BY: RACHEL WUMKES

I’m not real sure what happened here.  One minute we were basking in the awesomeness of summer, celebrating the 4th of July and enjoying lazy days on the beach.  And then, out of nowhere, the start of school has seemed to creep up on us.

Thus, the final Thursdays on Main is this week, and while I’m sad for this weekly event to come to an end for the season, I must admit the final one is always my favorite.

Because it’s BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT!!!

If ever there was a time to head uptown for Thursdays on Main, this is that time.  It’s your last chance to shop the vendors, to enjoy the live music, and to enjoy everything this incredible event has to offer.  Remember how I always say… locals, you need to fill your tank?

This is it.

It’s time to fill it up.

Fill it right to the top with the last little tidbit of summer fun.  Fill it up to get you through the crazy hustle and bustle of school activities and homework and schedules.  Fill it up with enough memories of strolling the street on a warm summer night and sunsets over the water to last you until June.

As an added bonus, this week at Thursdays on Main, it is the big push to raise funds and collect school supplies for those in need.

For a lot of people, back to school means a new pair of squeaky-clean shoes, new clothes, fresh notebooks to fill up, sharp pencils and a fancy new backpack.  But for others, back to school isn’t such a thrilling time.

Imagine – just for a second – the child with a few random items thrown into a plastic sack.  The first day of school is more anxiety than excitement, wondering if they’ll get made fun of for their worn-out shoes and lack of supplies.

And that’s exactly what Back to School Night at Thursdays on Main is all about.  It’s your chance to not only celebrate the start of a new school year, but the chance to give back to those who need it.

Here’s how you can help:

In front of the VFW, they will be collecting school supplies.  You can bring your items at any time during the evening and drop them off.  They will then be distributed throughout the school.  OR – if that doesn’t work for you… supplies will be accepted all week long at the Chamber during office hours (8am-5pm).  You’re more than welcome to drop them off at either location!

Items Needed are – Plastic sheet protectors * 5-pocket accordion folders * Black Expo Markers * Black Sharpies * Unlined drawing – sketch books (at least 8×10) * Wide-Ruled Notebooks * Headphones * Kleenex boxes * Wide-Ruled Composition Notebooks * Small pocket calculators *Gym Shoes sizes Child 12 – Youth 7. 

And while you’re there… take a chance to DUNK a teacher, administrator, or coach!!  They will be taking turns in the dunk tank right outside the VFW as well.  This is a GREAT chance for kids to get a little revenge for all that homework over the years.

All proceeds go to the Clear Lake Community School District to assist in their outreach programs.

As a bonus this year, the Athletico Physical Therapy staff will also be uptown in their tent.  They, too, have been collecting school supplies and will be handing them out to kids throughout the evening.  It’s also the perfect opportunity to get that bum knee checked out as they will be offering FREE injury assessments for anyone needing an issue looked at!

Last chance, folks.  I promise you’ll be kicking yourself next week if you miss out on all the fun uptown this Thursday.  My hope is for the streets to simply be PACKED from start to finish.  Eat all the foods.  Enjoy all the activities.  Shop until you drop.

Fill your tank, my friends, with enough Thursdays on Main fun to last you until next season.