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Here comes the 35th Annual Lakefest! This year is looking to be a wonderful time of celebration here in Virginia’s only Lakeside Town. Below you’ll find detailed information on some of this year’s happenings; from Helicopter Rides to The Antique Auto Show, and a 5K Run/walk-hosted by the Clarksville YMCA. For registration details and to sign up to participate in the 5K Run call 434-374-5858. Please use the links below and to the left to explore just some of this year’s offerings.

photo by Justin Eubank

Juried Arts & Crafts Show
Antique Auto Show
Sand Sculpture Artist
Helicopter Rides
Games & Rides
Free Kids Balloon Rides
Friday Night’s Live Band – The Konnection Band
Saturday Night’s Live Band – Eric & Laurie and Hicksboro Station
Lakefest IDOL Competition
T-Shirts (coming soon)
Lakefest Fun for Two Raffle
Shuttle & Parking Information
Schedule of Events

This year’s Lakefest raffle is a host of prizes that will open up Buggs Island lake in a whole new way to 1 lucky winner!

This year’s “Lakefest Raffle ~ Fun for 2 at the Lake” , valued at over $600, includes:

• 2 Potomac RAM X Kayaks with paddles
• His & Hers Life Vests
• 2 Buggs Island Beach Towels
• Mini-cooler
• 2 Hands Free Beach Chairs

The drawing will be held on Friday evening during one of the band’s breaks on July 20, at the main stage area (behind Wells Fargo) and you need not be present to win.

The person holding the winning ticket will win all of the gifts in the “Lakefest Raffle ~ Fun for 2 at the Lake”.

Tickets are $5 each, $12 for three and $20 for six. You can purchase tickets at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, 105 2nd Street. All proceeds will benefit The Chamber’s future projects.

The arts & crafts show is juried and the jury has been kept busy reviewing applications and photographs since early in February. Artists this year are coming from not only Virginia, but also other states–Florida, Ohio, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Georgia. The crafters have been extremely active in applying for this year’s show. Water ink, acrylic and oil paintings…even face painters, pottery, leather products, birdhouses and garden accessories, carvers and sculptures, jewelry made from bicycle spokes, items to be personalized on the spot, blown glass jewelry, photography, clothing, home accessories and even pet attire–just to name a few.

What are some of the food vendors on tap for this year? As of this moment, we have more than 20 food vendors…only two of similar offerings are approved by the jury…thus, there will be an extraordinary amount of variety. In addition to the typical festival foods such as polish sausages, gyros, blooming onions, kettle corn, coated nuts, deep-fried candy bars/cookies and funnel cakes with your choice of toppings…the ethnic choices will include Caribbean–jerk chicken, shawarma, stuffed grape leaves; Mexican–fajitas, quesadillas, burritos; vegetarian offerings, Seafood–shrimp, Mahi Mahi, crab cakes, and calamari; Thai choices–Satay, vegetable cakes and spring rolls; Items to cool one down on a hot summer day…fresh squeezed lemonade, smoothies and icees, frozen drinks such as Pina Colodas and Bahama Mamas, snowcones, homemade ice creams and old fashioned floats.

You are invited to enjoy the nearly 200 vendors that will be in place on Virginia Avenue on Saturday, July 21, 9 am-5 pm. The street will be closed to traffic from 4 am until midnight.

LAKEFEST IDOL Performance set for Saturday, July 7^th

Signal Boosters of NC is proud to sponsor the 2012 Lakefest IDOL Competition

On June 8th, over 60 people came out to see the 13 contestants audition to move onto the next round in the first annual Lakefest Idol.  The winner  of the July 7th competition will get to sing the first song at the Virginia Lake Festival Opening Ceremonies on July 20^th at 7 pm.  Everyone is invited so.. come & VOTE for your favorite contestant!

