photocredit: The Chamber – Arch Allies in the Park

BY: RACHEL SMITH

Lots of words come to mind when I think of Independence Day:  Celebration.  Patriotism.  Freedom.  Parade.  Carnival.  Family.

Cheese Balls!!

And, of course, music.  The musical acts of Clear Lake’s 4th of July Extravaganza have been a staple of the event for years.  Each night of our celebration hosts a new act taking the stage at the Bandshell in our beautiful City Park.  The sights and sounds of the Evans Carnival in the background as people set up chairs and blankets with their friends for a night of music and fun.

This year, we’ve got a lineup you DO NOT want to miss.  And I’m not just saying that because I’m the writer, I’m saying that because there’s nothing better than sitting outside listening to live music in the summer.

Nothing.  Better. 

First up, kicking off the festivities on Wednesday, July 3rd, is Hwy 9.  They’ve been rocking the music circuit of NE Iowa and Southern Minnesota since 2008, and are guaranteed to get you up out of your chair!  Paying tribute to some of their favorite music legends as well as covering mainstream artists is their specialty.  Their energy onstage really gets the crowd moving!!

Thursday, the Municipal Band will fill your eardrums, and your heart, with pride as they play patriotic tunes.  The sound of the brass section, the beat of the drum, the notes will captivate the true spirit of Independence Day, wafting through your ears as the magnificent fireworks explode overhead.  It’s the culmination of everything America stands for, right here in our park.

Friday night – oh boy – y’all better get your butts uptown early because Arch Allies is coming back and they pack the park.  This night never ceases to amaze me.  The band, the people, the music – it’s all just incredible.  Playing covers of all the rock legends of yesteryear, Arch Allies puts on a show you’re guaranteed to love.

On Saturday night, Clear Lake is in for a special treat.  America’s premier cover band will be taking the stage in our little lake town.  Yeah, you read that right.  The Trip is one of the top cover bands IN AMERICA.  Coming all the way from sunny California, their set list is filled with almost 250 songs from the 60s, 70s, 80, and 90s rock hits, plus today’s Top 40 songs.  Basically every amazing, favorite song you jam out to when you’re alone in your car… they play it.  I’m stoked they’re coming to Clear Lake and I hope to see you there!!

Sunday, the final night of our extravaganza festivities will conclude with StraitRun playing classic rock.  It’s fitting, considering Sunday afternoon are all the Family Fun Day activities, and StraitRun is a family band!  Be sure to bring your lawn chairs for one final night of fun.

So there you have it, folks.  Five chances to enjoy the warm summer evening and take in some amazing live music.  As always, each of these acts is free to the public thanks to these AMAZING sponsors:

HWY 9 – Sponsored by Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company

Municipal Band – Sponsored by Larson’s Mercantile

Arch Allies – Sponsored by Joshua Homes & Kingland Systems with financial assistance from the VFW

The Trip – Sponsored by Amaroo Spa & O’Brien Promotions

StraitRun – Sponsored by Cabin Coffee

Without you, we wouldn’t have the premier 4th of July Celebration in the area.  So we thank you, we appreciate you, and we hope to see you all at the Lake!