012525_DIS_A01

A FREE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FROM IOWA INFORMATION MEDIA GROUP
Burning of the Greens wraps up Winter
Games weekend — SEE PAGE 8
DISCOVER! MAGAZINE
JANUARY 25, 2025
THIS WEEKEND!
Chocolate Classic welcomes visitors to Winter
Games — SEE PAGE 6
OTHER HAPPENINGS:
Bread baking class on the menu at
Pearson Lakes Art Center — SEE PAGE 16
Polar Plunge dares people to take an icy
dip — SEE PAGE 10
Spencer Public Library hosts tea blending
workshop on Jan. 29 — SEE PAGE 18
Yoga Okoboji hosts outdoor yoga event for Winter
Games on Saturday morning — SEE PAGE 5
Your source for weekend fun in N’West Iowa
FunAtBoji.com

2 | JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!

DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025
Contents | 3
5
Winter
6
Winter
8
Winter
10
16
Games: Yoga Okoboji
hosts outdoor yoga event.
Games: Chocolate
Classic welcomes visitors.
Games: Burning of
the Greens wraps up events.
Winter Games: Polar Plunge
dares people to take a dip.
Taste: Bread baking class on the
menu at Pearson Lakes Art Center.
Super Sourdough Saturday will be a
class held at the Pearson Lakes Art
Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.
16
IN THIS ISSUE
8
The Winter Games Burning of the Greens is set to take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25.
6
17
18
19
Screen: New releases for the
big screen and good new rentals.
Flavors: Spencer Public Library
hosts tea blending workshop.
Sounds: Winter Dance Party in
Worthington on Feb. 1.
Side Trip:
It may not look much like a winter wonderland
out your window, but it certainly
feels like one.
And by the time we get to the weekend the
Iowa Great Lakes area will be transformed
into a wonderland
of outdoor fun and
games for the University
of Okoboji’s 45th
annual Winter Games
extravaganza.
While I enjoy being
a spectator for human
dog sled races, human
foosball, softball,
broomball, ice racing
and the like, my attention
span is limited by
the temperature of my
feet. It doesn’t seem
to matter the quality of socks I wear, or the
temperature rating of my boots, or the addition
of foot warmers, it just doesn’t take
long for me to get cold feet, and when that
happens, I’m done.
Fortunately, there’s a wide range of indoor
options too. Check out music from
Johnny Holm to Casey Muessigman, Boon
and Lambert to Keifer & Scott and many
others. Enjoy chili or chocolate, hot beverages
instead of cold, take in an indoor volleyball
tournament, play pickleball or sign
up for cribbage or pottery painting.
Burning of the Greens and fireworks are
slated for 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Preservation
Plaza, a great way to wrap up a big day of
fun, whether you spent it indoors, outdoors
or a bit of both.
Over the 45-year history of the event two
things are certain — there’s always going to
be something new and fun, and you just
don’t know what Mother Nature is going to
serve up. We’ve seen it all — ice, snow, bitter
winds, sunny skies, even blizzard conditions.
Bundle up, be safe and let the games begin.
18
MYRNA
WAGNER
DISCOVER! is your guide to all the special events and activities in the greater
northwest Iowa, southwest Minnesota, southeast South Dakota and northeast
Nebraska areas. It is distributed free throughout these areas.
Copyright 2025. Nothing may be reprinted, photocopied or in any way
reproduced without the permission of the publisher.
Advertising and Editorial Offices:
P.O. Box 160, Sheldon, IA 51201
1-800-247-0186
e-mail: discover@iowainformation.com
funatboji.com

4 | JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!