They are all competing  for the title of the First LAKEFEST IDOL Winner.  Here is your Top 11:

• Lauren Blue
  Tappahannock, VA
• Jessi Lee Covington
  Clarksville, VA
• Kayson Flynn
  Chase City, VA
• Alannah Garcia
  Clarksville, VA
• Zachary Glasscock
  Clarksville, VA
• Adrienne Hudson
  South Hill, VA
• Jessica Lawson
  Skipwith, VA
• Maddie Scott
  Semora, NC
• Amy Shearin
  Clarksville, VA
• Gary Watkins
  Clarksville, VA
• Heather Wilson
  Chase City, VA

You don’t want to miss this amazing night from solo performances to group numbers, plus your chance to vote for your favorite acts!
All proceeds benefit future projects of the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce & Clarksville Community Players. For more information call 434-374-2436.

Live and on-stage on Saturday night at the 35th Annual Lakefest in Clarksville will be one of the finest bands around—the premier party band in the Carolinas and in Virginia—Eric & Laurie and HICKSBORO STATION–  They are your Professional Live Entertainment…Playing Country, Rock, R & B, Oldies.

This dynamic DUO and Hicksboro Station have played many venues throughout the region and has opened for many national acts including Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan, Darryl Worley, Rodney McDowell, T Graham Brown, Exile, Confederate Railroad, Ty Herndon, etc. .

HICKSBORO STATION BAND (HSB)- The talented group currently consists of Percussionist, John Wrenn – Bass Guitarist/vocals, Kenny Lynerd – Lead Guitarist, Joey Miller, along with Laurie Wilson (Lead Vocals and Keys) and Eric (Lead Vocals and Rhythm guitar). Eric and Laurie and HSB continue on today, playing professional energetic performances with the band as well as performing as a duo.

Don’t even chance missing one of their songs—the live performance will start at 7 pm on July 21 on the main stage (entrance at 3^rd Street and Virginia Avenue).  Wear your dancing shoes, bring your lawn chairs, and prepare yourself for a super evening of musical entertainment.  Food and beverages will be available on the site.  The show is open to the public with no admission charge.

The Konnection Band—one of the East Coast’s most favorite party bands, will be live and on stage at Lake Friday night show, July 20, starting at 7:30 pm.  This band has performed for thousands and will entertain you with a variety of music including Top 40, Rock, Country, R& B, Beach and Oldies.  The band has been featured at numerous festivals and has shared the stage with many national and regional acts including The Charlie Daniels Band, Delbert McClinton, Exile, Diamond Rio, Ray Scott, Jim Quick and Coastline, The Fantastic Shakers, Craig Woolard Band, and the Chairmen of the Board.  The band is comprised of Mike Brooks, Melvin Carroll, Fred Donn, Brian Ramsey, Sonny Edwards, Kevin Knight.

Come out and get “konnected” with this band and with your friends.  Wear your dancing shoes and bring your lawn chairs (you’ll need to rest once in awhile!).

Location of the main stage area is directly behind Wells Fargo Bank.  Also, available nearby will be various food vendors and children’s rides and entertainment. For more information, contact the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at 434-374-2436.

Lakefest 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 19, 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 or HERE.

A recent study by Feeding America found that over 1,012,500 Virginians are considered “food insecure.” This represents a 54% increase since 2006. A large number of these individuals are children, senior citizens, disabled adults, and the new face of hunger – individuals who have lost their jobs and are having problems making ends meet. Summertime is typically one of the most challenging times for food banks in Virginia, especially with the number of children who are out of school and do not have access to before and after school feeding programs.

In response to this urgent need, Governor Bob McDonnell, The Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks are joining efforts in 2012 to create the first Chamber of Commerce Challenge Food and Fund Drive — a food and fund drive competition among all Virginia Chambers of Commerce, their member businesses, and state government offices. In this friendly competition, the Chamber or government office that raises the most pounds of food will be awarded a prestigious and highly coveted “Governor’s Bowl” in the categories of small, medium, and large for Chamber offices and a special bowl for the top government office.

