Another record-setting Fourth

An outstanding five-day celebration of the Fourth of July holiday got even better Monday when officials from Evans United Shows informed the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce the event was a record-setter.

“It was their best in 42-years— even bettering the record they set last year,” said Tim Coffey, executive director of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.  “I would characterize the entire event as an outstanding success.”

Coffey said that while it is hard to measure the huge crowds and the feedback the Chamber receives, he felt the event had equalled or exceeded last year’s record-setting marks.  This week he learned Bingo revenue, which supports Chamber activities, was up 20 percent.

“Our Bingo tent, seeing people 10 to 14 deep on the parade route and huge crowds at entertainment in the park and fireworks are all barometers.  This verifies that we are the top Fourth of July celebration for the entire state.  I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Coffey.  He also credited the City of Clear Lake and volunteers for making the event run smoothly.  “The City is a great silent partner in this event.”

Trish Fundermann, special projects director for the Chamber, piled thanks on Tom and Nancy Evans and their hard-working crew.

“Evans United Shows is the best— great people and hard workers. Tom always says they want to leave the area better than they found it and they always manage to do that.  It’s just amazing,” she said.  Fundermann said the Arch Allies, a tribute band performing a free concert amid the carnival atmosphere, is always her favorite memory of the Fourth celebration.

As Tom Evans watched his operation being dismantled Sunday he felt it had been a good event in many ways.

“It all seemed to go smoothly and there were a lot of people here to enjoy it,” he said, sitting along side Alice Hanley, who has served as the Chamber’s chair of the event for several years.  Hanley noted the spectacular weather set the perfect scene for all sorts of family fun, centered in City Park and extending to the community’s business district and lake.  Evans wasn’t ready to say Sunday that the crowds had translated to a record carnival, based on receipts, but when the tallying was complete it was verified.

“Everything went very well and it was another great stay in Clear Lake,” said owner Tom Evans.  “We thank the Chamber and everyone who worked so hard to get ready for a great event.  We love coming to Clear Lake and enjoyed seeing all of our friends.”

A special parade

One of the most special moments of the July 4th holiday came during the annual

[wlm_nonmember]To read more of this article, please login or sign up for our E-Edition[/wlm_nonmember]

[wlm_ismember]

morning parade. The Clear Lake High School marching band, under the direction of Brandon Borseth, made an unexpected stop along the route to honor former band director Dan Djuren.

Djuren, who has been recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, was watching the parade near the intersection of South 16th Street and Main Avenue.  As the band approached, they stopped, turned to face Djuren, and burst into the school fight song.  The crowd came to its feet and clapped along with the song.  Band members also shared cards with the former band leader.

Djuren, who has served as director of the Clear Lake Municipal Band for several year but has limited his participation since becoming ill, capped the special day by taking the podium Saturday night.  He directed the band as they performed the “Star Spangled Banner” in advance of the spectacular fireworks display over the lake.

[/wlm_ismember]