CLEAR LAKE, Iowa — This weekend there has been what’s called a “soft open” for the new Surf Music Experience Center, next door to the iconic Surf Ballroom.

The 10,000 square foot building is a visitor’s center, complete with an interactive presentation of the Buddy Holly story. It was launched after a State of Iowa Great Places Grant was awarded towards the total cost of the project.

“Bring something that you can do that is unique that no other town can do it, so we thought Surf Ballroom- rock ‘n’ roll,” said Jeff Nicholas, President of the non-profit board which oversees the Surf. “They said to us, don’t bring us something that can be put in all the other communities in Iowa, don’t bring us a swimming pool or a sports court or a sports building.”

That was the criteria when the group wa

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