The second annual newly revamped Clearwater Heritage Festival was a huge success, with people attending events all over the city throughout the weekend.

The fun actually started Wednesday night, with local historian Bud Stimmler giving a historical presentation on the Clearwater/Clear Lake area.

Thursday featured a Senior Pie Social in the afternoon and Music in the Park that evening, with The Farmer’s Daughters playing at Eldorado Park.

Things really started picking up on Friday, with free activities at Family Fun Fest that included Joah’s Arch Petting Zoo, face painting, and a rock climbing wall. The Lions’ dinner started at 4 p.m., square dancing at 5, and Mystery Machine started playing at 7 p.m. The newly formed Clearwater Farmer’s Market also held a previously unscheduled event that afternoon.

The highlight of the day, of course, was the parade, which traveled down old Main Street. Spectators lined both sides of the road, with kids (and adults) gathering the candy that was thrown from the parade entrants. Wendy Johnson, a long-time supporter of the community, was this year’s Grand Marshall, and Riverside Nutrition was the named winner of the People’s Choice Float Contest, a first this year.

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

The fun continued into Saturday, with the Clearwater Library hosting the Brodini Comedy Magic Show and the Friends of the Library holding a book sale. Clearwater Corners held their annual bean bag tournament in the afternoon, and a Kids’ Balance Bike Race for ages 1-5 was held at Eldorado Park.

Over at the Clearwater Rodeo grounds, people gathered for the Vintage Car & Snowmobile Show and Craft & Vendor Sale. The Clearwater Fire Dept. held its annual open house, and Clearwater Parts City held its annual customer appreciation event, expanded this year to celebrate 20 years in business. 

Saturday was also the Clearwater Legion Riders’ Homeless Veterans Bike Run fundraiser, with 159 registered participants on bikes and in classic cars. After the ride, everyone gathered back at the Clearwater Legion to enjoy a pork chop dinner and bid on silent and live auction items. The evening ended with the Legion’s street dance, which was quickly moved into the building when bad weather came through. 

Sunday rounded out this year’s Heritage Festival events with the Legion’s pancake breakfast and CLAYBA’s open house activity.

This year’s sponsors included the Clearwater Lions, Clearwater Parts City Auto Parts, Clearwater Travel Plaza, Lake Central Bank, Andra K Salon & Spa, Riverside Nutrition, B & C Clean Up, T.O. Plastics, CRM, Franklin Graphics, the Silver Bullet Saddle Club/Clearwater Rodeo, 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.