41st Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games Being Called a Success
February 1, 2021 11:07 am
Saga Communications
Arnolds Park, IA (KICD)– The 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games have come and gone and Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Blain Andera is calling it a success despite it being to soon to have any kind of official or unofficial crowd estimates.
Andera tells KICD News his thoughts come from seeing traffic patterns and hotels full of people looking to have a good time.
And that crowd descended on Okoboji over the weekend despite the fact many popular indoor activates were cancelled because of the pandemic at this year’s Winter Games.
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Crews continue to set up and prepare for the 2021 Okoboji Winter Games
OKOBOJI, Iowa (KTIV) The University of Okoboji Winter Games are still on for this weekend, but most indoor events are canceled to ensure tourists have a safe experience.
While events like the Chili Cookoff and the Battle of the Bartenders are canceled, some are being moved outdoors.
Director of Membership & Events at the Iowa Great Lakes Chamber of Commerce, Kiley Zankowski, said the ice on the lake is almost entirely cleared for the outdoor activities.
She said Thursday and Friday is when the professional kite flyers will come through town, and Friday is when the ice sculptures will be delivered.
January 28, 2021
Northwest Iowa Thousands of people from around the region will be in the Iowa Great Lakes this weekend for the annual University of Okoboji Winter Games, and law enforcement will be out in force in an effort to keep people safe.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull talks about the Patrol’s role at this weekend’s U of O Winter Games.
(As above) “We’re going to partner up with DNR and we’re going to partner with the local officers, as well, by doing some enforcement of the laws inside the Winter Games. Making sure everybody stays safe on their ATVs, snowmobiles and such, as well as on their travels into the state through the highways and county roads.”
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
DUE TO HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO COVID-19, EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
University of Okoboji Winter Games 2021 will be following all guidelines and proclamations put forth by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Face masks or coverings will be strongly encouraged at all Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored/run events, and social distancing guidelines will be put in place. The number of attendees will be limited at various events. Questions regarding a specific event and its individual COVID-19 guidelines may be directed to the host location.
File photo by Dave Petrick