University of Okoboji Winter Games History

1981 –

• 1st year for Winter Games!
• Snow Queen: Shirley Dickinson

1982 –

• Chairperson: Dr. Eric Nielsen
• Snow Queen: Sheila Johnson

1983 –

• Chairperson: Dr. Eric Nielsen
• Snow Queen: Dana Dreves; Snow King: Manny Zemple
• Advertising Costs: $1389.88
• Ice Palace constructed of 60lb to 100 lb ice blocks at The Grade.

1984 –

• Chairperson: Dr. Eric Nielsen
• Snow Queen: Gretchen Hinn

1985 –

• 1st year for the “Duck Race” and the theme was “Magic of the Lakes”

1986 –

• Chairperson: Duane Zahradnik
• 1st year of opening ceremonies bonfire and fireworks. Took place Friday evening at 7pm on Smith’s Bay. 600 Christmas Trees were part of the bonfire.

1987 –

• Chairperson: Duane Zahradnik
• 1st time that the Winter Games Card Party was held.

1988 –

• Chairperson: Brett Thacker
• 1st year of the U of O Winter Games Cheerleaders were nominated and elected.
• 1st Popcorn Snowman was constructed with 30 lbs of popcorn, 5 qt.of oil, 28 lbs of marshmellows, 10lbs of sugar, and 16 lbs of margarine. Built by Tom and Audrey Kuhlman, Brett and Penny Thacker, Jeff, Roberta, and Kate Shaw, Clyde Ihrke, and Sheri Ferguson.
• Cheerleaders: Jane Ford, Steve Kennedy, Gene Krueger, Tom Kuhlman, Sue Richter, Kate Shaw, Georgia Sheley

1989 –

• Chairpersons: Brett Thacker and Dan Delperdang
• Cheerleaders: Augie Belt, Jeani Eich, Joey Elbert, Jackie Kelley, Paul Koch, Jenny Pick, Susan Reiser, Brett Thacker

1990 –

• Chairpersons: Brett Thacker and Dan Delperdang
• Cheerleaders: Ann Bass, Jackie Carpenter, Martha Chozen, Jerry Dyhrkopp, Alreda Gerstandt, Linda Hinshaw, Jim McDonnell, Gayle Weiskrischer

1991 –

• Lakes Art Center- “Wonderland of Wreaths”
• Sand/Snow Volleyball tournament at the Marquee and new event “Pastor Pull” where youth of the area churches gather to pull their pastor on sleds, shovels, or whatever they could find!
• Chairpersons: Marty McDougal and Dan Delperdang
• Cheerleaders: Dick Hahn, Jamie Hinshaw, Cheryl Zieringer, Don Idso, Mark Ingwersen, Bonnie Neisess, Collette Travis, Judy Weipert, Peggy Williams, Barb Worth

1992 –

• 1st year of the lip sync contest!
• Chairpersons: Marty McDougal and Dan Delperdang
• Cheerleaders: Paul Donnenworth, Jo Graves, Lyn Johnson, Becky Martin, Joan McCulloch, Jody Rickman, Deb Rogne, Roger Vigdal

1993 –

• Cheerleaders: Judge Cameron Arnold, Rose Barriage, Clyde Ihrke, Pinner Lundgren, John Parsons, Kris Walker

1994 –

• 1st Annual Snowball Softball Tournament
• Cheerleaders: Bill Alexander, Sandy Alexander, DebBaker, Roxy Larson, Frank Osdoba, Kim Wermersen, Susan Ziegenbusch

1995 –

• Wheelchair Baseketball Tournament
• Chairpersons: Marty McDougal and Peggy Williams
• Cheerleaders: Sue Spalding, Cyndee Dather, Carol Keizer, Sue Laue, Norm VanDonslear, RuthAnn VanDonslear, Bruce Walker, Doris Welle

1996 –

• 1st year of the dog sled rides (they continued for three years)
• Chairpersons: Marty McDougal and Peggy Williams
• Cheerleaders: Deb Ditsworth, Karen Hankins, Jerry Kittelson, Karolyn Marti, Sue Richter, Linda Schaben, Marilyn Strickland, and Bill Wirtanen

1997 –

• This year the lip sync contest turned into a lip sync/talent contest.
• 1st year of the now, very popular Chocolate Classic.
• Chairperson: Dan Beekman
• Cheerleaders: Dan Beekman, Carole Holmes, Rev. Scott Holmes, Sherry Jorgensen, Cyndy Powers, Aileen Schacherer, Susan Smith, Jeff Thee, Rev. John Vakulskas Jr.

