Clear Lake’s long traditional 4th of July celebration began in 1856 and gets better every year.
In 1913 J.H. Miller drove his miniature pony powered car down Main Street.
The fire department’s first motorized truck made her debut in the 1917 parade.
A car decked out in feathers and palm fronds glided through the streets in 1918.
By 1920 the celebration was expanding and in 1935 it became several days of holiday events. That year a circus came to town and burrow baseball games entertained huge crowds of laughing fans.
A new twist entered the lineup in 1950. Miss Arlene Prestholt was chosen as Miss Clear Lake and then competed in the Miss Iowa pageant, held later in Clear Lake on Governors Day weekend.
Gradually the 4th of July in Clear Lake grew to include our parade, a carnival and one of the best (probably THE BEST) fireworks displays around. Clear Lake hosts upwards of 100,000 visitors during the holiday.
That many humans being human can lead to some shenanigans. Several ordinances attest to fun gone wild in years past. In 2005 water balloons were prohibited. In 2021 the city requested that parade goers hold off on saving spots along the route until 5 am the day of the parade.
But many traditions remain. If you’re on downtown Main Street, you’ll be entertained by the Kazoo band. Every parade viewer will get to see our fantastic volunteer firefighters pull an antique hose on wheels while wearing their red long underwear. A sight to behold for sure!
Hooray for Clear Lake’s 4th of July!
