Clear Lake committee readies trunk-or-treat, poster contest and Holiday Light Fight; Dec. 4 festival planned

Speaker 2, a committee member, said the group is preparing candy distribution and volunteer coverage for the town’s trunk-or-treat and asked that volunteers be ready to replenish supplies at stores serving as distribution points. "If they need help, I need to know," Speaker 1 said, describing a system of donation cans to buy candy when supplies run low.

Speaker 3 reported the chamber will run a student poster contest involving "Kenanoke High School District" pupils; posters will be collected the Monday before the event and displayed at businesses across Lorelake, Clear Lake Oaks and Clear Lake. "I pick up the posters Monday, and we'll be posting businesses throughout Lorelake, Clear Lake Oaks, and Clear Lake," Speaker 3 said, adding judges will meet on Nov. 1.

The committee discussed the Holiday Light Fight format and prizes. Speaker 2 said organizers want two divisions — residential and commercial — and discussed last year’s social-media–driven selection process. Committee members debated prize types: Speaker 3 proposed a perpetual plaque or trophy for commercial winners and suggested sponsor-funded cash awards for the top spots; others favored gift certificates and plaques for residential winners.

On the calendar, Speaker 1 confirmed a Christmas festival and parade planned for Dec. 4 at Austin Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with vendors, crafts, face painting and a gingerbread-house contest. Committee members agreed to coordinate parade applications and tree-lighting responsibilities with the chamber and city staff and to avoid conflicting dates with the Lower Lake Action Group.

Speaker 2 closed the discussion with three action items: the committee will lead residential Holiday Light Fight promotion, the chamber will organize the commercial division and sponsors, and staff/volunteers will secure decorations and displays to have in place before the parade. Committee members said they would share links and promotional materials for posting on chamber and city web pages.

Next steps: members agreed to return with narrower plans at the next meeting and to post Holiday Light Fight voting (via Facebook) in November, with winners presented at the December meeting.