Archive for ◊ 2016 ◊

Posted: Wednesday, December 21st, 2016

BE ROOTED IN YOUR COMMUNITY is our campaign for the 2017 Membership Drive Campaign here at the Clarksville Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Every January we send out well over 300 membership packet applications to partner with area businesses & organizations. In 2016, we had 204 members of the  Clarksville Chamber.

image005Our primary purpose of this Chamber is to our members. Members are “preferred” businesses because they make the commitment to the purposes of the Chamber – to promote civic, economic, and area enterprises. Chamber members promote job readiness for youth, efficient public services, a positive business climate and solid customer service. This  Chamber refers only investing members’ information throughout the year. We make thousands of referrals yearly via telephone, email and person-to-person, In our office alone, we handled more than 17,000 inquiries in 2016—phone calls, emails, social media contacts (Facebook) and people walking through our door, all asking questions and needing assistance with information.

While the media continues to speculate on the future economic conditions that are ahead, let’s keep in mind that the benefits of a Chamber membership far out-weigh the cost–in most cases, the cost is less than 50¢ a day! Can you really afford to have your interest be omitted from one of the biggest community promoters of your business or organization? “Become Rooted and let’s Grow together” in 2017, along with all the other businesses, organizations and or individual that will rejoin or join this year . We are confident that you will realize the value of being part of a  network of businesses & organizations here in the heart of Lake County and the benefits it provides.

We hope you will consider being a part this great “growing” team and we really look forward to assisting you, the visitors & residents and  promoting this great community we all love so much! Join in 2017! Let us help promote your business or special interest! Join and become “rooted” with the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce- working & growing together is all the power we need to Succeed!

Thank you, in advance, for supporting your Chamber and your community!
Clarksville Chamber Director


 

Posted: Tuesday, November 01st, 2016

Christmas in Clarksville Open House 2016Make your holidays extra special by attending the Christmas in Clarksville Open House on Sunday, November 20th! Downtown merchants have made special plans to be open from 1-5 pm and help you to wrap up your holidays with one-of-a-kind special gift ideas, discounts and refreshments. In addition, carolers will be strolling along Virginia Avenue singing your holiday favorites. Santa Claus will be at Santa Land located in Virginia Avenue Mall. Take a ride down Virginia Avenue in a horse drawn carriage, provide by B & W Carriage, of Buffalo Junction. Downtown Clarksville will be shining in its beautiful splendor of the holidays that take you back to Christmas of yesteryear.

Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy what Downtown Clarksville has to offer for the holidays. Remember that when you spend your money here, 1% of your tax dollars go back into our community!  SO SHOP MECKLENBURG FIRST!


 

Posted: Tuesday, November 01st, 2016

Clarksville Christmas Parade 2016Kick off December by attending or participating in Clarksville’s annual Christmas Parade, December 2nd at 6:30 pm. What’s more fun than marching December in with a Christmas Parade, cant think anything? Me either. So come enjoy the floats, bands, & see Santa in his sleigh!

It’s time to register for the Clarksville Christmas Parade ENTRY FORM must be received in the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber Office by Thursday, December 1, to be eligible for the December 2nd event.  We are seeking participants—beauty queens, businesses, community clubs, organizations, churches, antique vehicles and others interested in making this the best parade to date.

The parade will be fun-filled with no competitions and each entry is required to adhere to the parade regulations below.  The parade is hosted and sponsored by the Clarksville Chamber and the Town of Clarksville.  For more info, contact the Chamber at (434) 374-2436.

RULES & REGULATIONS

  • Registered entries only—deadline December 1st; NO Santa on any entry, Line-up format is provided when registering is completed.
  • All entries must be decorated in a Christmas theme for the Holiday and abide with these parade rules and regulations
  • No candy may be thrown from entries; walkers alongside may hand candy to the children.
  • No sirens, horns or air-horns may be used.
  • Drivers of all entries must have a valid driver’s license.
  • No entry may halt the parade (only exception will be marching bands).
  • Participants must be in line by 6:15 p.m. sharp; specific line-up location is provided with the registration form.
  • The Parade Committee reserves the right to reject any and all entries for any reason before and during the parade.  No inappropriate actions or displays will be tolerated.

