A record-setting Fourth!

(Above) Rain caused fireworks over the lake to be postponed from Thursday to Friday, but were worth the wait.

by Marianne Gasaway

Tom and Nancy Evans, owners of Evans United Shows, often say that coming to Clear Lake each July 4th is like coming home.

“It was quite a welcome home this year,” said Nancy.  “A terrific stay with good friends and good fun.”

In fact, Clear Lake’s five-day July 4th celebration was a record-setter, according to Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stacy Doughan.  She reported huge crowds provided record revenue for the Chamber.

The celebration kicked off Wednesday night with a few sprinkles, but solid attendance.

Rain disrupted some aspects of the actual July 4th holiday, but few were sad for long.

The Thursday morning parade started under sunny skies, but about an hour into the event it became apparent that a storm was brewing.  Just before 11:15, lightning was visible and Clear Lake police made the call to divert the final 20 or so entries off of Main Avenue and halt the parade.  Prior to its start, thousands along the parade route enjoyed everything from family bands to business floats and, of course, most tossed candy for the kids.

The Goranson family continued its tradition of entertaining the downtown parade crowd with their marching kazoo band prior to the official parade’s arrival.   The children and grandchildren of Anne and Don Goranson were marking their 25th year on the route.

“We try to provide a little pre-parade fun and this year the original six from 1994 were in the front line,” said Steve Goranson.  “We’ve also added more family and friends. It’s just fun to do.”

The parade did not include any presidential candidates this year,

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however local senators and representatives took part, as well as State Senator Joni Ernst (R).  Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke was in Clear Lake Wednesday night (see story on this page).

Parade Grand Marshals Kay and Larry Day, founders and organizers of the Color The Wind kite festival, said they enjoyed a wonderful ride down Main Street, waving to the crowds lined at least three deep from 20th Street to the downtown.

The weather cleared by early afternoon for families to enjoy fun in the park, but by early evening rain was on the horizon again and those from Flashing Thunder made the difficult call about 8:30 p.m. to postpone the fireworks display over the lake.

The postponement may have actually benefitted the overall event totals, according to Doughan, as  City Park was packed Friday night with an estimated 10,000 people on hand to take in the Arch Allies concert followed by fireworks.

By the weekend the weather was perfect for enjoying all things Clear Lake.

“Friday was huge, but the crowds continued on Saturday and Sunday,” said the Evans’.  “The weather made it perfect for families to be here.”

Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth said he was pleased with how the celebration went and grateful for all the long hours Clear Lake public safety personnel worked during the event.

“We addressed changes to the temporary parking regulations around the uptown, weather issues for the parade and fireworks, as well as respond to the increased call load.   We appreciated the assistance from Cerro Gordo Emergency Manager Steve O’Neil and CERT for their help with the parade,” said Roth.

The department handled 426 calls for service between July 2-7.  The  busiest day was Thursday, July 4, with 110 calls.   This compared to 395 calls for service in 2018 (busiest day in 2018 was July 4 with 92 calls for service).

According to the chief, preliminary numbers show 32 calls were made in reference to fireworks.  Fourteen citations were issued this year, compared to 37 fireworks calls in 2018 and no citations.  Arrests in 2019 remained steady at 16 and 27 traffic citations were issued, up 10 from the previous year.

“We will continue to work with the City Council, City Administration, the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and residents to address any parking or public safety concerns or suggestions about the July 4th celebration,” added Roth.  “I cannot thank the community enough for their patience, understanding, and assistance during this week. We cannot pull off an event of this magnitude without their help.”

Doughan said the Chamber’s Fourth of July Committee will reconvene in the coming weeks to review the event and begin to make plans for next year’s celebration.  But from all accounts, the 2019 event will be hard to top.

“The group will consider changes and discuss bands to possibly bring back, as well as some new ones,” she said.  “The Trip was new this year and was well received.  There was so much that was a hit with the crowds.”

Although Doughan has been a resident of Clear Lake for a number of years, this was her first July 4th celebration as the new leader of the Chamber.

“It was really cool to see things from a different perspective.  On the Fourth I was downtown by 6:30 with volunteers getting ready for the big day.  By 8 we were getting roads closed in preparation for the parade at 10.  I was in charge of the Bingo tent, getting volunteers and checking in with the Evans’ regularly.  I think everything went really well.  A record year.”

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