Image by Pezibear from Pixabay

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

There is not much better than waking up on a Friday morning to see the sun peeking over the horizon. The soft hues of orange melting into a golden glow as the sun inches its way higher into the sky. My excitement level is palpable, knowing the temperatures are expected to rise as the day proceeds. Creeping higher and higher until we hit the peak of the weekend and get to enjoy basking in the warm glow.

I feel a bit like that starfish from Finding Nemo

I mean, how can you not? Friday + Sun + Clear Lake = FABULOUS VIBES!

In order to wrap up our week here at the Lake, I have to go back to last Friday and talk just a bit about the incredible Pianopalooza event at the Surf Ballroom. It was probably the most awesome night of fun I’ve had in a while. The snacks, the food truck, the drinks… they were all great. I hadn’t realized how much I missed live music for the past year until one day I began to sing along with the little tune my oven makes when it’s reached max temperature.

They never play an encore…

Needless to say, my little music-loving heart was beating like crazy when they took the stage. Pianopalooza put on an incredible show!

But it was the cover reveal that gave me goosebumps.

https://www.facebook.com/ClearLakeAreaChamber/videos/278208017259695

When the cover was unleashed for the public to see, the entire mood of the room shifted. While everyone is excited to have the 4th of July Extravaganza back on the calendar after last year’s COVID hiatus, seeing the bursts of color up close and personal on the tourism guide cover really hit everyone in all the feels.

It created hope.

Hope that our days of struggle and uncertainty are behind us. Hope for a summer of fun at the Lake. Just… hope.

We’ll never forget “the summer that wasn’t” at the Lake. But, my goodness, do we hope to never have to endure another one again.

Writing the content for Destination Clear Lake is one of my favorite projects each year. To really dig in to the ‘meat and potatoes’ of what makes this town so special. While one was mailed to every resident in Clear Lake and Ventura, there are plenty available around town at Chamber Member locations, or you can order yours at www.clearlakeiowa.com.

As the temperatures begin to soar as the weekend progresses, the Chamber Team would like to wish you all a Happy Easter. Get out and enjoy all that Spring has to offer at the Lake!