1998 –

• 1st year for “Spas on Ice” sponsored by Bill Eich. This tradition continued to be popular for 11 years.
• 1st year of the “Polar Bear Classic Bike Ride” which is now known as the “Freeze Your Fanny Bike Ride”. Also the 1st year for Flag Football.
• First year of the ever-popular Polar Plunge where “brave” souls take a dip in the frozen waters of West Lake Okoboji!
• Chairpersons: Dan Beekman, Sue Laue
• Cheerleaders: Carole Acheterhof, Julie Fairchild, Tracy Furman, Owen Primavera, Ben Saunders, Kathy Saunders, Denton Wunder, Marie Wunder, Duane Yager

1999 –

• Chairpersons: Blain Andera and Sue Laue
• Cheerleaders: Marvin Anderson, Keith Brockmeyer, Theresa Clark, Chuck Crone, Clare DeKoster, Peggy Gustafson, Donna Skalisky, Al Thacker

2000 –

• 1st Year for Slap Shot Hockey and the Okoboji Underwater Search and Rescue Demo
• Chairpersons: Blain Andera and Sue Laue
• Cheerleaders: Brenda Dryer, Twyla Garnmeister, Margaret Northey, Andrea Schwarck, Jeff Schwarck, Toby Shine, Mike Stineman, Rick Wiersma

2001 –

• 1st year of the Little Sioux Off-Road Challenge.
• This was the 1st year that the RIDES bus transported people from event to event.
• Chairpersons: Blain Andera and Chad Schuchert
• Cheerleaders: Ruth Schwarck, Gene Reed, Bob Reed, Gloria Currell, Bob Curell, Edna Wattier, Carole Ayres, Emil Richter

2002 –

• Warm weather! New York Times was here and the University of Okoboji Winter Games made the 8th page article on 1/28/02.
• Extraveganza was moved to the Green Space now known as Preservation Plaza for the Bonfire and Fireworks Extravaganza due to ice condtions.
• Chairpersons: Chad Schuchert and Jeff Smith
• Cheerleaders: Molly Rohlfsen, Don Greagerson, Marge Gregerson, Alex DenHerder, Blain Andera, Darwin Pike, Larry Stoller, Bob Shaw

2003 –

• The Iowa Rock n Roll Musuem opens its doors.
• Hy-Vee sponsors a “Turkey Bowling” game
• Chairpersons: Jeff Smith and Terry Veldman
• Cheerleaders: Father James Bruch, Carole Caviness, Gary Caviness, Ann Ditsworth, June Goldman, Steve Schwaller, Greg Stevens, Ron Walker

2004 –

• Chairpersons: Terry Veldman and Randy Cornwall
• Cheerleaders: John Adams, Steve Anderson, Phyllis Kempema, Pat McGill, Cary Parker, Mike Peschon, Chad Schuchert, Barb Tagami

2005 –

• First year of the Texas Hold’Em tournament and first year of the Red Hat Luncheon
• Chairpersons: Randy Cornwall and Abbey Larson-Heimensen
• Cheerleaders: Carla Beckendorf, Russ Beckendorf, Kevin Kuhlman, Abbey Larson-Heimensen, Gary Owen, Randy Rohlfsen, Jeff Smith, Brad Tifft

2006 –

• Chairpersons: Lance Evans and Abby Larson-Heimensen
• Cheerleaders: Wynette Moore, Larry Traughber, Phil Peterson, Wally Jorgensen, Lance Evans, Tracy Evans, Amanda Lippon, Audrey Kuhlman

2007 –

• Chairpersons: Lance Evans and Collin Heimensen
• Cheerleaders: Julie Fillenwarth, Joe VaderLaan, Erin Roe, Collin Heimensen, Mary Thunhorst, Terry Klein, Anitra Wolf, Matt Richter
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Newman's Cakes & Crustaceans