Please be aware that Highway 58 Business will be closed to truck traffic (trucks will need to utilize the Highway 58 Bypass) from 6-8 pm. During this same time, Virginia Avenue (2nd to 9th Streets) will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6-8 pm. So parade preparations may be completed, parallel parking along the parade route will be eliminated beginning at 5 pm through the duration of the parade.


 

Category: Parade  | Leave a Comment
Posted: Monday, October 24th, 2016

Monday, October 31st, from 5:30-7pm Downtown Clarksville Virginia will be hosting Trick or Treat on the Avenue! It’s a the safe & fun way to Trick or Treat and great way to load up on those sweet treats!

Clarksville-Halloween-2015Spooky NEWS is that the street will be CLOSED this year, so there be a lot of extra fun this year!!

Over 40 merchants and civic organizations will be participating and most will be all dressed up in their costumes and handing out treats from 2nd Street to 8th Street.  All children up to age 12 are invited to this Spooktacular event; each must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please, no masks are to be worn by those 12 years of age or over.


 

Category: Halloween  | Leave a Comment
Posted: Wednesday, August 17th, 2016

harvest day ScarecrowFall Plans are Underway!

Come and celebrate the fall season the first Saturday in October at the Annual Harvest Days Festival! Saturday morning, vendors will line the streets facing the storefronts and sidewalks along Virginia Avenue offering seasonal crafts, specialty items, antiques, collectibles and antiquities (items of an era) from 9 am to 3 pm.

In addition to the vendors, the one-of-a-kind specialty shops and restaurants will offer specials throughout the downtown area, along with a host of games & crafts for the kids to participate in and a galore of farm animals to see, & ponies to ride.

Come out and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and the activities that are available. The event is opened to the public and there is no admission charge. This year the festival will continue into the late afternoon & evening with the Lake Country Cruise-in and our Oktoberfest Beer Garden, this year the event will be Saturday evening instead of Friday. We will have Fall Craft Beer, Music & Food from 8 pm-11:30 pm. at the corner of 5th & Virginia Ave.

Harvest Days Festival is hosted by the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. For more information call (434) 374-2436.


 

Category: Festival  | Leave a Comment
Posted: Friday, July 22nd, 2016
Whimsical-Robyn

1st place was Whimsical Robyn, Robyn Johnston from Apex ,NC mosaic sculptures

River-Artwork-Charlene-Woods

2nd Over the River Artwork, Charlene Woods from Stafford, VA mixed media artwork

Designs-Gerry

3rd Designs by Gerry, Gerry Blanks from Bumpass, VA hand painted nautical window art

Tin-Man-Scott-Tope

Honorable Mention The Tin Man, Scott Tope from Fayetteville, NC hand-crafted aluminum can creations, bottle cap earrings, all recycled materials

Each year we enlist three judges to explore all the craft booths at our event. This is the criteria we ask them to look for and choose their favorites.

  • Attractiveness of booth
  • Quality, beauty and difficulty of craft
  • Friendliness and helpfulness of crafter

Congratulations to this year’s Winners!


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

The Biggest Event in Southern Virginia this year is spectacular and we are inviting you to come, party with us as we celebrate the area’s favorite event here in Virginia’s only Lakeside Town. Below you’ll find detailed information on some of this year’s happenings; Starting with our Annual Hot-air Balloon Tethering rides, to the Welcoming Ceremonies & finally the main day events to the gathering of the boats & fireworks.

2016 Lakefest Schedule


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Friday, July 15th stop by the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue, where sand artist, Ed Moore, of Sandy Feat, has already begun his larger-than-life creation, I wonder what it will be this year?

The town will be busy preparing for the night’s activities as the main stage will be rolling in as well as a few selected vendors & Fun Time Amusements of Danville will be setting up all their machines for the all the children’s games & rides.  Around 6:30pm everything should be set & placed into action. At 7pm, the night’s MC, Bill Baker will take stage and welcome our wonderful sponsors to the stage! We couldn’t do it without them! Be sure you thank a sponsor if you see one.

