Here we go again, folks.

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

The countdown to the biggest, best, most amazing celebration in all North Iowa is only days away.  Five of them, to be exact.  The Clear Lake 4th of July Extravaganza kicks off the weeklong festivities on Wednesday, June 29th at 5pm.

And. I. Am. So. Excited.

I can’t decide if my favorite part is riding all the carnival rides.  Or the endless array of food.  Ooohh, but I can’t forget about the fresh-squeezed lemonade.  Maybe it’s the live bands scheduled for EVERY single night in the bandshell.  Oh, and then there’s the Lakeside Vendor Market.

And who doesn’t love to play BINGO?!??!

You guys, it’s literally just one thing after another.  Day after day after day.

EEeeck!  I might just burst from excitement!!

The culmination of this spectacular celebration comes to fruition with an action-packed Monday, July 4th. The Freedom 5K & Kids’ Fun Run starts things off at 7AM, followed by a spectacular parade at 10AM filled with floats and firetrucks and candy galore!

Pro tip – you’ll want to get down to Main Ave early to get your spot.  Thousands of people come out for this parade and the logistics of parking and seating can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not prepared!

The Lakeside Vendor Market, Bingo, and Carnival are open all afternoon, and the Municipal Band takes the stage at the bandshell at 8PM.

Then, grab a blanket or chairs and park it wherever you can find a spot to enjoy the fireworks over beautiful Clear Lake.  You can stream the music tribute on KLSS 106.1FM, AM1490 KRIB, and AM1300 KGLO.

It’s the perfect ending to the perfect day.

But, because we love to have fun at the Lake, we decided to keep the carnival around for one more day.  You know… in case you didn’t scramble your brains enough with all the spinning and whirling already!  In fact, as a double dose of awesomeness, it’s an additional wristband day so you can go wild riding all the rides and having all the fun!

Whheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

For a complete rundown of all the events, times, and important information, check out the 4th of July Extravaganza on Facebook to stay up to date on all the activities for each day!!

On a side note, we’d like to thank the sponsors who have so graciously supported the Extravaganza this year.  Without them, we wouldn’t be able to provide all this spectacular fun for everyone!

Harrison Ford (the dealership, not the actor) – Clear Lake Bank & Trust – Joshua Homes – Curries Assa Abloy  –  Kingland Systems  –  CL Tel  –   Woodford Lumber –  Clear Lake Boats  –  Larson’s Mercantile

Take the weekend to prepare, my friends.  Drink plenty of water. Get lots of rest.

Because starting Wednesday, this town is going to be hopping for six days straight.  So, dig out those party pants, people.  It’s almost time for this town to rock your socks off.

It’s just what we do here in Clear Lake.