Dangerous Ice Results In New Locations For Winter Games Events

(Arnolds Park)– For the first time ever, many events associated with this year’s University of Okoboji Winter Games will be held somewhere other than Smith’s Bay. Dangerous ice conditions are to blame. Chamber Executive Tom Kuhlman says as of Monday the ice was only 8 to 10 inches thick. Ideally, a good 18 to 24 inches is needed to support the weight of the hundreds of vehicles typically parked on Smith’s Bay during the winter games. With continued mild weather in the forecast, Kuhlman isn’t optimistic ice conditions will improve any time soon. As a result, a meeting of winter games organizers, law enforcement and chamber officials was held Monday evening to talk about a change in location. Kuhlman says most of the events will be held in the green space area of the amusement park…including broomball and softball. The opening ceremonies will also be held there. And Kuhlman says special efforts will be taken to keep vehicles off the ice. He says it’s just too dangerous.