The issue: Finding an appropriate way to mark a rebirth after last year’s flood.
Our view: Clarksville offers the perfect example of how to celebrate.
Like many communities, Clarksville didn’t have much chance to celebrate its victory over floodwaters last year.
The Pike County community is more than making up for it. Clarksville is our Best of the Week.
The tiny town that fought a titanic battle against the Mississippi River is hosting a “Thank You Party” or all who lent their muscles, minds and money.
It’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Riverfront Park. Where else, right?
The flood-fighting that began in spring 2008 and lasted through fall drew worldwide attention to Clarksville.
Television satellite trucks lined Second Street and reporters from New York and London arrived to chronicle the showdown with Old Man River.
The National Guard and thousands of volunteers built a sandbag levee 12-feet high along Front Street to protect several blocks of the downtown.
The wily waters sneaked in behind a few barriers to flood neighborhoods on the south side and shut down parts of Highway 79.
The water level rose to 36.70 feet on June 24, 2008. It was the third-worst flood in Clarksville history, behind only the 36.76 recorded on April 24, 1973 and the 37.50 measured on July 29, 1993.
The effort was truly amazing. That’s why everyone wants to have a little fun now that the Father of Waters is back in its banks.
Mayor Jo Anne Smiley and other dignitaries will address the crowd at noon. There will also be games and a meal.
People are encouraged to bring photos of the 2008 flood for display and tape recorders will be available for those who wish to preserve their stories.
A digital video from the flood will be shown for the first time and there will be musical performances.
One contest that’s raising eyebrows is the sandbag toss.
Didn’t Clarksville get enough of that last year?
“It’s a little tongue-in-cheek,” admits organizer Erin Garrison. “We put up a million sandbags. Let’s see how far we can throw one now.”
