By Brent Engel
Contributing writer
One of the world’s richest men said it well.
“If you want to soar like an eagle in life, you can’t be flocking with the turkeys,” admonished businessman Warren Buffett.
Hundreds of people will rise above life’s woes and look skyward during Clarksville Eagle Days Jan. 27 and 28. Activities take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days in Riverfront Park, the downtown area and The Apple Shed along Highway 79 at the south edge of town. The annual event is sponsored by Raintree Arts Council. Viewing scopes will be available in the park and free tours of nearby Lock and Dam 24 will be offered every 20 minutes. World Bird Sanctuary will present free live eagle programs on the hour at The Apple Shed both days. There will also be food, vendors, exhibits, children’s activities, business attractions and other festivities. The United Methodist Church is hosting a free soup luncheon from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. On Friday, the Army Corps of Engineers will sponsor a raptor program and conduct tours of the dam for area school students. The Audubon Society will offer information. Due to ongoing floodwall construction, visitors to the park will have to use the north access at First and Lewis streets near the dam instead of the south entrance near the boat club. In addition to the nesting birds, crowds are drawn by small-town hospitality not found at some other eagle-viewing events. Clarksville has fewer than 400 residents, but there’s an authentic friendliness that keeps the flocks – the human kind – coming back.
“Clarksville is an easy drive from anywhere,” said organizer Linda Blakey. “We are located on the Mississippi River and we have Lock and Dam 24 at our doorstep.”
“Clarksville Eagle Days is a wonderful opportunity for people from all over to experience the beauty of eagles in their natural habitat, as well as during the incredible live eagle shows,” said Raintree President Mindy Webert. “We are excited to sponsor this event again and hope everyone will join us on Jan. 27 and 28.”
A grandmother, Blakey advises to prepare for the weather. “Definitely wear your warmest clothes, and don’t forget hats and gloves.”
Blakey and her husband, Bill, have volunteered at community events longer than either can remember.
“We have invested in the town and believe it is worth keeping,” she said. “The idea of volunteering is just my nature – trying to do the right thing for people and the town.”
Extra hands are always welcome, though. Blakey says too many people don’t realize that “unless we work together, we will not survive.” It’s a circumstance facing many small communities. Blakey is blunt, but optimistic. Of course, many have found that it’s hard to refuse a request from her.
“Everyone wants something, and volunteering is a special way to get things to happen,” she said. “There isn’t any money in it, just the satisfaction of helping. There are several organizations in this town that can use help. Make a phone call and do it.” While Buffett may be right, perhaps author Lorry Myers offers better guidance. Last year, she penned a piece for Missouri Life magazine about eagles along the Mississippi River. It still holds true.
“Call me sentimental, call me an overzealous patriot, but I am telling you, if you have never seen an eagle fly, you are missing a piece of who you are, and a peace you never knew you needed.”
CUTLINE FOR PHOTO:
The 2024 Clarksville Eagle Days celebration is Jan. 27 and 28. Pictured is Roger Holloway, executive director of World Bird Sanctuary, with McGwire, a male bald eagle, during last year’s event.