During our last fiscal year,  (the Central Food Bank) distributed 513,637 pounds of grocery products through 6 partner agencies in Mecklenburg County:

• Amazing Bibleway Church ~ Clarksville
• Lake County Area on Aging ~ Mecklenburg
• Holy Name Church of Jesus ~ Mecklenburg
• Young Memorial C. O. G. I. C. ~ Mecklenburg
• Mecklenburg Senior Citizens ~ Mecklenburg
• SOuth Hill Breadbox Company ~ Mecklenburg

Click here to read Governor Bob McDonnel’s letter about the project

Project Dates

May 28 through July 4

Drop off Locations:

• Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, 105 Second St.,
• Virginia Avenue Mall 317 Virginia Avenue
• Dollar General Market 1013 Virginia Avenue
• Southside Marine & Auto 916 Noblin Farm Road

Food

Canned Meats & Fish, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Hot & Cold Cereals Pasta & Rice or,

Donate Online ( $1= 4 pounds of food )

to donate, click here and remember to select Clarksville Lake Country as your local branch.

The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber & Clarksville Community Players team up to create a new Fundraiser for Lakefest! We are happy to announce a fun Singing competition for those who love to sing and compete for a chance to showcase their talent at the opening ceremonies July 20th at 7 pm at the main stage area behind Wells Fargo.

Mirroring some of the exciting features of American Idol, The CCP & Clarksville Chamber will have a panel of judges, auditions and finals. The winner of the final competition will be named the First Official “Lakefest Idol’ title winner and sing the night of the opening ceremonies.

We are really excited to add a new element to Lakefest and hope that the community will get involved. Everyone will be able to come see the talent on the audition dates and the audience will even have a chance to vote at the top 15-finalist competition for their favorite singer on July 7th. So get your vocal cords ready and come be apart of the fun!! Download an application HERE.

In the Photo: Sheila Cuykendall - Clarksville Chamber of Commerce, Rhonda Tate - Virginia Avenue Mall, Tara Murphy - Town Hall

Come to Clarksville, Virginia Saturday, May 12, to the Big Lake Flea Market, for more unique finds and great bargains. Virginia Avenue will be a buzz with a special selection of vendors and downtown merchants offering arts and crafts, fresh produce, antiques, yard sale items and one-of-a-kind treasures. Treat your tummy to delicious tastes including freshly picked strawberries straight from the patch. Come hungry, too, because the best of the food vendors will be onsite preparing your favorites and the local restaurants will offer specials on their menu throughout the day.

Vendors will be located on the pavement (in the parallel parking spaces) along Virginia Avenue from 3rd Street to 7th Street. Thus, vehicle parking will be available in the lots of Wells Fargo Bank and behind the Virginia Avenue Mall, plus on the side streets of Downtown Clarksville.

So, hit the streets early (vendors will be ready at 8:00 a.m.) and make your plans to spend a fun day in Virginia’s only lakeside town.

The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce hosts the Big Lake Flea Market. For more information or want to be a vendor, call 434-374-2436

Spring into May on the first Saturday for Sales, Sales, and more Sales. Participating Chamber merchants are having a Sidewalk Sale from 9 am to 2 pm and they are cleaning off their shelves & racks to make room for new products.

So come shop and spend your Saturday, May 5, at Virginia’s only lakeside town. These stores will have merchandise in front of their businesses with clearance items, sale items or featured items, so come see what bargain you can find! Below are the confirmed participating merchants in the Sidewalk Sale:

Here are some other Chamber Merchants that invest into their community, so make sure you stop & support them too! EAT, SHOP, TOUR & STAY!

For a complete listing of all our supporting Chamber Members, please visit our website at www.clarksvilleva.com

The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit business organization representing the interests of member companies throughout the Lake Country Area. Its mission is to enhance small-town atmosphere while promoting economic growth without compromising our natural resources. We want to promote our area and encourage you all to Shop & Buy Local!

