Have some good old-fashioned fun at the Lake
BY: RACHEL WUMKES
The winter season tends to post a bit of a struggle for many of our local establishments. The cold temperatures and blustery atmosphere often keep people inside their homes. Even with many winter events throughout the season, our summer tourists typically don’t venture back until spring.
While summer sees an influx of people visiting the lake, we’ve now entered the season of hibernation for many.
A new trend we’re seeing across the board this season is the organized ‘game night.’ Whether it’s throwing bags, playing bingo or testing your mental skills at trivia, there is something fun for everyone this season at the Lake.
According to recent studies, it has been proven that playing games makes you happy. It triggers the release of endorphins, which is the body’s natural “feel-good” chemical. These happy hormones have the ability to increase one’s mood exponentially. Thus, leaving you feeling cheerful, compassionate, and ultimately content.
Sounds like the perfect remedy for the winter blues to me!
So, how does one find where they can indulge in these super-fun games?
It’s easy! When our events email is sent out each Thursday, a full listing of game nights is included. If you don’t already receive this email, be sure to sign up here à https://clearlakeiowa.com/join-our-email-list/
Wednesday night is game night at Sunset Sharkys. They start the fun at 5pm with trivia. Winners get to spin the wheel of prizes before they move into their personalized game of Shark Attack.
The VFW holds bean bag night on Wednesday as well. Registration starts at 6:30pm with play beginning at 7:00. It’s only $1 entry per person. Prize money is awarded each week, and participants are encouraged to bring a snack to share!
Bean bags (often referred to as cornhole) has very few rules and is easy to understand. The gist is to throw the bag and land it in or near the hole in the board. The ones with the most points are the winners!
173 Craft Distillery is getting in on the game time action, too. They will host a bingo night on Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Bingo is a fun, relaxing gambling experience with little to no skill involved.
But wait! There’s more!
Thursday evening from 7 – 9pm brings beer snobs to Lake Time Brewery to test their skills at trivia. The categories change weekly (check their Facebook page each week for info) and range anywhere from beer and booze to movie history to fish in Clear Lake.
Experts say playing trivia games can provide a dopamine rush much like gambling, but without the negative effects. You know, like losing your life savings! Brush up on your useless knowledge and try it out!
Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, anyone 21 and older can play Bingo at the VFW from 6:30 – 8:30pm. Besides the good fun, the veterans and auxiliary volunteers donate all proceeds from the games to community charities and veteran causes!
If the chilling winter weather has had you cooped up in your house too long, I highly recommend you bundle up and head on out to one of these local establishments. Enjoy a cocktail, a craft beer, some delicious snacks and have all the fun!
See you there!