Join, Get plugged in & Stay Connected, is our campaign for the 2016 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 2015, we had 205 members of the Clarksville Chamber.
Our 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 18,000 inquiries in 2015—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? Join the “Force” in 2016, and the force is you and 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 “force” (team) and we really look forward to assisting you, the visitors & residents and promoting this great community we all love so much! Join in 2016, great it will be.
Let us help promote your business or special interest! Join forces with the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce- Us, working together is all the power we need to Succeed!
Stop by 105 Second Street, Clarksville or call and we will more than happy to send you a benefits packet, 434-374-2436
Held at the Clarksville Community Center, 103 Woodland Drive from 10 am to 2 pm and Absolutely FREE!
Have you ever wondered how to get involved in helping others?
Have you wanted to make a difference but don’t know where to start?
Are you sure you know all the different services and programs that are available in Clarksville and/or Mecklenburg County?
You are invited to attend the Volunteer Recruitment Fair to learn about volunteer opportunities that are waiting for you. Plus learn about all the different services that are being offered in your community. Come and learn more about your community and how you can make a difference in making it a better place to live.
Could your wallet use an extra $250? Consider putting your talents to work for the 2016 Virginia Lake Festival (Lakefest) and become the winner of the reward. The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce encourages area artists to enter the winning logo design for the 39th Lakefest that is scheduled for July 14-16, 2016. In addition to the cash reward, the winning artist will have their design featured on the official 2016 Lakefest t-shirts and on brochures, flyers and other media promotions of the three-day event, plus be promoted in area newspapers for their accomplishment.
Those wanting to enter the contest may download an entry form, pick up an entry form at the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce, 105 Second Street, or pick one up at the Virginia Avenue Mall or call the Chamber and one will be mailed to you. For artwork designs to be considered in the judging, original and signed entries must be delivered to the Clarksville Chamber Office or submitted by mail to the Lake Festival Committee, P.O. Box 1017, Clarksville, VA, 23927, no later than March 13th, 2016. For more information call the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at (434) 374-2436 or contact us.
“We compiled a list of the top historical spots in each state worth traveling for. With this list, you’ll be able to plan a pilgrimage this year to see a gun fight in the Old West, sit in a centuries-old theater and listen to an opera, or tour a ship that sailed in the 17th century. Or maybe just schedule a little detour from what you already had planned, so you don’t miss out. These living legends embody the history and culture of their region, and you’ll be proud you stopped in when on vacation in any of the fifty states.” …read more.
Kick off December by attending or participating in Clarksville’s annual Christmas Parade, December 4th 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 Tuesday, December 2, to be eligible for the December 4th 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 2nd; 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. 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.
Art is a wonderful, timeless gift for anyone, so why not support local artists this Christmas? Shop Downtown Clarksville is sponsoring their first Art Crawl during this year’s Christmas in Clarksville Open House. Below you will see the list of participating local artists and where you can find them on the Art Crawl Map.
Be sure to stop by the S.N.A.P.S. table to purchase a raffle ticket! Winner will receive 50% of the amount received for all tickets and the other 50% will go to S.N.A.P.S. spay/neuter program to reduce the population of stray and unwanted pets in Mecklenburg County. Perfect time to win some $$ to help you with holiday shopping and to help out a great cause! Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40. There will also be S.N.A.P.S. tshirts on sale for $15.
Make your holidays extra special by attending the Christmas in Clarksville Open House on Sunday, November 22nd! 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!
Friday, October 30th, 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!
Spooky 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.
Back again this year, we will have an outdoor movie night, starting at 7:30 pm, at the corner of 5th and Virginia Avenue. We will be featuring the movie, Under Wraps! more details to come.
Come and celebrate the fall season the first weekend in October at the Annual Harvest Days Festival!
The 20th annual Harvest Days Festival will bring a major celebration to Virginia’s only lakeside town on October 2nd & 3rd. The event will reap a list of activities of things to do for the whole family!
Friday Night
Friday night starting at 7pm we will be hosting the Oktobefest Beer Garden, with live music, fall & domestic beer & food. This event will be located at Alternate RAIN LOCATION: 71 Saw Mill Road, off of Noblin Farm Road, (road) on the East side of Southside Marine. Admission at the gate will be $5. Food & beer will be available for purchase with ID, beer is $3 per beer. This event is for 21 and over.
Harvest Days Festival Pumpkin Painting Early Saturday the 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, enjoy our annual fundraising auction at high noon! Rain location for the auction will be inside the town council quarters next to the Great Wall Restaurant. The games & crafts for the kids will move if rained out, inside the old House of Prayer church upstairs. Hayrides will still be available if not down pouring.
RAIN or SHINE!! Come out and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and the activities that are available. If we have to we will have vendors located indoors at the old House of Prayer Church located at the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue across the street from the Lake House Restaurant.