Cruise back from 4 pm-9 pm for the Lake Country Cruise-in! Bring your old “ride’ or just come and celebrate Clarksville on the Lake with great food, fare & fun & some merchants plan to stay open late. Virginia Avenue from 3rd to 7th street will be closed to accommodate over 130 cars. Free Admission! This event takes place the First Saturdays of each month thru October.

photo courtesy of Greg Carhuff

Drawing held April 14th

Tickets
$5 – One
$12 – Three
$20 – Six
(participants need not be present to win)

Enter to win all of the following:

• Wine Rack (filled with one bottle from each 2012 Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival Winery)
• Cabernet Franc – Annefield Vineyards
• Elderberry Wine – Coltsfoot Winery
• Chardonnay – Fincastle Vineyard & Winery
• Merlot/Temptation – Hunting Creek Vineyards
• 2009 Merlot – Lazy Days Winery
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Pow Wow – Mattaponi Winery
• Cranberry Delight – Mt. Vale Vineyards
• Blueberry Muffin – Peaks of Otter Winery
• Sweet Briar Rose – REBEC Vineyard, Inc.
• 2009 Kilravock – Rosemont Winery
• Blackberry Wine – Sans Soucy Vineyards & Winery
• Chambourcin – The Home Place Vineyard
• Tobacco Blue Road – Tomahawk Mill Winery
• Toscanello – Villa Appalaccia Winery
• Oster Electric Wine Opener & Chiller
• 4 Wine Festival Glasses
• Cheese & Cracker Tray
• Embroidered Wine Festival Shirt & Tote

Raffle proceeds will benefit future projects of the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce

Click images below to view the latest Wine Festival Gallery

The Annual Lake Country Wine Festival will be held:

April 14, 2012
Noon-5 pm
Historic Downtown Clarksville

Come out and enjoy the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce’s SIXTH annual “Lake Country Wine Festival” in beautiful Clarksville on the Lake.  This year’s event will host 15 Virginia Wineries, live music, some fine foods and the opportunity to taste nearly 100 varieties of fine Virginia wines and speak with those who have made these vintages possible.

The entry gate to the Festival is at 412 Virginia Avenue. Tickets prior to event day will be $20.  Tickets purchased at the gate will cost $25. With the purchase of a ticket you will receive a complimentary wine glass at the gate. Please take advantage of the pre-event ticket prices and purchase yours online today! (please use the “buy tickets” button to the right to purchase tickets through paypal, which is safe and secure. You can purchase multiple tickets once you click on the button). Tickets purchased online will be held for you at the front gate. You will receive an email confirming your purchase. Tickets are available online until April 8th at 5pm.

Wineries attending this year’s  2012 Wine Festival are:

• Annefield Vineyards, Saxe www.annefieldvineyards.com
  
• Bright Meadows Farm, Nathalie www.brightmeadowsfarm.com
  
• Coltsfoot Winery, Abingdon www.coltsfootwinery.com
  
• Fincastle Vineyard & Winery, Fincastle www.fincastlewine.com
  
• Hunting Creek Vineyards, Clover www.huntingcreekvineyards.com
  
• Lazy Days Winery, Amherst www.lazydayswinery.com
  
• Mattaponi Winery, Spotsylvania www.mattaponiwinery.com
  
• Mt Vale Vineyards, Galax www.mtvalevineyard.com
  
• Peaks of Otter Winery, Bedford www.peaksofotterwinery.com
  
• REBEC Vineyard Inc, Amherst www.rebecwinery.com
  
• Rosemont of Virginia Winery, La Crosse www.rosemontofvirginia.com
  
• Sans Soucy Vineyards & Winery, Brookneal www.sanssoucyvineyards.com
  
• The Homeplace Vineyard, Chatham www.thehomeplacevineyard.com
  
• Tomahawk Mill Winery, Chatham www.tomahawkmill.com
  
• Villa Appalaccia Winery, Floyd www.villaappalaccia.com

This event is for those 21 years of age and over ONLY; PEOPLE MUST HAVE PHOTO ID with them the day of the festival.  It is a rain/shine event.  No refunds/no returns.  No pets; only assistance animals allowed.

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Join Mr. and Mrs. Claus as they will be there to read you the Christmas Story:

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Saturday December 17th, 6:30pm at the Pocket Park (corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue)
This Event is FREE!
For more information contact the Chamber HERE or at 434-374-2436