photocredit: sonlet.com

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

The time is drawing near.  Countdowns across the great area of North Iowa have begun.  Ladies are checking their phones daily, watching for weather updates and forecasts, sending up silent prayers for a beautiful day of mild temperatures and dry conditions.

Soon, they will begin the rigorous process of clothing selection.  Dusting off their tall, brown boots as they pull them from storage.  Their minds reeling as they take a mental trip through their closet, sorting fall and winter wardrobes in their minds.

This is serious business, my friends.

IT’S HARVEST FESTIVAL WEEK!!!!!

The next few days, your Chamber staff is living, breathing, and pointing all the focus we can muster to the final plans and preparations for this special event.  Lists have been made.  Lists and lists and then more lists.  Rapid-fire texts will be sent to all involved, ensuring the T’s have been crossed and the I’s have been dotted.

As for me – I will be down in my office with only the sound of the clickety-click of my computer keys, in hopes to bring you THE FINAL COUNTDOWN of Harvest Festival blog posts.  Tune in all week long.  You never know where the week could take us.

First up – a quick rundown on the Champagne 5K.  Libbey did a little light cleaning in the Chamber closet today and found a few open bottles leftover from last year.  But never fear… they were quickly disposed of and the fresh shipment of delicious bubbly will arrive this week.  If you’ve not yet registered, there’s still time to do so HERE.  Just note there is no longer a guarantee of the shirts as that cutoff has passed.

But that’s OK!  You can nevertheless join in the fun and participate.  It’s a low-key, laid-back event with NO expectations or qualifications needed to make it amazing.  In fact, a majority of the people sign up and just walk the race route with friends.  It’s a great way to get the body moving and shaking in preparation for a full day of Harvest Fest fun.

And speaking of a full day of Harvest Fest Fun… here’s the OFFICIAL schedule of events!

9AM – Champagne 5K – Lakeview Room

8AM Registration with 9AM Race Start

9AM – 5PM – Vendor & Farmers Market

9AM – 5PM – A Table Setting Affair – Wilcox Furniture

Tables decorated by: Lake Lifestyles/Kelli Mason, The Red Geranium, Janelle Sargent, Sharon Spragle, Ginger Holmes, Katie Cosgrove, Carolyn Theda, Kathy Langas & Sue Finnegan

11AM, Noon, 1PM & 2PM – Fall Color Trolley Tours

Boarding at Yacht Club

12 – 5PM – Wine & Beer Sampling

11AM – 2PM – Salsa Making Contest – Sponsored by Randy’s Neighborhood Market – in front of Unique Boutique

11AM – Noon – Check in/Registration

12:15 – 1:45PM – Public Tasting

2PM – Winners Announced

2 – 3:30PM – Grape Stomp Competition

In front of Wilcox Furniture

3:30PM – Pumpkin Roll Relay & Waiter Race

In front of Chamber Office

Get your game plan together, Clear Lakers.  It’s going to be an incredible weekend at the Lake!