Five day celebration begins today!

The biggest and best 4th of July Celebration is ready to begin!

Five jam packed days of fun will begin today (Wednesday, July 3) with the Evans United Shows Carnival at 5 p.m. and will continue through Sunday, July 7. Wristband days will 

be noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, July 5, and Sunday, July 7, for just $17.

Activities on Thursday, July 4, will begin with the parade at 10 a.m. The theme for this year’s parade is, “Hometown Heroes,” with Gene and Bobbe Madson serving as Grand Marshals.  Evans United Shows, celebrating their 40th year in Clear Lake, has been designated as honorary Grand Marshal.

Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Tim Coffey says the Chamber’s “crowning achievement” of community celebration continues to be the annual Fourth of July fireworks.  While a fireworks celebration existed in some form as far back as 1856, the first recorded account of organized fireworks over the water for the public’s benefit was July 4, 1878. 

“This year will mark the 135th-year celebration of the annual event over the waterfront, creating an event celebrated by few communities in the state. It is a family tradition that creates memories for generations,” said Coffey.

The 2013 version of the fireworks show will be on Thursday, July 4, at 10 p.m. 

The fun isn’t over after the jam-packed holiday.  Friday through Sunday activities continue in and around City Park.  A Family Fun Day, featuring free games for all ages, has become a tradition on the final day of the celebration.  Those activities will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday with a Family Feud game on the Bandshell stage.  Family games for all ages begin at 3 p.m.