Arnolds Park, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — The 2025 University of Okoboji Winter Games is less than a month away – always the last weekend in January. Iowa Great Lakes Chamber Program Director Morgan Strauss says tomorrow is the deadline to nominate a cheerleader.

And they’d also like your natural Christmas trees.

The organizer of one of the most popular attractions at the Winter Games has announced a hiatus. Steve Boote (boot) says the gigantic kites that have flown over West Lake Okoboji in recent years will not be included in the 2025 festivities, but he hopes they do return in 2026.