Callaway County preparing for eclipse 2017; expecting visitors from overseas

From California to Minnesota, Michigan and as far away as Sweden, thousands of visitors are expected to come to Callaway County to experience the once-in-a-lifetime eclipse.

The Callaway County tourism director Renee Graham told ABC 17 News since about spring all 550 rooms that were available have been sold out.

“People are more transient, they are able to travel a lot easier than they used to be able to,” Graham said.

Graham said the county has been preparing for about a year, forming a committee dedicated to the planning.

“We wanted it to be a weekend event, not just one event on Monday,” she said. “Every day this weekend there is something for the community to do and get involved with.”

Some of the hotspot locations that visitors and locals will be include, the Kingdom City Firefighters Memorial and Serenity Valley Winery.

Regina Ruppert, owner of the winery, told ABC 17 News shes expecting more than a 1,000 people on Sunday and Monday.

“I have people from Texas, Minnesota, Chicago, Arkansas that have all contacted me about the Eclipse and our property.”

Ruppert is allowing camping and RVs on her 60-acre property. No parking fee, or entrance fee will be charged on Monday.

“I’m not trying to get rich off people’s money, I just want people to enjoy the event and what we have to offer,” Ruppert said.

The county is expecting to see the influx of people Sunday evening, and Monday morning.