(Arnolds Park)– Organizers of this year’s University of Okoboji Winter Games have finalized the relocation of this year’s events.
In a meeting Friday evening, it was announced the activities will be moved to the area of the Arnolds Park Amusement Park because of unsafe ice conditions in Smith’s Bay.
Broomball, softball, flag football, bowling and mini-golf will be on the lake near the state pier and public beach in front of the amusement park…but organizers are pleading with people NOT to drive vehicles on the ice. While it’s safe enough to walk on, chamber of commerce officials say the 12 inches of ice in that area still isn’t enough to support the weight of hundreds of vehicles that typically park on the ice during the winter games. Photos of snowmobile trailers that fell through the ice at an event recently on a Minnesota lake were passed around at Friday’s meeting.
The opening ceremonies bond fire will be on the green space. Fireworks will still be shot off the lake, but spectators are highly urged to view the display from shore.
RIDES, the regional transit authority, will be operating a shuttle service during this year’s winter games…including the activities next Friday and Saturday nights. Pickup and dropoff points include the Arnolds Park amusement park; Emerald Hills Golf Club; Okoboji Summer Theatre; Claire Wilson State Park; and the access across from Kum ‘n Go in Okoboji.
Chamber Executive Director Tom Kuhlman says the relocation of the events this year has resulted in several concerns. One of them is controlling alcohol. Beer will be sold from the Roof Garden…and officials say it’s illegal to take beer into certain areas…such as onto the street. Officials say additional law enforcement officers will be on duty next weekend and the ordinance will be strictly enforced.
One event popular with children in the past at the Winter Games will NOT be here this year. A representative of the Air National Guard base in Sioux City announced Friday that due to manpower and other issues, they will NOT be operating their Top Gun Kiddie Ride this year. Arrangements are being made to get another ride.
Another event that’s questionable yet is the snowmobile poker run. A decision on that is expected by this Thursday.