The 2016 Virginia Lake Festival would not be possible without Sponsorships. The great thing is most of our Sponsors have been supporting Lakefest year after year. We are hoping that in the years to follow, more businesses will consider thinking about supporting this event. Your generosity and support brings economic vigor to our community and allows Lakefest to be a dynamic and joyful celebration of Life in Lake Country. It is a TOP TWENTY event in the Southeast, no one else in our area has that tagged with their event.

Lakefest is the largest event in the area and is enjoyed by thousands not only in this town, but in surrounding towns. People travel from all over to come here. Vendors travel from Florida, GA, PA, OH & AL. Our whole county benefits from Lakefest, as well as South Boston & South Hill hotels receiving more guests this weekend.

We salute our sponsors of Lakefest and all their support of the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. Come and give them a big THANK YOU, Friday night as we honor them for their support, along with these other great businesses that supported this year’s Lakefest.

Captains
  • Clarksville Ruritans
  • VETS, Inc.
Master Commandant
  • McDonalds of Clarksville
Commanders
  • Benchmark Community
  • Lake Motel & Magnuson
  • SENTARA
  • The News Progress
  • Lake Country Satellite
  • The Mecklenburg Sun
  • Lakes Media/US 98.3
Officers
  • VCU/CMH
  • Century 21
  • Simmons & Associates Realty
1st Mates
  • A & K Dock Service
  • Carter Bank & Trust
  • Citizens Community Bank
  • Clarksville Marina
  • HHM Porta Toilet LLC
  • Mecklenburg Electric Coop
  • Rudd’s Creek Marina
  • State Farm-Buchanan Insurance
  • Sunoco A Plus/Papa Johns
  • Talbert Building Supply
  • Virginia Avenue Mall
Helmsmen
  • Clarksville Auto Supply
  • Matthew’s Sanitation
  • Moore’s Chevrolet
  • Preddy Memorial Foundation
  • Southside Marine & Auto

As soon as we are finished with taking the sponsor photo, the live entertainment for the evening takes stage….The Pizazz Band.  We will be selling LAKEFEST t-shirts by the Clarksville Ruritans Thrift Shop, and also raffle tickets for the “Hooked on You” Raffle.


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Free-Hot-Air-Balloon-Rides-2016LakeFest Highlights start on Thursday…Come out and enjoy the beauty of the hot air balloons! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spend the evening watching the balloons inflate and provide fun, FREE hot-air balloon rides for children 12 and younger. This event is scheduled for Thursday, July 14, starting at 6 pm at the Lake Country Business Park located on Noblin Farm Road (next to Clarksville Elementary School).

Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and ice cream treats will be available, courtesy of MeadowView Terrace. Children’s games, a dunking booth and other activities will be available at the event, too, all courtesy of Halifax Regional Health System. A minimal fee will be charged for the food and activities; however, all proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Alzheimer’s Association.

With the weather cooperating (pilot can fly only when the wind is less than 10 mph and there are no storms within a 60 mile radius), all activities will continue until dusk. For more information, contact the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at 434-374-2436.


 

Category: Festival, Lakefest  | One Comment
Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Clarksville-LOVE-SignIt all started with the Clarksville Chamber, Town of Clarksville and some members of the community who were on a quest to have our very own LOVE sign. The Chamber had rented one from Virginia.org the last two years as part of our tourism attraction at the Virginia Lake Festival. But it made more sense to create our own because, well, we LOVE Clarksville & Lakefest! So in January it was presented to the board that we make this a Town & Chamber project but it was important to all that the community help us with the ideas.  We began asking the locals to submit their ideas and designs. We also encouraged them to incorporate current and historical items of importance to the culture of Clarksville. Once we received the submissions the Chamber board of directors voted on the four best choices for each letter and then we posted a public poll for each letter. The selected winners of this poll now represent our very own LOVE sign!

