CLEAR LAKE, Iowa— Thursdays on Main began three years ago as a way to drive traffic and generate revenue to the retail stores in downtown Clear Lake, Iowa.

Today, the weekly event stands as one of the staples of summer activity in the community. Thursdays on Main runs from 6 to 9 p.m. and attracts an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people a week to enjoy various forms of family entertainment.

“It’s geared towards everyone in the family,” Trish Pletcher said. Pletcher is the special projects director for the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce directs the activities which feature an array of live music, crafts, food vendors and extended hours for the downtown food and retail establishments.

For adults, the event features various events from live bands and performances to classic cars and shopping. Hansons’ Jewelers holds wine tasting events, as does Lake Meat and Cheese.

Bill Dewey has been among the list of performers at Thursdays on Main. In July, the chamber will host Sean Bright. In August, they will bring in Arrows at Dawn, Denny’s School of Dance, Kilroy and the Clear Lake High School cheerleaders.

“It’s a great family event and the streets are closed,” Pletcher said. “There are free trolley rides through the community and all different types of vendors. I think it is very relaxing with people enjoying themselves.”

Family fun activities include a bounce house for kids and a hand-powered train ride from the Iowa Trolley Park and Railroad Museum. The bounce house is sponsored by the North Iowa Co-op and Farmer’s Lumber.

“The kids absolutely love it,” Pletcher said. “There is a line (for the train) every Thursday.”

Every week there are also movies played at City Park in the bandshell. The films begin at 9 p.m. and the Clear Lake Church of Christ serves free popcorn. In July, the feature films are “National Velvet” and “Elf,” followed by “How to Train Your Dragon” and “The Blind Side” in August.

An event similar to Thursdays on Main used to be held on Fridays.

“I know Clear Lake used to do a Friday night thing,” Pletcher said. “So we tried to find something to drive traffic to retail and restaurants.”

She said they have seen the positive effects of the event. Some of the stores that weren’t staying open have decided to reap the rewards of continuing to stay open for business later on Thursdays.

Schedule of entertainment:
Today: Sean Bright performs from 7 to 9 p.m.
July 28: Christmas in July
Aug. 4: Arrows at Dawn perform from 7 to 9 p.m. and Denny’s School of Dance is featured at 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 11: Kilroy performs from 7 to 9 p.m. and the Clear Lake High School cheerleaders perform at 6:30 p.m.

Movie in the Park:
Today: “National Velvet” rated G
July 28: “Elf” rated PG.
Aug. 4: “How to Train Your Dragon” rated PG.
Aug. 11: “The Blind Side” rated PG-13