This Weekend!
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025
Event | 5
Yoga Okoboji
hosts outdoor
yoga event for
Winter Games on
Saturday morning
Hosting a yoga class outdoors
isn’t a new idea. In fact, Okoboji
plays hosts to outdoor
yoga and even yoga on the water frequently
during the summer months.
Outdoor yoga on the snow and
ice, though, that’s a little more
unique.
But that’s exactly what Yoga
Okoboji is offering up once again
as a part of this year’s University of
Okoboji Winter Games lineup.
The event started in 2020 and
Yoga Okoboji has been hosting the
event ever since according to Yoga
Okoboji owner Janine Gustafson.
Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan.
25, Corey Potter, an instructor at
Yoga Okoboji, will be leading a
Snowga class along the icy shores of
Yoga
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
West Okoboji Lake at Arnolds Park The yoga class will last
Amusement Park. The event will 45 minutes and is open to
be held either in front of the Ferris anyone from yoga enthusiasts to
wheel or on the Berkley Bedell State people who have never even heard
Pier.
of Warrior 2. This is a fun way to experience
yoga in a completely new
People are invited to bring their
own mats, but Yoga Okoboji will way.
also have some on hand for people “It’s fun to feel what all the
to use.
postures feel like with layers upon
But above all, be sure to bundle layers from fingers to toes. Plus
up.
instructor Corey Potter makes the
ON ICE
“Bring a good attitude and curiosity.
Some participants bring their teaching,” Gustafson said.
class extra fun with his chill style of
own yoga mats and we also have Bundle up and get out of your
some to borrow. Be sure to dress for comfort zone this Winter Games
the weather,” said Gustafson. “We with Snowga.
At a Glance:
have had class in negative temperatures,
wind and sun. It will be more ing yoga a try in a fun environment,”
“We love to have new people giv-
WHAT: Snowga
WHEN: 8 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
fun if you are not too warm and not Gustafson said. “The smiles during WHERE: Berkley Bedell State Pier, COST: Free
too cold.”
and after are the best!” F
Arnolds Park, Iowa
ONLINE: www.yogaokoboji.com
Arnolds Park | Iowa

JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
6 |
Taste
This Weekend!
Chocolate Classic welcomes
visitors to Winter Games
It’s a must stop item on the to-do list for
anyone with a sweet tooth.
For many years the Chocolate Classic
& Galleria has brought together vendors
putting their sweetest foot forward with a
collection of cakes, cookies, candies and
much more for visitors to try.
This year will be no exception with the
event slated for 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25,
at the Dickinson County Expo Center in
Spirit Lake.
In fact, if the previous night’s Chili
Cook-Off visitors were able to stick
around, they’d be in the perfect place for
dessert.
“This is kind of like the Chili Cook-
Off but with sweet treats,” said Morgan
Strauss, director of events for the Iowa
Great Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Mary Lynn Ingvall has sponsored the
event for quite some time and does a great
job. It’s such a great event that we’ve continued
for many years.”
She noted that they currently have 20
booths signed up for the event.
There is no admission fee, but tickets for
the sweet treats are sold for $1 apiece, half
which is reimbursed to the vendors. Visitors
can purchase as many as they’d like to
At a Glance:
WHAT: Chocolate Classic & Galleria
WHERE: Dickinson County Expo Center
WHEN: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
COST: $1 per treat ticket
CONTACT: 712-332-2107
ONLINE: www.uofowintergames.com
try, with to-go boxes provided.
In addition to perusing all the confectionary
creations, the Galleria portion of
the event provides shopping opportunities
with a variety of boutique vendors on
hand.
“We expect around 1,500 people to go
in and out of the doors that afternoon,”
Strauss said. “I should also note that it’s
an indoor event so I highly recommend
popping in there for anyone who needs a
break from being out and about and it’s
a great option for those that just really
doesn’t like being outside in the cold.”
Whatever the reason for stopping by,
the Chocolate Classic & Galleria is sure to
delight everyone that visits during Winter
Games. F
SWEET
treats
RYLAN HOWE
STAFF WRITER
Spirit Lake | Iowa

