(Arnolds Park)– Another reminder of a special event coming up Saturday to pay tribute to the late Berkley Bedell. A boat parade will be held on West Lake Okoboji to honor his memory. Tom Bedell tells KUOO news they came up with the idea after having to cancel his father’s memorial service due to the pandemic…
“We had planned a memorial service for the 25th of July, and then, of course, as we are all aware, covid made that a not good, safe idea. So we struggled with what to do that we could all get closure and kind of celebrate really who dad was, and it seemed like if we were all safely in our boats and followed around the lake, that that would be a really nice way to commemorate dad.”
Tom says everyone is invited to participate and that Arnolds Park and the Queen II are helping out with that…
“Arnolds Park Amusement Park has been incredible. They have contributed The Queen and it will lead the parade. And for a limited number, they can only take 60, at no charge, can ride The Queen if they don’t have a boat or are older and are uncomfortable with getting into a boat. And then we’ll line up behind The Queen and tour around the lake.”
The event will begin at 6:00 pm Saturday.
Everyone is welcome to participate. You can also do so by standing along the shoreline of West Lake Okoboji during the parade.
KUOO will be airing tributes honoring the memory of Berkley from many of his long time friends and associates during the event.
