Catch the Christmas spirit this weekend!

(Above) Gene Madson is leading his 25th Christmas By The Lake celebration.-file photo.

by Marianne Gasaway

Christmas comes a little early for Gene Madson every year.  As chairman of the Christmas By The Lake celebration for each of its 25 years, Madson said the excitement he feels in the days approaching Saturday’s event could rival any youngster.

“I hear so many times from people who say they have childhood memories of visiting the Santa House in Clear Lake, or doing some other special activity.  That’s what it’s all about — creating happy memories for people,” said Madson.

In addition to the popular lineup of events which has kept thousands coming to the lake each December to make new memories, some new pieces have been added to the day-long event this year.

The cast of “Newsies,” from Powerhouse Theatre in Clear Lake, will perform songs from their popular show at 10:30 a.m. in the 500 block of Main Avenue, sponsored by the Mirror-Reporter.  Another new feature will be a European-style Outdoor Market featuring local artisans, entertainment and traditional food and drink, sponsored by Simply Nourished on North 3rd Street.

Santa’s workshop festival has moved to the Blackbox Theatre at The Hub on North 5th Street this year.   From 1:30 to  4 p.m. there will be scheduled performances of the “Punch & Judy” puppet show, the Victorian Magician, comedy skits, short music performances and more. In an adjacent space, children can encounter Tea With Queen Victoria or get a souvenir from the Jolly Elf balloon twister or help decorate cookies in the Hub Cafe.

Wood carver Pat Doyle will be returning to Clear Lake on Saturday after an absence of more than 10 years.  Doyle will demonstrate his craft while making three new carvings, a Santa, angel and eagle in flight to commemorate Christmas By the Lake’s 2019 theme, “Patriotic,” In Honor of Pearl Harbor Day.

The patriotic theme is especially ap-

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preciated by Madson, who is himself a veteran and longtime supporter of local projects celebrating our freedom.

“This year is especially meaningful for me because we will honor veterans in our lighted parade.  I expect four or five World War II veterans to ride in the parade, led by an honor guard, police and fire units from Clear Lake and Mason City, Sheriff’s Department and Iowa State Patrol. With the parade happening on Dec. 7, a sign on their vehicle will simply say ‘Dec. 7, 1948, a date which will live in infamy,’” said Madson.

The 5 p.m. parade will be kicked off with a flyover organized by Mark Holt.  Approximately 40 entries, decked out with music and lights, will travel along Main Avenue from 8th Street to the lake.  And for the first time in 25 years the Christmas By The Lake Committee will appear in the parade.

“I told the group about five years ago that if we make it to 25 the Committee will ride so that everyone will know who was behind all this fun,” said Madson.  “There are some members of the group that have been on all 25 years .  They do a great job.”

In addition, Madson hopes those enjoying Saturday’s event will thank the major sponsors who have backed the effort to make Clear Lake a winter destination, as well as a summer recreation spot.  Major sponsors are CL Tel, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Kingland Systems, McKesson and Drive Wise.

The lighted parade will be followed by a 15-minute fireworks display, shot from City Beach by Flashing Thunder, the same vendor who provides Clear Lake’s huge Fourth of July fireworks show.

“The fireworks are fantastic, not only because of the winter setting, but because they are like a constant finale.  Jeremy and his crew do a great job,” said Madson.

And for those still wanting a little more Christmas, the Surf Ballroom has scheduled a Holy Rocky Rollaz Christmas Show, starting at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $17 in advance or $22 at the door.

A complete list of Christmas By The Lake events, times and details appears on pages 8A in this edition.

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