The Food… The Fun… The Fourth!!!

BY: RACHEL SMITH

There are very few things I love more than the 4th of July in Clear Lake.

I’m being completely serious.  I even love it more than Christmas.

What?? Did she really just say…

Yup.  I sure did. In fact, I’ll say it again.  Better. Than. Christmas.

Whoa.

I treat the Evans United Shows Carnival much like my own personal food challenge.  It’s the one time each year that your calories actually do not count.

Honest.  Really.  Cross my heart. True statement.

It’s completely acceptable to eat a corn dog dripping in mustard for breakfast, to wash it down with a fresh-squeezed liter of lemonade, and then take down an entire funnel cake for your morning snack.

And the bucket of cheese balls?  Well, they’re basically life changing.  I mean, fried cheese alone is pretty much the best culinary invention of all time, but now it comes in flavors.  FLAVORS.  Once a ranch-flavored fried glob of cheese hits your lips, you won’t be able to go back.  For real.  Life as you know it will never be the same and all other fried foods will just not measure up anymore.

Except maybe fried pickles.  Yeah, they most definitely come in a close second.

But the celebration of our nation’s independence in Clear Lake is really so much more than the food.  When the Evans United Shows Carnival pulls into town and begins their setup, the inner child in me jumps up and down, squealing in delight.  They open on Thursday, June 29th at 5pm, kicking off a six day extravaganza at City Park.

And for all those grown-ups out there looking to escape into the night… I suggest getting a sitter for the kiddos and heading to the park for the evening entertainment.  There are some incredible bands lined up this year, guaranteed to have you dancing under the stars.  Between rock, country, easy listening or big band, there’s something for every music lover.

On Tuesday, July 4th, the parade kicks off our festivities at 10AM, with fireworks over Clear Lake capping the event at 10PM. You can catch the musical tribute during the show on 106.1FM, AM 1490 or AM 1300.

For a complete listing of activities, check our website at:  www.clearlakeiowa.com or find us on Facebook.

See you at the lake!  It’s guaranteed to be an extravaganza you won’t forget!