Univ. of Okoboji Winter Games sets participation record - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

This year's Winter Games in the Iowa Great Lakes enjoyed record participation.

While exact numbers aren't yet available as far as the economic impact, Jen Johnson, Program Director of the Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, says a lack of snow came into play for one sector but she says that was offset by increased volume in other areas. "You know, we did hear you know motels did see a little decrease just because the snowmobilers weren't here. However the area restaurants, bars and retail stores had great business. You know with the Winter Games being spread out throughout the Iowa Great Lakes that was a great boost to local businesses that did in fact spread the wealth and help increase traffic throughout the Iowa Great Lakes without having everything centered right there on Smith's Bay people were really out and about."