2008 –

• 1st year of the ArtsLIVE People Project and Hill Ave.
• Indoor mini golf tournament with Spirit Lake Chamber businesses.
• Chairpersons: Lance Evans and Molly Gildemeister-Sorensen
• Cheerleaders: Dr. Steven Baskerville, Dr. Randy Cornwall, Tim Horsman, Mary Kennedy, Bill Maas, Greg Richards, Tom Tourville, and Gary Zeman
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Okoboji Trading Company

2009 –

• Grand Old Opre at the SAMI Center generated $12,000 for the Mini Wakan Shelter restoration. Also set a record for attendance!
• First year of the NW Bank Tailgate dinner in the Pavilion
• Chairpersons: Molly Gildemeister-Sorensen and John Adams Jr.
• Cheerleaders: John Adams Jr., Michelle Adams, Bill Eich, Janelle Holter, Dennis Lippon, Dave Rowley, Julie Scheib, Tonja Vanbee
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Chili Docs

2010 –

• Chairpersons: John Adams, Jr. and Janelle Holter
• Cheerleaders: Dan Delperdang, Brett Hetland, Jeff Knapp, Di Lorenzen, Joe Meyer, Bob Miller, Stacy Rosemore, Jane Shuttleworth
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Chili Docs

2011 –

• Chairpersons: Janelle Holter and Jeff Thee
• Cheerleaders: Kathy Lockey, Wayne Northey, Marty Spies, Denny Perry, Walt Homan, Beryl Marra, Jan Bowles, Steve Lindeberg
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Chili Docs

2012 –

• Okoboji Country Inn hosted the first WG Farkle Tournament
• Guns ‘n Hoses’ inaugural boot hockey tournament
• Chairpersons: Jeff Thee and Erin Roe
• Cheerleaders: Mary Freiborg, Brad & Teresa Beck, Curt Petersen, Molly Sorensen, Shaun Arneson, Mary Treynor, John Senn
• Business Today & Corner Lanes hosted the first indoor U of O Winter Games Bowling Tournament.
• 2012 marked the inaugural Guns ‘n Hoses Boot Hockey Tournament
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Koffee Kup

2013 –

 2014 –

• Chairpersons:  Jeremy Morrison & Alison Schmitz
• Cheerleaders:  Jennifer Gustafson, Brian Richter, Gary Rosemore, Lissa Potter, Scott Pyle, Terry Veldman, John Wills & Chris Yungbluth.
• First year of the Brain Freeze Trivia & Scavenger Hunt sponsored by Bierl Carpet One.
• 125 brave souls took the Polar Plunge to raise funds for the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire & Rescue.
• 2014 also marks the first year of the Sled Head Breakfast for the United Methodist Camp.
• First year that the Barefoot Bar/Okoboji Boat Works had a bus transporting people to and from Smith’s Bay back to Parks Marina
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Slim D's BBQ, Inc.

2015 –

• Chairpersons:  Alison Schmitz & Nick Stauss
• Cheerleaders:  Dan & Jane Hummel, Jim & Marjo Hietbrink, Brent Harris, Dr. Jeff & Ann Goerss & Mary VanderWoude.
• First year of the Human Dog Sled Races at Parks Marina.
• Games were off of the ice due to Mother Nature taking it easy on us.
• Bonfire Web Co. designed the Polar Bear logo.
• First year The Milford Commercial Club hosting their Soup Fest at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Slim D's BBQ, Inc

2016 –

• Chairpersons:  Nick Stauss & Greta Gruys
• Cheerleaders:  Diane Albers, Darcy Albers-Sundall, Jason Harrington, Cindy Mart, Norm Meinking, Dr. Eric & Sally Nielsen & Barry Sackett.
• The 36th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by Parks Marina/Barefoot Bar/Okoboji Boat Works.
• First year of Mega Snow Pong and the Swimsuits & Snow Boots Competition at The Okoboji Store.
• Inaugural Kickball Tournament at The Garden’s in Arnolds Park chaired by Joe Loring.
• Abby Goodenow, an intern at Bonfire Web Co., designed this year’s logo.
• Chili Cook Off Winner: XTREME COUNTRY/SUNSHINE FOODS

