The Clearwater Heritage Days celebration starts Friday, and the weather is expected to be sunny and clear.

 

That’s good news for the hundreds of people who will gather at the shopping center Friday evening for a long list of events and activities sponsored by the Clearwater Lions Club.

 

The action actually begins on the Mississippi River with the Paddle Academy at Clear Waters Outfitting. The event is scheduled to start at 2 p.m., but high water from recent heavy rains may change that.

 

Action at the shopping center begins with the Kiddie Parade at 4:30 p.m. Kids will receive a coupon for a treat at the end of the parade courtesy of Dairy Queen.

 

Family Fun Night also starts at 4:30 p.m., with rock climbing, the bungee trampoline, inflatable games, face painting and more.

 

The Heritage Lions Dinner begins at 5 p.m. with all-you-can-eat corn on the cob, brats, hot dogs and beans. It’s a bargain at $7.

 

Square dancing starts at 5:30 and continues for an hour.

 

Then comes the traditional Heritage Days parade, with dozens of floats representing local businesses and organizations - with a few political faces mixed in.

 

The parade usually ends about 8 p.m. and is followed by the Clearwater Ambassador Coronation. As of last week, about a dozen candidates had signed up to become either Miss Clearwater, Little Miss Clearwater of Junior Miss Clearwater.

 

The end of the coronation is followed by the fireworks show at dusk.

 

This year instead of a live band, the Lions have decided to bring in DJ Flamingo from Annandale to supply the music throughout the activities on Friday.

 

Saturday is a bit different this year because a few events won’t be happening this time around.

 

The 5k run/walk is still the main event. It starts and finishes at Warner Lake Park. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and is followed by the Kids’ Fun Run.

 

In past years, the softball tournament was held at Sportsman’s Park at 9 a.m. Unfortunately, the tournament has been cancelled this year, as is the disc golf tournament.

 

Back at the shopping center, vendors will be set up along the perimeter for the craft sale/flea market at 9 a.m.

 

The Clearwater History Trolley Tours start at 10 a.m. near the old Coborn’s and run every half hour until 2 p.m.

 

The traditional vintage car show is also cancelled this year, although a few collectors might park their cars on site for the public to admire.

 

The Clearwater Fire Dept. is also hosting its open house at the fire hall Saturday morning. There will be lots of safety activities, displays, demonstrations and fire truck rides. This year, the department is also hosting a street hockey tournament in the city hall parking lot.

 

Back at Riverside Park, the Rendezvous historical re-enactment group will be camped out. Visitors can witness upclose an personal how early settlers lived more than 150 years ago.

 

Another historical event is taking place at Clearwater Methodist Church on Main Street. Clearwater author Cindy Frank-Stupnik will be launching her most recent book, Around Clearwater from 10 a.m. until noon. Join Stupnik for a continental breakfast, music, conversation and book signing.

 

There are more activities around town Saturday. 

 

Clearwater Corners will be hosting its Heritage Days beanbag tournament starting at 1 p.m.

 

The Clearwater Legion is hosting Bingo from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

 

And check with local establishments for music and entertainment throughout the weekend.

 

Enjoy!