Last week’s third annual Clearwater Heritage Festival was again a hit, with people attending events all over the city throughout the weekend.

The fun kicked off with the first clue of the Medallion Hunt on Monday. Wednesday featured the Balance Bike BMX Race at Eldorado Park, followed by the Clearwater Lions’ senior ice cream social and Music in the Park on Thursday.

Friday evening boasted lots of fun for all ages, with the annual Lions’ dinner, Family Fun Fest, live music, and Square Dancing, all at Lions Park. The square dancing was again led by Abe Maier, his 50th year of doing so, including over 40 at Clearwater’s annual celebration. 

The parade was the highlight of the evening, traveling down old Main Street with spectators lined up on both sides of the road and kids (and adults) gathering the candy that was thrown from the parade entrants. This year’s Grand Marshal was Jim Repke, a 40-year Clearwater firefighter.

The evening rounded out with a spectacular fireworks show which could be viewed around Clearwater.

The fun continued on Saturday with numerous events for the public to check out, including the vintage snowmobile and car show, craft and vendor show, history booth with author Cynthia Frank-Stupnik, and Clearwater Corners’ annual bean bag tournament.

The fire department held their open house and Clearwater Parts City held their annual Customer Appreciation Event. The newly offered shuttle service between Saturday’s events was a welcome addition to the festivities.

Saturday’s main event was the Clearwater Legion Homeless Veterans Bike Run, followed by food, auction items, and street dance featuring Mason Dixon Line. 

This year’s sponsors included the Clearwater Lions, Clearwater Parts City Auto Parts, Clearwater Travel Plaza, Lake Central Bank, B & C Clean Up, Tri State Surplus Co., CRM, Franklin Graphics, and numerous others.

The Clearwater Heritage Festival is organized by a volunteer committee of local residents. Anyone interested in helping plan for next year is encouraged to fill out a volunteer form on the event website clearwaterheritagefestival.com or send an email to: clearwaterheritagefestival@gmail.com.