(Wahpeton)– Lake Affect is back. Event founder and organizer Damon Dotson says it will be held in Miller’s Bay of West Lake Okoboji beginning around 12 Noon on Saturday, July 4th. He says several groups will be performing…
“We’re having DJ Spin X kicking things off and playing set breaks in between. The band that’s kicking it off is B S and The Liars. And then myself and my band will take the stage. I think this is the 17th Lake Affect that we have ever done and it seems to have little different wrinkles every year and something unique so yeah, we’re definitely looking forward to it being actually on the 4th of July this year.”
Dotson says attendance will be limited to just those on the water…
“In that Miller’s Bay, all that shoreline is private so there is no public parking, there’s no public access there in Miller’s Bay. So yeah, there’s obviously boat rentals all across the lakes area or just make some friends and hop on a boat and come on out.”
He urges everyone to be respectful of the environment and boating regulations…
“Not just throwing trash into the water and obviously staying hydrated and staying safe, following all Iowa boat regulations, and just being cautious and slowing down when you’re coming into the bay. This event has happened for 17 years because people continue to be vigilant about trash and about being courteous and being respectful of each other and of the area. It’s literally one of the most beautiful areas I’ve been fortunate enough to see and I grew up right down the street from Miller’s Bay, so it’s so close to my heart and I want people to take care of it as people have done over time.”
Dotson adds another event directly tied to Lake Affect will be held this Sunday, July 5th. He says a clean up will be held in conjunction with Lakeside Lab…
“Probably almost 10 years now in cooperation with them we do that clean up the day after Lake Affect. Mitigate any trash that inadvertently gets left behind, but also obviously that bay is busy every weekend of the summer and so, you know, we don’t only pick up new looking cans, we pick up old looking cans that have been there for how long? It’s a very important part of Lake Affect, to get out there and do our part as people not only involved with Lake Affect but also just people who care about Okoboji and want to try to keep it clean as much as we can and if we can do that together as a community, you know I think we should do that.”
Dotson also reminds everyone to be mindful of the designated emergency lane that will be in place during Saturday’s Lake Affect. He says the lane is intended to allow emergency personnel into the area if needed and will be marked off with buoys.
