End of Summer Vibes
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
Yesterday was the official kick-off to the school year. We welcomed the faculty and staff at the Clear Lake Community School District back in style at the 10th annual Educator Appreciation Breakfast. With growing numbers, it was moved to the newly expanded school entrance near the high school gym.
And what a celebration!
Thanks to our AMAZING sponsors, the entire staff received a piping-hot breakfast from Hy-Vee. And no breakfast is complete without some delicious “teaching juice” from Cabin Coffee Company! It was the perfect kick-start to get everyone back into the swing of things.
I know I’m excited for the upcoming school year… are you?
Just the thought of a quiet house where I can write all the words in peace… oooh, it gives me goosebumps!
But that’s not all.
Our sponsors went above and beyond, once again, with lavish gifts for each table. Every year I think they can’t be outdone, and they prove me wrong. Gift cards, snack foods, school supplies, sweet treats and more, they really show the love for the Clear Lake school staff!
THANK YOU to:
ABCM/Oakwood Care Center – Athletico – Atura Architecture
Bergland + Cram – Brothers Ace Hardware
Cabin Coffee – CENT Credit Union – CL Tel – Clear Lake Bank & Trust – Clear Lake Family Dentistry – Community Health Center – Country Meadow Place – Courtesy Corporation McDonald’s
Farmers State Bank – Fairway Independent Mortgage – Fareway – First Citizen’s Bank – First Gabrielsen Agency – Freedom Boat Club
Lake Dental Associates – Lashier Graphics
NIACC Pappajohn Center – NTI, Ltd.
The Surf Ballroom – The Window Source of Mason City
Amazing, right?
The Educator Appreciation Breakfast was just the start of all the Back to School fun. Later in the day, we converted Main Avenue into an evening of entertainment for the final Thursdays on Main.
Once again, the streets were FILLED with people enjoying a beautiful night on the town. It was the ultimate celebration as students took their turn dunking teachers and staff. The newly formed Clear Creek PTO was on hand to educate the general public about who they are and what they do. The Clear Lake Dance Team put on a rockin’ performance, as always! And we collected mounds of school supplies were collected for those in need.
My little heart almost burst at the amount of support shown by our community.
While people perused the many vendors and dined on delicious food truck fare, the Bear Creek Band set up on the main stage to tickle our eardrums with a delightful evening of live music.
It was simply perfect.
I’m always sad to see this spectacular event come to a close for the season. It means we’ve begun the official transition from summer to fall.
Although, it looks like Mother Nature will give us a few more days of sweltering heat, so get out and soak it all in.
Before we know it, the leaves will begin to change, catapulting us into the throes of autumn. Our sunny, summer days will soon become a distant memory.
**cries buckets of tears**
On the plus side, that also means Harvest Festival is right around the corner. If you haven’t done so already, I suggest you get a move on and purchase your Harvest Festival souvenir bag! With your official tasting pass, you’ll get some SUPER cool gifts! Remember, they are ONLY available for purchase until August 31st – no exceptions, no do-overs, no oopsie-daisies.
I guess that’s just life in our beautiful tourist town, right? As one season ends, another begins anew. Good thing there’s no official “off season” here at the Lake! Rain or shine, hot or cold, we really do have ALL the fun.
Thanks for another spectacular week, friends.
See you on the flip side!