View the Solar Eclipse at Four States Fair and Rodeo Texarkana

The 79th annual Four States Fair and Rodeo is set for April 5-14, the dates coincide with the Great American Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.

2024 Four States Fair

This year the theme is "A Fun Day's Night" the perfect name to describe the eclipse a fun day that turns night for about 4 and a half minutes.

The Four States Fair will be celebrating this historical moment by opening up the fairgrounds at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 8, to give fairgoers and visiting guests the opportunity to view the eclipse, the first 5,000 people will receive free glasses. The fairgrounds can accommodate up to 15,000, so anyone wishing to observe the eclipse is encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The Midway will open early at 10 a.m. but will close temporarily while the totality of the eclipse occurs around 1:48 p.m. and then re-open immediately following the eclipse.

Growing up in Texarkana I don't ever recall seeing a total solar eclipse that happened during the Four States Fair so this is most definitely a special once-in-a-lifetime event.

A monster truck show with a performance from the U.S. Army Band kicks off the fair this year on Friday, April 5, followed by the popular demolition derby on Saturday, April 6, in the Entertainment arena.

Strictly Enforced

Fair officials have been working with local law enforcement and personnel to ensure that all visiting guests have a safe experience and keep traffic flowing properly through the area. Under no circumstances are any weapons such as guns, knives, or pepper spray allowed inside the fairgrounds. This will be strictly enforced and in addition, anyone 15 years or younger will not be admitted inside the fair without a supervising adult.

Amusement Midway Providers will once again provide the carnival this year with some new advanced RFID technology that allows fairgoers to load a Magic Money wristband to pay for rides and games.

So, get ready for "A Fun Day's Night" at the 79th annual Four States Fair, Rodeo, and Solar Eclipse in Texarkana.

For tickets and more information visit the Four States Fair website or Facebook page. Advance tickets are now on sale for $10 for adults and $5 for a child.