by Marianne Gasaway
The 2023 Winter Dance Party may have been the best yet. And that’s saying something.
Surf President Jeff Nicholas said he was still reveling in the weekend activities as he spoke to the Clear Lake City Council Monday night. City leaders were getting ready to vote on financing a hotel which is part of a greater re-imagination of the Surf District.
“It was one of the best years we’ve ever had,” said Nicholas. “A wonderful tapestry of music was woven on stage— from those who played in that time to the newer generation of artists and cover bands influenced by original artists.”
Nicholas, and others, agree the rock and roll music celebrated at the Surf is something that is transcending the generations.
Beginning with 1,000 North Iowa students ascending on the Surf Thursday for their own Winter Dance Party, and wrapping up Saturday with a lineup of new and old favorites, the event was an unequaled celebration of Rock and Roll. Visitors from 31 states and three countries, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Finland, were in attendance, as well as hundreds of regulars who wouldn’t miss the fun.
“I’ve made most of them— only weather has kept me away once or twice,” said Mary Bengleson, from Sioux City. “It’s so much fun to hear the music and get out on the dance floor.”
The weather cooperated, for the most part this year, as freezing temperatures were the only deterrent. Still, many made the trek to the crash site where the plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and JP “The Big Bopper” Richardson went down north of town. Some left mementos at the small memorial site, while others just stood silently.
“It was a surreal experience,” said Ben Nolte, from Des Moines. “I wasn’t going to walk out there, but I’m glad I did. It’s something I’ll remember for a long time.
This year organizers gave visitors a chance to tour the Carl Fox home, located directly across from the ballroom. Fox was a prominent dance hall operator and original owner/builder of the Surf Ballroom. He helped to design the present Surf and lived across the street for many years until his passing in 1966. He built the house in 1948 out of necessity; the Fox family was living above the original Surf Ballroom at the time of the devastating fire that claimed the structure on April 20, 1947. The home remained in the Fox family until 2017, when purchased by the Snyder family of Clear Lake.
A steady stream of people walked through the vintage home, which features many unique furnishings and characteristics. Volunteer Kathy Vix pointed out that Fox never owned the present Surf, but did contribute his ideas to its design. She noted many similarities in style and materials used in the Fox house and ballroom.
“It’s like stepping back in time,” said Margaret Beetle, who was spending the weekend in Clear Lake with her sister. “It’s just another unique piece of history here.”