  • L is for Lake Life, Lakefest and our Love for this town.
  • O represents Clarksville’s history of the Occoneechi Indians and Opportunities here in Clarksville! We hope to capture great memories & visitors’ dreams of visiting again and again (or even that they will want to live here!)
  • V is for our many Visitors that Vacation here in Clarksville and we want you to Value your time with us!
  • E is for wishing Everyone wonderful Experiences. And we have to add our thankfulness for God’s Everlasting Love for us! We are looking forward to our Endless possibilities here in Clarksville! The END.

We want to thank the community for all their help and the local talent who helped make each letter possible. For more pictures visit our facebook page with all details of our LOVE LETTERS!

Visitors can come see the LOVE sign on display at the pocket park at Virginia Avenue & 4th Street through the middle of August, then it will be moved Lakeside beside our Welcome to Clarksville Sign at the Sunoco A Plus

About the LOVEwork Project

  • www.virginia.org/love– features all the LOVEwork with an interactive map so travelers can visit each one.
  • Over the past few years, we have seen over 100,000 visits to the LOVEwork webpage
  • We continue to see great engagement online with thousands of user-generated pictures on Facebook, twitter and instagram featuring the LOVEworks
  • Visitors are encouraged to use #LOVEVA with LOVEwork pictures and share with Virginia Tourism’s social accounts, @visitvirginia

 

 


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

The Pizazz Band – Friday July 15th

Pizazz-BandOpening night of Lakefest we are sizzling it with some PIZAZZZZ! The Pizazz Band will take stage with their high energy that pounds your heart and gets your feet and body moving with your Top 40, Beach, Country, Rock, Oldies Soul, & even some Funk!

Get into the romantic, soulful voice of Lead Man Kent Zimmerman.  The talent of the Pizazz Band is unsurpassed with Mark Davidson’s gravelly, smokey vocals and fluid guitar.  Chip Johnson keeps the beat going on drums, Wayne Free will hypnotize you Vocally & plays Keys, Guitar, & Brass, completing the band is the solid timing and groove of bassist Kenny Hancock.

The diversity of the band will wow you with the rhythmic lyrical vocals to hip hop and funk, country lyrics that will transform you from the realities of your lives.  Listen for the strong groove and rhythm that these accomplished musicians bring to each song. Chip Johnson is a native of South Boston, Virginia.

The Konnection Band – Saturday July 16th

The-Konnection-BandSaturday night we are connecting you with local favorites…The Konnection Band! East Coast’s premiere party bands, specializing in a variety of music including Top 40, Rock, Country, R & B, Beach and Oldies. The band has performed for thousands, being the featured entertainment at numerous festivals and events including The Virginia Pork Festival, The Virginia Cantaloupe Festival, The Colgate Country Showdown, The Virgilina Summerfest, The Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival, The Oxford Masonic Home’s St. John’s Day,  and even several times at our very own Virginia Lake Festival.

Band members include, Brian Ramsey, Kevin Knight, Mike Brooks, Ray Preston, Melvin Carroll, Craig Cottrell, Chris Medlin, Tony Watson


 

Category: Festival, Lakefest  | One Comment
Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Publication1We are excited to announce that we have a few special guests appearing for the kiddos at this year’s event! To cool things down during the hot summer months we have asked Elsa & Anna from Frozen to come entertain us along with another famous princess…Cinderella and not just princesses we also have the Star Wars battling duo Darth Vader & Jedi!  They will be here for a limited time during the festival, so you won’t want to miss them!

Queen Elsa and Princess Anna are a lovable pair of sisters who impress every little princess and prince. They delight in going to parties and bringing their charm and warmth everywhere they go. They’ve broken through thick ice together and share a true sisterly love that can’t be defeated. These sweet sisters of Arendelle will share their kindness and courage with you.

Cinderella is always the center of attention wherever she goes. It’s no wonder that everyone loves her; she’s smart, graceful, patient, and kind. She knows the importance of positive thinking and always follows her dreams.

