Winter Games moved off of Lake

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From Explore Okoboji:

Monday, January 23, 2012

Winter Games Pulled From Ice

(Arnolds Park)-- The lack of cold and snow earlier this winter is forcing some major changes for this year's University of Okoboji Winter Games. An emergency meeting of the Winter Games Executive Committee was held this (Mon.) afternoon and Erin Roe, a co-chair of this year's event, tells KUOO news the decision was made to pull the activities OFF the ice this year. She says the conditions just aren't safe. Roe adds the decision was made after some close consultation with the DNR and other officials...Click here for comment from Erin Roe

Activities that are affected include the bean bag toss, which has been moved to Preservation Plaza at Historic Arnolds Park; the broomball tournaments, which will be played on the fields between Jackson Millworks and El Parian in Spirit Lake; Guns 'n Hoses boot hockey will be played at the Bedell Family YMCA, which will also host the People's Art Project; and the Polar Plunge will be held at the State Pier in Arnolds Park. A new location for flag football has not yet been announced.

Roes says this isn't the first time in the history of the Winter Games they've had to hold events off the ice... Click here for comment from Erin Roe

Roe says they're very appreciative to everyone who helped and supported them in making the decision... Click here for comment from Erin Roe

As we reported Friday and over the weekend, the DNR is recommending no motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and ATV's, be operated on any of the Iowa Great Lakes due to the poor ice conditions. Officials say there are numerous areas of rough ice, seams, heaves and even open water.