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Historic Landmark designation for Surf Ballroom could help with future renovation
Interior of the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake.
The executive director of the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake says she is thrilled with the announcement late last week that the facility has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
The ballroom is best known for hosting the last concert of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson in February 1959 before their fatal plane crash north of Clear Lake. Laurie Lietz says she and the nonprofit North Iowa Cultural Center and Museum which operated the ballroom were confident the U.S. Department of the Interior would give the designation.