Clear Lake’s fourth annual Harvest Fest celebrated the fall season in a big way Saturday.     The Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce estimated more than 2,500 persons enjoyed the event, blending wine, art and relaxing live jazz music.  An expanded Farmer’s Market near the entrance of Main Avenue set the stage for a downtown filled with stores and stands to explore.
    The Chamber reports people from as far away as San Angelo, Texas,  Congress, Ariz., and Sebastian, Fla. attended the event.
    Winners from the various Harvest Fest competitions included:
    Pole Decorating: Humorous: first place, Bob Swanson/Beverly Clapsaddle.  Overall: first place (tie), Clear Lake Bank & Trust and Red Geranium. Best Wine Theme: first place, Larson’s Mercantile
    Guess the Corks: Nancy Suby guessed 326 with actual corks at 331 to win  a $25 gift certificate to Back Alley Wine.  Susan Ashley guessed 683, actual 680, to win a $25 gift certificate to Lake Liquors.
     Salsa Contest: Mild Category: first place, Angela Zimmerman; second, Alexis Snyder; third, Vicki Warner.  Medium Category: first, Alexis Snyder; second, Butcher’s Steakhouse; third, (tie) John Diaz and Robin Doppler.  Hot Category: first, Margaret Dickens; second, Mike Nelson; third, Bill Tarr.  Etc. Category: first, Pam Dwight; second, Robin Doppler; third, Kim McDowell.