This past weekend I saw the city of Clearwater come alive in a way I haven’t seen in a long time. People were everywhere, enjoying time together as a community. The occasion? The first annual Clearwater Heritage Festival celebration.

Last year, as most people know, Clearwater’s annual Heritage Day event had to be cancelled at the last minute due to an unexpected error. People were understandably upset, and sadly some unkind things were said in public and on social media. The real problem? No one was willing to step up to the plate and help do what it takes to carry out such a big event. Instead, it was left to a couple of people who basically had it thrown in their laps.

A few community members took it upon themselves to not let Clearwater’s annual celebration go away forever. They got together and invited others to join them. They renamed the event Clearwater Heritage Festival. More community members decided to join in, and soon a large group of people were all working together to create the best celebration they could. And they succeeded.

Everywhere you looked during the five day period of the festival something was going on. Eldorado Park, Lions Park, and Sportsman’s Park all hosted events. Rejoice Church, the fire department, and the local library had activities going on. The Clearwater Legion Riders held their annual Homeless Vets Run which brought people over to the Legion Saturday afternoon and long into the evening.

Local businesses also stepped up. T.O. Plastics sponsored the amazing fireworks Friday night. The Travel Plaza sponsored Friday’s band. Clearwater Corners held their bean bag tournament and Clearwater Parts City invited everyone to their customer appreciation event. As always, the Lions had a big part in many of the activities. Numerous other businesses also had a hand in making the new Heritage Festival happen.

It takes a community to create a success like that. And the Clearwater community came through. 

Why do people go through all the work so that celebrations like this are held across the country every year? To celebrate their communities and their history. To bring businesses and residents together. To learn, to have fun, to celebrate. Hats off to all of you who worked so diligently for months to bring Clearwater’s festival back. Your community thanks you.

I’m excited to see what next year brings.