HEATH BAKER, SIOUX CENTER
KARI BEADNER, ORANGE CITY
SARA DOLIESLAGER, SIOUX CENTER
DANIELLE ABBE, AKRON
BLAIR HARP, ALTON
KYLE HUSS, ASHTON
KEVIN NIBBELINK, ROCK VALLEY
DANIELLE REHDER, SUTHERLAND
ABBY ROOK, SIOUX CENTER
DAVE BLEEKER, SIOUX CENTER
TARA BOER, HULL
BEN DAVIS, SIBLEY
RYAN BOONE, SIOUX CENTER
ASHLEY HENSCH, SIBLEY
AMY MCALPINE, SIOUX CENTER
BRENT OSTERKAMP, HAWARDEN
KALEIGH VAN MIDDENDORP, HULL
MOLLIE KOOPMANS, IRETON
SETH HELLINGA, LAKE PARK
RYAN BECKER, SHELDON
KENDRA BORCHERS, SIOUX CENTER
LAUREL CLAREY, ROCK VALLEY
AMANDA FEDDERS, SHELDON
TREVOR GOTTULA, SHELDON
NATHAN BREEN, ORANGE CITY
BEN ELDRIDGE, PAULLINA
JOSH BOWAR, SIOUX CENTER
JESSI DEVRIES, SIOUX CENTER
JUSTIN DE BRUIN, HAWARDEN
DR. KELSEY LEE, SIBLEY
DAVID MCALPINE, SIOUX CENTER
RYAN POSTMA, SHELDON
MEGAN WAGNER, SANBORN
TREVOR KUIPER, SIOUX CENTER
NANCY MCDOWELL, SHELDON
JASON ANDERSON, SHELDON
TURNER STAMMER, SHELDON
ALAN JULIUS, SIBLEY
KAYLA RENSINK, SIOUX CENTER
ANNA BOUSEMA, SANBORN
FAYE DE KAM, HULL
MITCH GIESE, SHELDON
MORGAN GRANSTRA, SHELDON
DEREK KOSTERS, SIOUX CENTER
DANIELLE CROUGH, PAULLINA
LORI JUHLIN, HAWARDEN
TRAVIS BULTMAN, CRAIG
MARTHA DRAAYER, SIOUX CENTER
DAN CLOUSING, SIOUX CENTER
JOHN TIEDEMAN, HULL
JAMES DYKSTRA, ALTON
SARAH LOERTS, OCHEYEDAN
MITCH NETTINGA, SIOUX CENTER
JENA SCHOUTEN, SHELDON
RUTH MAHAFFY, SIOUX CENTER
JESSICA MCDYER, SIBLEY
KIRK SNEIDERMAN, SHELDON
ALEX KOOIMA, ROCK VALLEY
LORI WALSTRA, SIOUX CENTER
NATHAN ROCKMAN, SIBLEY
MADDY VLOTHO, HAWARDEN
MATTHEW “ROSS” KOOPMANS, IRETON
JACQUELINE GROTEWOLD, ALVORD
MADISON MAYBERRY HOFMEYER, ORANGE CITY
ALAN MILLER, SIOUX CENTER
AARON VAN BEEK, SIOUX CENTER
JENNIFER DORHOUT, SIOUX CENTER
EMILY TUSCHEN, SIOUX CENTER
JOSH EARLL, SIBLEY
ALEX LYNOTT, HAWARDEN
JENNI OCHSNER, ORANGE CITY
JENN SAWYER, SHELDON
DUSTIN REMME, SHELDON
MELISSA RUPP, HARTLEY
BRET WALINGA, ORANGE CITY
ERICA WASSENAAR, SHELDON
LEAH MURPHY, SHELDON
LEE VAN MEETEREN, SIOUX CENTER
DUSTIN DOUMA, HULL
ASHLEY VAN SLOTEN, ORANGE CITY
KATIE VANDER ZWAAG, ROCK VALLEY
AMY WINGERT, SHELDON
NATHAN MULDER, SIOUX CENTER
DARREN RAIH, SIOUX CENTER
ANDREW SCHREIER, SIOUX CENTER
KATIE VAN ZEE, ROCK VALLEY
BRADEN WYNIA, ROCK RAPIDS
RACHEL VAN RAVENHORST, ORANGE CITY
JOSH HARMELINK, SIOUX CENTER
HOUSTON HARTWIG, SIOUX CENTER
BETH WOLFSWINKEL, SANBORN
MEDIA GROUP
REBECCA MANGOLD, ORANGE CITY
BRENDAN OLSON, SIOUX CENTER
CASSANDRA SCHAFER, BOYDEN
GARRETT STERK, SIBLEY
BRIAN WATTERSON, SIBLEY
WENDY MARCO, SIBLEY
SHEILA PEELEN, SANBORN
ANNA RILEY, SHELDON
TONY VANDE BRAKE, ORANGE CITY
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025 | 7
HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF
20 AREA ENTREPRENEURS, MANAGERS,
BUSINESS OWNERS AND PROFESSIONAL
MEN AND WOMEN UNDER 40.
14TH ANNUAL
UNDER40
These are some of the faces of N’West
Iowa. They are the people you do
business with in stores and shops,
institutions and industries, and
companies and cafes throughout the
region.
SUBMIT YOUR
NOMINATION!
They most notably are the current and
future business leaders in N’West Iowa
as they represent some of the area’s best
and brightest young professionals.
These 20 people — all under the age of
40 — were nominated by you to be
recognized in this 14th annual special
section and at a “20 Under 40” Breakfast
