St. Cloud/Clearwater RV Park owners Eldon and Mary Peterson graciously hosted the quarterly meeting of the Clear Valley Business Connection Thursday, July 11. It was a warm summer day, but beautiful mature trees on the property provided welcome shade during the meeting. 

A recap was given of the annual CVBC Business Expo, which was held at Clearwater Legion in early May. 

Various Clearwater and Clear Lake issues were discussed, including an update about the Clearwater EDA. Lori Johnson and Market Manager Kia Czech shared details about the new Clearwater Farmer’s Market being held in Rejoice Lutheran’s parking lot in Clearwater on a handful of Fridays this summer. There will be a bonus farmer’s market held in conjunction with Clearwater Heritage Festival with a slightly different time frame held Friday, August 2 from 1 to 5 p.m. Remaining farmer’s market dates will be Fridays, August 9 and September 13 from 2 to 6 p.m. Donations are welcome and still being accepted to help with the costs associated with the farmer’s market. 

Music in the Park events were discussed. Free music (live bands) are performing on various Thursday nights at Eldorado Park in Clearwater. Remaining dates are as follows: Thurs., Aug. 1, 6-8 p.m. - The Farmer’s Daughter. The final 2024 event will be held Thurs., Aug. 22, 6-8 p.m. - Cruise Control. All are welcome and people are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket. The events are hosted by CVBC (Clear Valley Business Connection). 

A special thank you was extended to all businesses who sponsored this event.  

Pastor Dave Fogal from Tri County Alliance Church of Clearwater gave an update on newcomer packets that are being handed out throughout the year. Volunteers are needed to help distribute the welcome packets. 

A treasurer’s report was given by CVBC treasurer Eron Bordson. 

A discussion about the annual Clearwater Heritage Festival took place. The event is sponsored by Clearwater Lions and local businesses. The festival will run Thurs,, July 31 through Sat., Aug. 3. A farmer’s market will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. in Rejoice Lutheran Church parking lot. 

Many other fun activities will be happing around Clearwater, including a Senior Pie Social Thursday, Aug. 1 from 2-4 at Lions Pavilion. On Fri., Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. - there will be a Lions Dinner, as well as a Family Fun Fest at Lions Park from 5 to 10 p.m. There will be a petting zoo sponsored by Clearwater Travel Plan and Nelson Brothers Restaurant. Clay City will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Clearwater Library. Farmers market will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at Rejoice Lutheran Church in the parking lot. Square dancing will be at Lions park from 5 to 6 p.m. 

Also on Fri., Aug. 2 will be the popular parade with a new time of 6:30 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 2 (on Main Street in Clearwater), as well as the live band Mystery Machine playing at Lions park from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Clearwater Heritage Festival will continue Sat., Aug. 3 with a vintage snowmobile and car show and also a craft and vendor show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Clearwater Rodeo grounds. There will be a bean bag tournament at 11 a.m. at Clearwater Corners and Brodini Comedy Magician will be on hand at Clearwater Library from 11-11:45 a.m. 

Clearwater Fire Dept will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parts City will host their customer appreciation from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Legion Riders Homeless Veterans Bike run will start at 9 a.m. at Clearwater Legion. There will be a Legion pork chop dinner from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Clearwater Legion, followed by a Legion street dance featuring Pull Start Diesel live band. There will be fireworks show at dusk at Lions Park. 

Additional events held in conjunction with Clearwater Heritage Days include a medallion hunt beginning July 29 (sponsored by Andra K Salon & Spa). For more information, visit www.clearwaterheritagefestival.com

The next meeting of the CVBC will be held Thurs., Oct. 10, with the location to be determined.