Our princesses will paint simple designs, with a dash of glitter, on any child who would like one! They plan to sing and tell stories and if time allows, to teach the young princesses how to walk, talk and act like a princess. Who better to show them than the princess herself!

When the Princesses are off stage and walking around the crowds you will see the dueling duo, Darth Vader & Jedi from Star Wars!

The Jedi are masters of the Force, and they use their knowledge of it to defend peace and justice throughout the galaxy. Their strength in muscle and mind is incredible, and they fight with great skill when it’s necessary.

Darth Vader is a powerful Sith Lord with power over the dark side of the Force and a talent for choking anyone who challenges him. His skill in the Force makes him a difficult opponent for the Jedi, and his cruelty is well-known throughout the galaxy. But he’s not all evil; beneath the dark exterior is a sad man with a heartbreaking history.

These two will battle and you will learn how to fight the bad guys with the best JEDI teacher around! They’ll learn hands on what it takes to fight crime and save the world!

Performances will be at United Country Realty stage from 10:30-1:30 pm on July 16th. Each set of Characters will perform at specific times and while they aren’t on stage they will be walking through the crowds. Specific times for performances will be announced at a later time.

raleigh-party-princess-productions-logoParty Princess Productions provides high-end birthday party character entertainment, princess parties, superhero parties and many other character themed parties. Specializing in singing princesses, we also provide a wide variety of other characters. Our custom costumes and quality performers ensure the most authentic performance in town. Our characters face paint, sing, play games and take pictures! Our birthday party character entertainment is the perfect addition to your next party or event!


 

Category: Festival, Lakefest  | One Comment
Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Cross-Wood-Art

The arts & crafts show is juried and the jurors have been kept busy reviewing applications and photographs since early in February. It is a packed house this year with over 230 vendors ranging from Crafts, Food, Non-profits & Retail items. Vendors this year are coming not only from Virginia, but also other states: Florida, Ohio, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania & Georgia.

The crafters have been extremely active in applying for this year’s show. We have lots of new & exciting booths this year, from amazing woodworkings, acrylic and oil paintings, pottery, leather products, birdhouses and garden accessories, carvers and sculptures, personalized jewelry, items to be personalized on the spot, pain relief jewelry, photography, clothing, home accessories and even homemade pet food & attire… just to name a few.

Over-the-RiverWe have a few book authors too! One is local and will be located at the Cottage Barn booth and the other is from Florida. We have great things for the kids from treasure mining to Disney characters, face painters, character balloons & water slide, pony & amusement rides.

There will be no shortage of food vendors ranging from Asian, Seafood, Mediterranean, Greek & your All-American choices too! There will be special items such as fried green tomatoes, Angus Sliders, Brats & BBQ Ribs, along with all the other fair favorites. For the sweet tooth, Sweet Frog is back, along with a new Sweet Cakes vendor, specializing in flavored & frosted cupcakes. Funnel cakes have evolved into all the toppings and flavors a sugar lover could only dream about. There will be deep fried candy bars, & Oreos to icees, smoothies & popsicles. Cheesecake on a stick anyone? Smell the aroma of Roasted nuts, kettle corn, popcorn, cotton candy & more! All here on Saturday.

Sweet-Cakes

Sweet Cakes!

Lake Country Satellite is helping this year with Wi-Fi for the event and US98 will be doing live remotes throughout the day! Disney Characters will be here for a short time from 10:30-1:30, so don’t miss them performing at the United Country Realty Stage. Virginia Avenue from Second through Fourth Street will not re-open at 5 pm so we have about 25 vendors opting to stay until the fireworks, so come on down any time of day. If you want to keep up with all activities, details & more of who is coming to Lakefest, go to our Lakefest Event page on Facebook to view our daily post on updates and information.


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

2015-Antique-AutoEnter your antique automobiles in the 22nd annual Antique Auto Show, which will be featured at Lakefest in Clarksville on Saturday, July16, at Century 21 On the Lake (412 Virginia Avenue) and the lawn areas adjacent to realty office. Great trophies will be made in the categories of

  •        Hard Luck Story,
  •        Oldest Vehicle,
  •        Longest Distance Traveled,
  •        Diamond in the Rough and
  •        Tom Lilly BEST IN SHOW Award (The most important trophy of the show!)

