What events are happening at the 45th Annual Okoboji Winter Games?

OKOBOJI, Iowa (KTIV) - The University of Okoboji Winter Games get started on Thursday, Jan. 23 and organizers have put the finishing touches on plans for this year’s events.

Folks in the Iowa Great Lakes are expected to welcome thousands of people to the games after several months of planning to make this annual event come to life.

It all kicks off Thursday at Parks Marina with the “Battle of the Bartenders.”

Crews at Parks Marina have switched gears from their normal operations to transform their space. They have hauled in wood chips, set up lighting, banners and tables.

They even had crews outside preparing for events like the human dog sled races, smooshing races and their keg toss.

Nigel Hanson, Assistant General Manager of Parks Marina, said crews are setting up for the ice races on Saturday and had a warning for visitors who plan to go on the ice.

“It is very slick out there so I would forewarn people, do wear cleats, it is very very slick,” said Hanson.

Hanson also commented on the joint effort it takes for the Winter Games to run smoothly

“We have all of the team from the service department to the sales department to food and beverage of course, everybody is all hands-on deck to get us set up and ready for this weekend,” said Hanson.

The University of Okoboji Winter Games begin Thursday, Jan. 23 and last through Sunday, Jan. 26.