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'Either way, it's going to go dark' | Those who've flocked to Texas total solar eclipse zone hope weather cooperates

We attended festivals and other events in and around Killeen this weekend leading up to Monday's eclipse.

KILLEEN, Texas — The sun was mostly shining Sunday over Killeen and adjoining cities -- something people said they hoped to see again for Monday's total solar eclipse.

“I’m predicting it’s going to be like this tomorrow,” Lisa Crawford said.

Crawford lives part-time in Copperas Cove, Texas, and returned this weekend for the festivities.

"To see how many people are here,” Crawford said.

RELATED: Houston eclipse weather: Clouds in the forecast Monday, along with possible showers and storms

Some of those filling hotels and short-term rentals also attended events like the “Spring Into The Eclipse” festival where folks from as far away as Europe stopped by.

"We also have a lot of people from California, we had some people from New York come out, too,” City of Copperas Cove events coordinator Ashley Wilson said.

RELATED: See exact times for Monday's solar eclipse in Texas

Eclipse-related merchandise included “I Got Mooned” T-shirts.

"I think it’s an amazing time to be alive," visitor Abdul Jones said. "Not too many people get to see it and I’m just glad to be alive right now to see it and my family be able to see it too.”

RELATED: With clouds in the forecast, here's what you can expect during Monday's eclipse

Making memories is something that brought Justin Rangel and his family to the area from north of Lake Charles, Louisiana.

"Obviously, there’s the chance for cloud cover, this, that, and the other," Rangel said. "But, I mean, either way, it’s going to go dark.”

Businesses like Chic French Bakery latched onto the eclipse craze and have steadily sold lunar-related treats.

"Especially now that people are coming into specifically Killeen for the eclipse," employee Qamora Beck said. "I think it’s really, like, beneficial for us.”

While many areas in the path of totality prepared for hordes of people and even issued states of emergency, most report that it's been busy but not overwhelming.

Jason Miles on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram

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