The event is opened to the public and there is no admission charge. This year the festival will continue into the late afternoon & evening, 5 pm-9 pm with the Lake Country last Cruise-in for 2015. Harvest Days Festival is hosted by the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact us or call (434) 374-2436 or check out the schedule of events on our facebook page. If you would like to be a vendor please fill out our Rules & Application Sheet.
First Place: Conway Studios Cathy McInville of Conway, NC Stained Glass & Handmade bird baths, butterflies, dragonflies, decorative art & sculptures. cathymcinville@nullgmail.com 252-252-377-7764
2nd Place: Tiny House Movement, Living Off the Grid Julie Hochwender, Hot Springs, NC. Handmande bird houses from tin & logs/log candle holders tinyhousemovements@nullgmail.com 573-673-6882
3rd Place: Bakers by the Sea Susanne Baker, New Smyrna Beach, Florida Hand sewn denium koozies, fired stone coasters & signs 843-377-9277 sugarbaker1113@nullaol.com
Honorable Mention: Angie Cole Huddleson, VA metal yard art, painted decorative spinners amcglc613@nullyahoo.com 608-481-2458
THE BIGGEST EVENT IN SOUTHERN VIRGINIA is HERE!! 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 details; starting Thursday night with our Annual Hot-air Balloon Tethering rides, then Friday we invite you to come to opening ceremonies & finally Saturday, the main day, full of events for the whole family from sunrise to the gathering of the boats & fireworks. Make sure you stay till Sunday year and celebrate “Afterfest” too!
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 16, 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.
Also, going on the same night after the Hot air balloon rides, head downtown, to the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue to the old House of Prayer Church Building at 8 pm to see a FREE MOVIE! The House of Prayer is hosting the movie BIG HERO SIX rated PG. Refreshments & popcorn will be available.
Friday, July 17th stop by the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue, where Sand sculptor, Alan Matsumoto, has already begun his larger-than-life creation, I wonder what it will be this year? Alan, has held a Guinness World Record in sand-sculpting, and has won 6 World Championship titles with his Sand-sculpting Team-mates. He has also been a Canadian National Snow-sculpting Champion and twice B.C. Provincial Champion. After a 19 year career as a Structural Engineer in Vancouver, Canada, Alan has been sand-sculpting professionally now for over 20 years and currently lives in Roanoke, Virginia.
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 6:30 pm everything should be set & placed into action. At 7 pm, we the night’s MC, Bill Baker will take stage and announce and bring our wonderful, sponsors to the stage! We couldn’t do it without them!!! Make sure you thank a sponsor if you see one!!
ADMIRAL
HP
CAPTAINS
McDonalds of Clarksville
Clarksville Ruritans
VETS, Inc.
COMMANDERS
Benchmark Community Bank
Lake Motel Efficiencies & Magnuson on the Lake
SENTARA
Signs & Designs
The Mecklenburg Sun
The News Progress
US98.3
OFFICERS
VCU/CMH
Town of Clarksville
Century 21 on the Lake
Simmon’s & Associates Realty
1st MATES
A & K Dock Service
Unburn
Clarksville Marina
Carter Bank & Trust
Citizens Community Bank
Edward Jones
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative
Helmsmen
CFJ-Jewelry, Gifts & More
Clarksville Auto Supply, Inc.
Matthews Sanitation
Southside Marine
Virginia Avenue Mall
As soon as we are finished with taking the sponsor photo, the live entertainment for the evening takes stage….from Richmond Virginia, InsideOut. We will be selling lakefest t-shirts by the Clarksville Ruritans Thrift Shop, and also raffle tickets for the Totally Cool Raffle, which the winner will be drawn at 9:45 that evening.
From Richmond Virginia, playing the best from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, as well as today’s top hits, InsideOut features male and female lead singers, who bring a high energy show band while playing the best dance music around. InsideOut Band deliveries a wide variety in all kinds of music, for all ages.
InsideOut Band consists of 10 professional musicians with sorted talents, a dynamic horn section and 6 lead vocalists, playing music from Wilson Pickett to Katie Perry, InsideOut covers it all. The added bonus is the band’s DJ performs before they take stage, during their breaks, and after the show for an awesome entertainment experience, the best of both worlds for your function.
InsideOut Band’s influences include groups like Chicago, Tower of Power, Blood Sweat and Tears, Earth Wind & Fire, and Kool and the Gang. Also artists like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Luther Vandross, Prince, the Time and too many more to list. The will be ready to bring you to the dance floor the Friday of WELCOMING CEREMONIES of LAKEFEST…. July 17th, after we honor the sponsors!
Our 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 18,000 inquiries in 2015—phone calls, emails, social media contacts (Facebook) and people walking through our door, all asking questions and needing assistance with information.
