Despite cloudy, rainy McFee Eclipse, 200-plus have fun

Rain and a blanket of clouds Monday afternoon, April 8, didn’t keep more than 200 people — young and old — from McFee Park’s Great Lawn to witness a partial eclipse at a Town of Farragut-promoted event.

They simply gathered around and in the pavilion to wait for the peak of darkness, which came at 3:07 p.m.

“I think it’s really nice that the city’s doing it,” Farragut resident Greg Phelps said about the (Almost) Total Eclipse. “That’s one of the things I like about Farragut is all the many activities, concerts and the Christmas lights.”

Despite the rain and clouds, “we’re optimistic and hope for the best,” he said.

“We came here (to see the total eclipse) in 2017, when (her twins, Rorie and Tenley) were little,” recalled Carla Roberts of Lenoir City. “We enjoyed it.”

So she brought back the twins, now 12, to McFee Park to “ enjoy it again.”

“I hate the clouds (but) I love people, so no matter what, it’s a fun party at McFee Park,” said Ron Oestreich, Farragut Parks and Recreation director.

“Oh, it’s neat, family-oriented and a lot of fun,” said Danna White, who brought her family and a picnic to enjoy. “It’s a great idea to bring people together like this.”