08/17/2026
Such a special day for the Surf Ballroom!
On August 7th, three bronze statues honoring our beloved Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper were unveiled at the Surf Ballroom. These incredible statues serve as a lasting tribute to three talented musicians whose lives and music continue to touch generations!
Their music may have left the stage, but their legacy lives on here in Clear Lake and around the world. What a beautiful way to honor their memory and celebrate the day the music truly lived on.
Thank you to everyone who made this day feel so special and close to our hearts! A special thank you to the Ritchie Valens family, Connie, Irma, and Mario, for sharing your heartfelt words and memories with us!
And thank you to Mayor Mark Ebeling, Chamber President & CEO Stacy Doughan, host Grayson Harris, the Valens Family, and Randy Steele for speaking. It truly takes a community coming together to create a day this meaningful, and we are so grateful to everyone who played a part!