Editorial: It`s Clamerica!

Across much of America, the Fourth of July means fireworks or grilling hot dogs. But in Cedar Key the fireworks in the evening merely cap off a day of eating clams, our local pride. The pride comes from the relatively new industry, namely farm-raised clams.

Clamerica, the name of Cedar Key's celebration of clamming that produces a sweet tender product, is an event that draws visitors to Cedar Key while it presents hard shell clams in forms far more interesting than clam chowder.

Taste testing new recipes for clams at the Clam Cook-off draws an eager crowd. Clam fritters and steamed clams are abundant for the traditional taste buds.

Although some parents have been amazed at how many steamed clams a two-year old can eat, the big attractions for children during the day are the many Clamerica events, some of skill and some of luck. The greased pole climb even brings out the value of teamwork.

The annual kayak race, jointly sponsored by Clamerica and Cedar Key News, starts at 2 p.m. (See the next two pages of Cedar Key News for details such as time a location of the many events.)

After a day of parades (two), noshing clams and participating in athletic events for all, the Cedar Key Volunteer Fire Department will orchestrate its annual fireworks display at dusk.

Happy Fourth of July to everyone from all of us at Cedar Key News!