2018 –

• Chairpersons: Ryan Davelaar & Adelee Dixon
• Cheerleaders: John Hight, Susan Hoien, Brad Price, Al Krueger, Kiley Roth, Ann Meyer, Jim Hussong, and Dee Wermersen.
• Human Bowling, Bowl Hole, Hand Auger Races, Stein Holding Contest among new events this year
• Susan Travis of US Powertrain designed this year’s logo.
• Chili Cook Off Winner: AllPets Animal Clinic

2019 –

• Chairpersons: Adelee Dixon & Brent Harris
• Cheerleaders: Lori & George Bower, Lisa Duffy, Abby Goodlaxson, Nate & Greta Gruys, Jill Harms, Dr. Ronald Kolegraff, and Peggy Rick.
• The 39th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• Kite Festival, Comedy Shows, Oak Hill Marina MOB JOB, Slingshot Demo Rides, West O Triva, SMOKOBOJI Rocks Scavenger Hunt among new events this year
• The U of O Winter Games Committee designed this year’s logo.
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Ruthven Locker/Lakes

2020 –

• Chairpersons: Brent Harris & John Hight
• Cheerleaders: Andrew Fisher, Deb Heidebrink, Jodi Lange, Andy Lux, Paul Plumb, John M. Sandy, Jeff & Megan Vierkant
• The 40th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• 5K Fun Run, Hammerschlagen, Human Foosball, Dog Show, and Pickleball among new events this year.
• West O Beer released an official University of Okoboji Winter Games Beer for the 40th anniversary games - Cōzy, a blackberry lager.
• Tara Lehner of PowerSource designed this year’s logo.
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Ruthven Locker/Lakes

2021 –

• Chairpersons: John Hight & Dr. Mara Groom
• Cheerleaders: Jack Bauermeister, Maggie Fliss, Brock Holman, Nancy Kriener, Michael Meyers, Jon Pausley, Ryan Schmidt, Jason Schneider
• The 41st Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• 80's Theme logo designed by IGLA Chamber Communications Coordinator Andrea McMahon in collaboration with Jacob Polaschek

2022 –

• Chairpersons: Dr. Mara Groom & Michael Meyers
• Cheerleaders: Nick Christensen, Paul Heidebrink, Leah Hilpipre, Kaylene Jackson, Jimy Mac Lenz, Rory Marra, Tyler Pedersen, & Yvonne Taylor
• The 42nd Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• Logo designed by Vanessa Moore of Vertical Marketing
• New Events: Smooshing Tournament, Pool Tournament, Red Bull Ice Scramble, Skeeball Tournament
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Goliath Sporting Goods

2023 –

• Chairpersons: Michael Meyers & Rachel Fandel
• Cheerleaders: Scott Nolte, Sheree Sanderson, Brad & Laurie Simington, Cathy Thee, Brad & Susan Travis, and Alyssa Umscheid
• The 43rd Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• Logo designed by Leif Jeppson of Blink Marketing in Milford
• New Events: Molkky Tournament, Kids Indoor Snowball Hunt
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis

2024 –

• Chairpersons: Rachel Fandel & Andy Lux
• Cheerleaders: Rob Catlin, Colette Delperdang, Charlie Leissler, Katie Luinstra, Rob Rodriguez, Brandon Vodraska, Heath Williams & Vicki Willison
• The 44th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• Logo designed by Blake Haymond of Blink Marketing in Milford
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Goliath Sporting Goods

2025 - 

• Chairpersons: Andy Lux & Mickey Harrington
• Cheerleaders: Tom & Krista Nelson, Nathan Kraft, Sue Boettcher, Bri Blom, Jo Van Pattan, Kyle & Kiley Zankowski
• 45th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by GrapeTree Medical Staffing.
• Logo designed by Kally at Blink Marketing
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Goliath Sporting Goods

2026 - 

• Chairpersons: Mickey Harrington & Jordan Butler
• Cheerleaders: Krista & Trevor Smith, Krista Stafford, Michael Jensen, Emily Boettcher, Andy Wolf Josh Carr, Nick Plueger, Nicole Evans
• 46th Annual U of O Winter Games presented by WestO
• Logo designed by Blake at Blink Marketing
• Chili Cook Off Winner: Goliath Sporting Goods

2027 - 

• Chairpersons: Jordan Butler & Nicole Evans
• Cheerleaders:
• 47th Annual U of O Winter Games Presented by WestO
• Logo designed by Kally at Blink Marketing
• Chilli Cook Off Winner: