News
Winter Games 46 Results
Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Hinn Real Estate Best Overall Goliath Discs. Best Non-Profit Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Best Decorated Booth Grace Lutheran Church Chocolate Classic sponsored by Ingvall Real Estate Team 1st: Painted Ladies 2nd: B&J’s Sweets 3rd: Crave Bakery Axe Throwing – 10 for $10 Tournament at The Throwing Post Men: John Obrist Women: … Read more
Thank you for making another Winter Games a success!
On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank you so much for making our 46th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our business community. Events of this scale are not possible without an army of volunteers and the continual support from our entire community. … Read more
WG 46 Cheerleaders!
Winter Games Cheerleaders: THE VOTES ARE IN! After collecting nominations for all of December and holding a community-wide voting on January 5th & 6th, the Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes! This year around 1,000 ballots were counted both electronically and in person at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber. We now … Read more
WG 46 Chair & Co-Chair
University of Okoboji Winter Games 2026 Chair & Co-Chair The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 46th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 22nd-25th, 2026! The Chair of the 46th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games this year is Mickey Harrington. … Read more
Thank you for making WG 45 a success!
On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank you so many for making our 45th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our business community. Although the games may have felt a little different from those of the recent past, lifelong memories were made for … Read more
Meet your WG45 Chairs!
The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 45th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 23rd-26th, 2025! The Chair of the 45th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games this year is Andy Lux. Andy has lived in the Lakes Area since 2003 … Read more
Meet your WG44 Chairs!
Get to Know your Chair & Co-Chair! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 44th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 25-28, 2024. The Chair of the 43rd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games this year is Rachel Fandel. Rachel works at … Read more
Winter Games 45 Results
Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Hinn Real Estate Best Overall Goliath Discs. Best Non-Profit Hope Haven Best Decorated Booth Grace Lutheran Church Chocolate Classic sponsored by Ingvall Real Estate Team 1st: Painted Ladies 2nd: The Well 3rd: B&J Sweets Axe Throwing – 10 for $10 Tournament at The Throwing Post Men: Women: Bean Bag Toss Tournament … Read more
Winter Games 2024 has come and gone..
THANK YOU! On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, we would like to thank so many for making our 44th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our business community. Although the games may have felt a little different from those of the recent past, lifelong memories were made … Read more
Winter Games 44 Results
Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Hinn Real Estate Best Overall Goliath Sporting Goods Best Non-Profit Knights of Columbus Best Decorated Booth Grace Lutheran Church Chocolate Classic sponsored by Ingvall Real Estate Team 1st: Painted Ladies 2nd: Mary Abbott 3rd: Boji Spudz Axe Throwing – 10 for $10 Tournament at The Throwing Post Men: Richie Emrich Women: … Read more
Meet your 2024 Winter Games Cheerleaders!
Introducing your 2024 Winter Games Cheerleaders! After collecting nominations for all of December and holding a community-wide voting on January 3rd & 4th, the Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes! We now present to you the 2024 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleaders! Rob Catlin “Rob is a long-time resident of the … Read more
Meet your WG44 Chairs!
Get to Know your Chair & Co-Chair! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 44th Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 25-28, 2024. The Chair of the 43rd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games this year is Rachel Fandel. Rachel works at … Read more
Winter Games 43 Results!
Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Ruthven Meat Locker Best Overall – Spirit Lake Noon Kiwanis Best Decorated Booth – The Catlins Chocolate Classic sponsored by Ingvall Real Estate Team 1st: Central Bank – Relay for Life 2nd: Mary Abbott 3rd: Painted Ladies Axe Throwing – 10 for $10 Tournament at The Throwing Post Men: Jason … Read more
What a weekend!
THANK YOU! On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce we would like to thank so many for making our 43rd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our business community. Thank you to our sponsors for making so much of this possible. Our Presenting Sponsor GrapeTree Medical Staffing. A … Read more
Meet your 2023 Winter Games Cheerleaders!
Introducing your 2023 Winter Games Cheerleaders! After collecting nominations for all of December and holding a community-wide voting on January 4th & 5th, the Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes! We now present to you the 2023 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleaders! Scott Nolte “Scott is the Sports director for KUOO, … Read more
Cheerleader Nominations Open
The University of Okoboji Winter Games committee is seeking nominations for the 2023 University of Okoboji Cheerleaders. In the true spirit of community fun and recognition, the University of Okoboji Winter Games Committee gives the public the opportunity to nominate individuals to serve as the Winter Games cheerleaders each year. The eight chosen cheerleaders will … Read more
2023 Winter Games apparel is NOW AVAILABLE!
The official University of Okoboji Winter Games apparel is in and ready for you! Purchase your gear today in store at the IGLA Chamber office (565 S Hwy 71, Ste 4 – Arnolds Park, IA 51331) or under the Shop tab! There are more options than ever before! Including: beanies, crewneck sweatshirts, long sleeve t-shirts, … Read more
WG43 Registration is NOW OPEN!
