to see the total solar eclipse on August 21.

The Carbondale Eclipse Marketplace, Family Fun Zone and Shadow Fest all saw an increase in attendance throughout the weekend as more people arrived in town leading up to the eclipse.

“Thanks to long-term planning, we had a very successful event in Carbondale. We had people in attendance from all parts of the world. We’re looking forward to doing this again in seven years,” said Carbondale Mayor Mike Henry.

Carbondale City Manager Gary Williams said, “I’m extremely proud of City staff, volunteers and the community for working so well together to host a successful event. Our hard work has prepared us well for future events and 2024.”

The Carbondale Police Department had no reports of any significant incidents related to the eclipse.

“Our eclipse planning came together with the assistance of all of our regional, state and federal public safety partners who each played a vital role in the single largest event Carbondale has ever experienced.  For the last four days, they worked hard to make sure our residents and visitors alike had a great and safe experience.  I am very proud of all of them,” said Carbondale Police Chief Jeff Grubbs.