Among those who have registered their vehicle in the show, there will be two prizes of $50 each that will be given away that afternoon.

2014 Lakefest Auto ShowTo register your vehicle for the show, complete a registration form (available at Century 21 On the Lake(434-374-2279) or at the Chamber Office(434-374-2436) or Click Here to Download/Print) and return with the $10 fee prior to festival or $20 day of the show. Or it can be mailed out or faxed to those interested in participating.


 

Posted: Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

New this Year!

Sidewinder 2The Skymaster. At almost 50ft tall, it offers high flying twists and turns for thrill seekers of all ages as the pendulum action rolls over and over. At night, a brilliant LED light show illuminates the air as riders scream in delight at this awesome attraction.

Kids will love this! Treasure Quest Mining is a mobile gem mining and treasuring hunting experience where treasure hunters can sluice for gemstones, seashells & fossilized sharks’ teeth or crack open geodes to reveal the crystals inside. They will  be set up near Hite’s on Saturday, July 16th.

Fun Time Amusements Rides

Fun Time Amusements Rides has been providing family entertainment for more than 57 years and they plan to bring a wonderful array of rides and games that will enhance the main stage area adjacent Third Street (access at the corner of Third and Virginia Avenue) on Friday night, Saturday and Saturday night.  Usually they bring eight or nine rides, which can range from their Flying Super Spinner, Fun Slide, Jurassic Adventure, Scooby Doo Combo Inflatable, Windjammer Kite Flyer and Rock Climbing Wall & more. Most of the rides and games will be located on the grassy lot adjacent to the area.

Treasure Quest sluice 1

Treasure Quest Sluice

The company’s top priority is that of safety for their patrons and their guests.  Safety mechanisms on all rides are constantly monitored on an on-going basis, and the rides are inspected by Virginia State Safety compliance.

Train Rides

All aboard!  No need to get your ticket punched for this train ride— passengers ride for free and there’s no ticket needed.  Lakefest’s Fun-Time train will be chugging up and down Virginia Avenue (from 3rd to 7th Streets) on Saturday, July 16, from 9 am-5 pm.  Turn-around locations will be at the main stage area (lot connected to 3rd Street) and at the Bank of America parking area (between 7th and 8th).  The train holds up to 18 passengers, packages and baby strollers. Give your legs a rest and hop-aboard Lakefest’s Fun-Time Train.

Helicopter Rides

Helicopter Rides Clarksville Lake FestivalFor the last five years, Paul Jackson, Helicopter Pilot, has been flying the friendly skies and giving our Lakefest visitors rides over Clarksville and the Lake. Take advantage of seeing Lake Country from the air this year, it is a memory you will never forget. Rides will be available starting Friday evening, at the Food Lion lawn area & Saturday for most of the day. It is $30 per person to ride.

Pony Rides

Five Blessings Farms will host their pony rides and two fun bouncy inflatables at the corner of 5th & Virginia Avenue  across from State Farm Insurance. Five Blessings Farm is located in Gladys, VA…. They specialize in being your onestop for all of your family fun. They have six ponies to rent, an amazing petting zoo, and four various wet and dry inflatables for all of your entertainment needs.

The Water Wars Booth

Play the ultimate water balloon game! From Warsaw, NC Water Wars is bringing some water balloon fun that you will have fun either as a game or competition–here is how you play:  Opponents go to opposing battle stations with buckets of water balloons.  Each battle station has a water balloon launcher.  Place a balloon in the launcher, pull down on the handle, aim, and fire!  Your balloon soars high through the air and comes crashing down on your opponent’s battle station.  There are strategically placed slots and holes in the structure that allows the water to come through.  You might get sprinkled, sprayed, or saturated, but watch out, retaliation comes quickly….! Water Wars will be located in front of Watkins, Cooper, Lyon’s FH.

 


 

Category: Festival, Lakefest  | 3 Comments