The most wonderful time of the year

Christmas By The Lake celebration better than ever 

Christmas comes early for Gene Madson and members of the Christmas By The Lake Committee.   This weekend the group has planned a spectacular 20th anniversary celebration.

“I love every year that we do Christmas By The Lake-- I can’t pick a favorite, “ said Madson, who has chaired all 20 of the holiday celebrations.  “There’s always a little surprise and it’s always a great time.”

He attributes the success of the event to the commitment of the Chamber of Commerce and numerous volunteers to hosting a stellar event.  The idea of such a celebration the first weekend of December first came up at a Retail Committee meeting at the Chamber and as the committee’s leader, Madson agreed to chair the event.  

“The initial idea was for a sales-oriented event that would bring people to town for Christmas shopping,” explained Madson.  “Over the years it has evolved to be much more focused on kids and families.  Thanks to our major sponsors CL Tel, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, Lake Chevrolet and the Elizabeth Muse-Norris Charitable Fund, we have many, many free activities like the petting zoo, carriage and trolley rides, Santa’s workshop, s’mores for the kids, strolling Dickens characters and much more.”

What started as a $1,500 budget for the event has grown to $20,000 in 2014.

Likewise, a small retail committee has now expanded to about 20 members, who in turn recruit even more volunteers for the special events and activities they organize.  

Greg Schmidt, a Clear Lake resident who produces Renaissance festivals throughout the Upper Midwest, was a member of the first Christmas By The Lake Committee and helped to make the celebration unique with the addition of Dickens characters strolling the street.   He says he is enthused about the group today for the shear challenge of trying to find something new or different each year.  “Plus, the committee is one of the most up-beat and productive social experiences that I’ve found in Clear Lake,” he said.  “My favorite part is interacting with the children and out-of-towners who come to see something truly unique.”

“Twenty years went by so fast!” said Nancy Ashland, another original committee member.  “I started out the first year making top hats with Kim Larson and Kim Holtz.  Kim Larson and I started the prince and princess contest by having people vote with dimes. We’ve had coloring contests and live window displays and so many things I’m sure I’ve forgotten.”  Ashland said her favorite part of the event is the parade.

Olivia Stalker has been involved in the publicity of the event all 20 years.  She contacts media outlets as far away as Des Moines, Iowa City and the Twin Cities. Her efforts have shown many families that Clear Lake is more than summertime fun.

“It has been exciting to watch it evolve through the years,” said Stalker.  “The committee has a strong group of members who truly care about the community and its success.  My favorite part of Christmas By The Lake has always been the concept of keeping this event free to the families and kids who attend since its beginning.   Seeing the