It’s the beginning of November and you know what that means… registration for certain Winter Games events are NOW OPEN! Don’t miss out on the 5k Fun Run, Bean Bag Toss, Broomball, Softball, Keg Toss, Stump Tournament, Human Foosball and SO much more this year! For the past 42 years, thousands of people have gathered … Read more
2023 Presenting Sponsor
We’re happy to announce that this year’s presenting sponsor for the University of Okoboji Winter Games is – GrapeTree Medical Staffing! This is the 5th year in a row that we have had GrapeTree as a partner and we can’t wait to see what another year of Winter Games brings!
Meet your WG43 Chairs!
Get to Know your Chair & Co-Chair! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 42ndAnnual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 27-30, 2022. The Chair of the 42nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games is Michael Meyers. Michael is the City Administrator … Read more
Winter Games 42 Results!
Chili Cook-Off sponsored by Ruthven Meat Locker Best Overall – Goliath Sporting Goods Best Non-Profit – Ingham Okoboji Best Decorated Booth – Walker Insurance Agency – Cash Cab Chocolate Classic sponsored by Ingvall Real Estate Team 1st: Mary Abbott 2nd: Creative Cakes by Mindy 3rd: Central Bank Axe Throwing – 10 for 10 Tournament … Read more
Thank You!
That’s a Wrap! On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce we would like to thank so many for making our 42nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our members & the community. Thank you to our sponsors for making so much of this possible. To our Presenting Sponsor … Read more
And the 2022 cheerleaders are..
Introducing your 2022 Winter Games Cheerleaders! After collecting nominations for all of December and holding a community-wide voting on January 4th & 5th, the Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes! We now present to you the 2022 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleaders! Nick Christensen Nick is an insurance agent at Bank … Read more
Shop Winter Games apparel at The Three Sons
In need of Winter Games apparel? The Three Sons in Milford now has a variety of the official University of Okoboji Winter Games apparel and it’s waiting for you!
2022 Winter Games apparel is NOW AVAILABLE!
Winter Games apparel is in and ready for you! Purchase your gear today in store at the IGLA Chamber office (565 S Hwy 71, Ste 4 – Arnolds Park, IA 51331) or under the Shop tab! We have a variety of items – wearable blankets, beanies, crewneck sweatshirts, long sleeve t-shirts, quarter-zips and more!
This Year’s Presenting Sponsor
We’re happy to announce that this year’s presenting sponsor for the University of Okoboji Winter Games is – GrapeTree Medical Staffing! This is the 4th year in a row that we have had GrapeTree as a partner and we can’t wait to see what another year of Winter Games brings!
Registration is NOW OPEN!
It’s the beginning of November and you know what that means… registration for certain Winter Games events are NOW OPEN! Don’t miss out on the 5k Fun Run, Bean Bag Toss, Broomball, Softball, Keg Toss, Hammerschlagen, Human Foosball and SO much more this year! *Not all events are open for registration, but will continuously … Read more
Introducing…
Get to Know your Chair & Co-Chair! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 42nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 27-30, 2022. The Chair of the 42nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games is Dr. Mara Groom. Dr. Groom is … Read more
2022 Logo is here!
Check it out! The 2022 University of Okoboji Winter Games logo is here! The logo was designed by Vanessa Moore of Vertical Marketing. Check out her work at verticalmarketingdesign.com. Stay tuned for sneak peeks of apparel, events and more!
2021 Bean Bag Check Presentation
Another fantastic cause benefitting from the U of O Winter Games! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber along with the Bean Bag Tournament Chair Joe Meyer presented the Mary Weaver of the Milford Pioneers 4H Club with a check for $1,671.00. Funds were raised during the 41st Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games Bean Bag … Read more
Winter Games 2021 Bean Bag Tournament Check Presented
The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to present a check from the proceeds of the Winter Games 41 Bean Bag Toss Tournament to the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire & Rescue. The $2,110.50 check was made possible due to the 150+ brave individuals who took the plunge into the frigid waters of West … Read more
The Results Are In!
2021 Winter Games Results Men – Adam Thompson Women – Becca Schnorr 1st: I’m the Captain Now 2nd: Team Boopz 3rd: Nasty Nuts 4th: Pac Bingo Consolation Winner: Damnit Dave Consolation Runner-up: Little Sacks 1st: No More 96’s: Mike S, Sam V, Matt R, Bre P 2nd: Business Today 3rd: Johnny B’s … Read more
That’s a Wrap!
On behalf of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce we would like to thank so many for making our 41st Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games another success for our business community. Thank you to our sponsors for making so much of this possible. To our Presenting Sponsor GrapeTree Medical Staffing, thank you … Read more
The Votes are In!
Introducing your 2021 Winter Games Cheerleaders! Jack Bauermeister Captain Jack is the best bartender in Boji. He has nice slick hair and great charm. Always serving the community with a smile. Maggie Fliss Outstanding member of the community, loving single mother, and a home health care hospice nurse. She is the epitome of Iowa strong! … Read more
And the Nominees Are..
