photocredit: Jessica Wood
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
For all the weeks I can’t believe it’s Friday already, this one has definitely been the opposite. It didn’t help that I’ve been one day off since Tuesday, projecting myself a day into the future. Imagine my despair when I hopped out of bed yesterday morning ready to have the greatest Friday of all time…
And then I found out it was only Thursday.
Epic Fail.
On the bright side, our area was spared the destruction and devastation brought on by the Derecho. My heart aches for all those people in the Midwest still without power, and farmers feeling that incredible hopelessness right now.
Who would have ever predicted a land hurricane in Iowa?
But alas, here we are. The always loved, often coveted, glorious day of FRIDAY!
While it was somewhat of an odd week throughout the region, we had some incredible happenings at the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Our biggest news is the launch of a fundraising campaign by our Board of Directors. Most people do not realize the financial impact our incredible events have for our organization. Being a nonprofit, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, the monies earned from things like the 4th of July Carnival and Bingo tent, and Harvest Festival are a large portion of our yearly operating budget.
When we had to cancel the carnival this year, it hurt. It hurt knowing the park wouldn’t be filled with laughter as people whirled round and round on the awesome rides, and it hurt knowing we’d feel the loss of income in a big way.
And so, the Board is asking for your help. As the Chamber has been “All In” for Clear Lake over the years, they are asking the community to support our organization by being ALL-IN CLEAR LAKE.
Large or small, every gift adds up to make a tremendous difference. You are helping your community while also maintaining the great tradition of Clear Lake’s events. Your generosity is very much appreciated, and we thank you for your continued support!
In other news, City Park saw a fantastic turnout last night for the Movie in the Park. Again, a special thank you to Kingland for sponsoring this event and bringing back a little sliver of normalcy for us all. Don’t miss next week’s final movie before…
… SCHOOL WEEK!
That’s right, kiddos. Time to dust off that alarm clock because you’re going BACK TO SCHOOL.
**can you sense my excitement? I actually let out a giggly “Woo hoo” as I typed that**
As part of our yearly tradition, we will be accepting donations of school supplies until August 21st for the Clear Lake Community School District. You can drop off said supplies at the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. In fact – we will leave a tote at the front door during business hours for you to put the items inside to reduce contact and face-to-face interaction! As this will likely be a trying year for our students, teachers, and staff at the school, I know they will appreciate your generosity for those who are in need!
And speaking of generosity… make sure you tune in next week as I share all the details from the Teacher Appreciation Breakfast/Lunch event! Thank you to the many sponsors who have covered the meals for these awesome staff members.
If you’re on the fence about what to do for supper tonight, stop on our to the TimberCrest Apartments at Glen Oaks Community for some delicious eats from Ritz Rings & Things, BeeBee’s Seafood, Clear Lake Evening Lions Sweet Corn, & Chris’ Kettle Corn.
It’s been another great week at the Lake, my friends, as August is quickly slipping by. It won’t be long before the crisp, fall air settles in from the North and we begin our transition to the next season. Such is life in the Midwest, I guess. Always changing and adapting!
See you at the Lake!

