The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 38th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 25-28, 2018.
Chair of the 38th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games is Ryan Davelaar. Ryan is the Assistant Vice President of Real Estate Lending at Farmers Trust & Savings Bank in Spencer.
While originally from Rock Valley, Iowa, Ryan spent a lot of time at The Lakes growing up visiting his grandparents. He lived in the area for a few years following his graduation from Northwestern College, and he returned permanently 9 years ago.
Ryan has been active in Kiwanis since returning to the Lakes. He spent 4 years in Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis and the past 4 years in Spencer Hy-Noon Kiwanis. He is also the current Vice President of the Siouxland Bankers Association and is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake.
In addition to working at Farmers Trust & Savings Bank and his involvement in the community, he also co-owns Mammoth Marketing with his wife, Erin. The two married in September of 2013, and she was actually a previous co-chair/chair as well for Winter Games 32 & 33!
From participating in the youth fishing derbies in the mid-80’s to the broomball tournament with college friends, Ryan has always loved the excitement that the Games brings to the area in January. Some of his favorite experiences were years when there was a lot of snow and ice, making Smith’s Bay look like a giant tailgate party.
Co-Chair this year is Dr. Adelee Dixon. Dr. Adelee is a chiropractor and co-owner of Dixon Family Chiropractic along with her husband, a Spirit Lake native, Dr. Wade Dixon. They moved back to the area following college in 2000, joining Dr. Wade’s dad, Dr. Larry Dixon, at the office. She loves caring for her community, especially athletes and patients with hormonal or nutritional issues. They have two sons at the Spirit Lake High School: Jacob and Isaac.
Dr. Adelee spent years serving on the Youth Wrestling Board and Middle School Parents In Education Board, is currently active at her Crosswinds Church, and serves on the Indian Athletic Booster Board. She stays busy watching her boys in their numerous sports and music activities. She is also an instructor at the Bedell Family YMCA. In her free time she enjoys riding her bike, boating, cross country skiing, walking her three dogs, and yoga. Her favorite Winter Games activities are the fat tire race and burning of the greens.
Ryan and Adelee are excited for the preparation ahead for this awesome winter tradition, and they are ready to make this year the best yet!
To get involved in the University of Okoboji Winter Games, please contact Kara Matheson at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber: kara@okobojichamber.com or 712-332-2107.