The 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleader Nominees are in! Please read the nomination testimonies below on the 2021 Nominees listed in alphabetical order by last name. Once you’ve selected your top 8, make sure to cast your vote by the end of day on Monday, January 11th! Merv & Mary Kay Bates Merv … Read more
Winter Games 41 Commemorative Mugs Now Available
Don’t miss your chance to get your commemorative mug for the 41st Annual Winter Games! This year’s Winter Games might look a little different from what we’re used to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take home a piece of the history. You can get your $10 commemorative mug at the following locations: – The … Read more
Chamber Cancels Winter Games 41 Indoor Events
Over the course of the last few months, the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff have been meeting regularly to monitor the COVID-19 situation in our region and across the country to assess its impact on the 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games. After much discussion with local government, … Read more
Winter Games 41 Cheerleaders Sought
In the true spirit of community fun and recognition, the University of Okoboji Winter Games Committee is giving the public the opportunity to nominate an individual to serve as a 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games cheerleader. Nominees must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Dickinson County. Each nominee should … Read more
U of O Winter Games 41 Apparel is LIVE!
The countdown is on for University of Okoboji Winter Games 41! Clothing will soon be available in person. Stay tuned on Facebook or sign up for our email list to get live updates on apparel locations and more! Make sure your calendars are marked for January 28-31, 2021 for the 41st Annual University of Okoboji Winter … Read more
2021 U of O Winter Games Chairs Announced!
Announcing the 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games Chair and Co-Chair! The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the Chair & Co-Chair of the 41st Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games scheduled for January 28-31, 2021. The Chair of the 41st Annual Winter Games is John Hight. John is a … Read more
The WG41 Logo Is Here!
Can you believe we are only 5 months away from the 2021 University of Okoboji Winter Games?! We hope you are all as excited as we are! 2020 has been…well, a year, let’s just leave it at that…so we are more ready than ever to kick off the 2021 Winter Games fun! What better way … Read more
Winter Games 2020 Polar Plunge Check Presented
Winter Games 2020 Polar Plunge Check Presented The Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and event sponsor Okoboji Motor Company were thrilled to present a check from the proceeds of the Winter Games 40 Polar Plunge to the Arnolds Park/Okoboji Fire & Rescue. The $1,939.00 check was made possible due to the 142 … Read more
Winter Games Bean Bag Tournament Check Presentation
Winter Games Bean Bag Tournament Check Presented Another fantastic cause benefitting from the U of O Winter Games! Parks Marina’s Millisa Reynolds, IGLACC Kiley Zankowski & Blain Andera, & Bean Bag Co-Chairs Joe & Ann Meyer presented the Okoboji Fine Arts (vocal teacher Erin Chappas, instrumental teacher Ryan Middleton, & Okoboji Fine Arts President … Read more
Winter Games 41 & 42 Concept Contest – Now Open!
Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted an early spring, but winter is still on our minds at the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber. After an awesome 40th year celebration, we are anxiously looking ahead to the 41st and 42nd Annual University of Okoboji Winter Games. The Winter Games Committee is seeking design concept ideas for the … Read more
Tournament Results
2020 U of O Winter Games Results Axe Throwing – 10 for 10 Tournament at The Throwing Post: Men – Mason Kruger Women – Janice Nitch Battle of the Bartenders: Raised almost $10,000 for three charities! 1st Place: Elly Schmitz with Johnny’s Pub Charity: Braedyn Johnson Family 2nd Place: Morgan Strauss with Okoboji Boat … Read more
Winter Games Cheerleaders 2020: THE VOTES ARE IN!
After collecting nominations for all of December and holding a community-wide voting on January 2nd, the Winter Games Committee has officially tallied up the votes! We now present to you the 2019 University of Okoboji Winter Games Cheerleaders! Andrew Fisher Andrew has worked for the Bedell Family YMCA and Camp Foster for over 12 years. … Read more
Winter Games Cheerleader Nominations Sought
In the true spirit of community fun and recognition, the University of Okoboji Winter Games Committee is giving the public the opportunity to nominate a man or woman to serve as a 2020 University of Okoboji Winter Games cheerleader. Nominees must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Dickinson County. Each … Read more
Winter Games 40 Registration Open!
Great news for all our Winter Games fanatics, REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Winter Games 40 is just over two months away, and spots fill up quickly! Visit www.uofowintergames.com/event-registration-information to get signed up for all your favorite events. We know things get busy during the holiday season, so we want to help make your lives a little easier. … Read more
OFFICIAL University of Okoboji Winter Games Beer!
We’ve been brewing up this secret for far too long.. We are so excited to introduce to you the Official University of Okoboji Winter Games beer! West O Beer has created CōZY, a delicious Lager with Blackberry, for you to enjoy leading up to and during the games. You can find CōZY both on tap and in … Read more
Winter Games 40 Logo Chosen
While spring weather is upon us, and winter is far from our minds, the planning for the University of Okoboji Winter Games has already begun. This year marks the 40thAnnual Celebration for this fun winter tradition scheduled for January 23-26, 2020. Over the last month, the U of O Winter Games Committee asked individuals … Read more