BY: RACHEL WUMKES
As stores across the country begin to fill their shelves with notebooks and pencils, hanging rows of backpacks along the wall, it seems to be the time of year I like to call “the summer slowdown.” The time where we are caught in the middle of full speed ahead summer fun and preparing ourselves for the upcoming school year.
Except… it doesn’t really apply when you’re at the Lake.
Because there is always something fun going on.
First up for this week is a great one… and it’s FREE to the public! The Surf Summer Showcase takes place this Wednesday evening at the iconic Surf Ballroom. Doors open at 6pm, and spectators can take in live music played by local and regional musicians. This week, they will feature Chris Davies & the Promise Land Band. This band is known for their splendid mix of Americana and Pop.
While admission to the event is free, there will be food and drinks, including a full cash bar, available during the show. These sales support the concert series and upcoming events. They also accept free will donations which go toward the Surf Ballroom’s Music Education and Outreach programs.
Jumping ahead a few days is an opportunity to experience arts and culture with a Mini Art Market located outside the Clear Lake Arts Center. From 10AM to 5PM on Saturday, August 14, there will be ten unique artists offering pottery, art glass, paintings, fiber art and so much more! You won’t want to miss the chance to peruse through their booths and check out all their incredible creations.
Art in our lives plays such an important role. Creating, experiencing, and appreciating the diversity and creativity of art provides inspiration and opportunities on a variety of levels. We are so fortunate to have such a cultural mecca of beauty in the arts right here at the Clear Lake Arts Center.
Finally, as we stick to the subject of diversity, the Garden Fiesta will be held on Sunday from 3-7PM at Central Gardens. The biggest event of the season for the venue, the Garden Fiesta is a celebration of Latin culture with music, food, art, and kid’s activities.
This FREE event begins at 3PM. Parranderos Latin Combo will begin performing at 5PM. They are a Latin group based out of the Des Moines area and will have you moving and grooving to the cultural sounds of their Latin tunes.
In addition, there will be taco trucks on site, a station to place flowers in your hair, vendors, dance instruction, and a Mexican art exhibit. There will be giant bubbles, a chance to try out instruments, and lots of crafts for the kiddos to enjoy. Of course, the celebration wouldn’t be complete without a piñata. At the Garden Fiesta, there will be one for the youngsters, and one for the older kids to break open and enjoy.
The Garden Fiesta in a great opportunity for everyone, young and old, to learn more about another culture, another way of life. In a world that seems to be divided in every way possible, it’s a chance to fix part of the tear created within our society. To sew together, forming a seam between cultures. To learn, to experience, and to appreciate another way of life different than your own.
And, as always, there is all the “regular scheduled programming” happening like always at the Lake. Thursdays on Main, Fresh on Friday’s, Farmer’s Market and Yoga by the Lake to name just a few! Be sure to check out our events calendar at www.clearlakeiowa.com for a full listing of fun things to do while you’re at the Lake.
Summer slowdown? Sorry, but we’ll take a hard pass on that in Clear Lake and just keep on having all the fun!