Banquet at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, March
19, at Northwest Iowa Community
College in Sheldon.
THE BEST OF
OUR YOUNG
LEADERS OF
N’WEST IOWA
SECTION D | FEBRUARY 29, 2020
This promotion is sponsored by NCC,
Iowa State Bank and
Iowa Information
Publishers and
Printers.
Honoring the accomplishments of 20 area entrepreneurs, managers,
business owners and professional men and women under 40.
THE BEST OF OUR YOUNG
LEADERS OF N’WEST IOWA
THE BEST OF OUR YOUNG
LEADERS OF N’WEST IOWA
15TH ANNUAL
UNDER40
SECTION E
MARCH 13, 2021
These are some of the faces
of N’West Iowa. They are
the people you do business
with in stores and shops,
institutions and industries,
and companies and cafes
throughout the region.
These 20 people — all
under the age of 40 — were
nominated by you to be
recognized in this 15th
annual special section
and at a “20 Under 40”
Breakfast Banquet at 7:30
a.m. Thursday, April 29, at
the Lifelong Learning and
Recreation Center on the
campus of Northwest Iowa
Community College
in Sheldon.
This promotion is
sponsored by NCC, Iowa
State Bank and Iowa
Information Publishers
and Printers.
YOUR
NOMINEE
MAY BE
FEATURED!
THE BEST OF
OUR YOUNG
LEADERS OF
N’WEST IOWA
HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF
20 AREA ENTREPRENEURS, MANAGERS,
BUSINESS OWNERS AND PROFESSIONAL
MEN AND WOMEN UNDER 40.
SECTION E | MARCH 12, 2022
SECTION E
MARCH 11, 2023
Honoring the accomplishments of 20 area entrepreneurs, managers, business owners and professional men and women under 40.
CORPORATE
SPONSORS:
20
18TH ANNUAL
UNDER40
These are some of the faces of N’West Iowa.
They are the people you do business with in stores
and shops, institutions and industries, and
companies and cafes throughout the region.
They most notably are the current and future business
leaders in N’West Iowa as they represent some of the
area’s best and brightest young professionals.
These 20 people — all under the age of 40 — were
nominated by you to be recognized in this 18th
annual special section and at a “20 Under 40”
Breakfast Banquet at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 4, at
Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon.
This promotion is sponsored by NCC, Iowa State
Bank and Iowa Information Media Group.
SECTION E | MARCH 9, 2024
16TH ANNUAL
UNDER40
These are some of the faces of
N’West Iowa. They are the people
you do business with in stores
and shops, institutions and
industries, and companies and
cafes throughout the region.
They most notably are the current and
future business leaders in N’West Iowa
as they represent some of the area’s best
and brightest young professionals.
These 20 people — all under the
age of 40 — were nominated by you
to be recognized in this 16th annual
special section and at a “20 Under
40” Breakfast Banquet at 7:30 a.m.
Thursday, April 7, at Northwest Iowa
Community College in Sheldon.
This promotion is
sponsored by NCC,
Iowa State Bank and
Iowa Information
Publishers and
Printers.
IOWA
INFORMATION
17TH ANNUAL
THE BEST OF OUR YOUNG
LEADERS OF N’WEST IOWA
These are some of the faces of N’West Iowa.
They are the people you do business with in stores
and shops, institutions and industries, and
companies and cafes throughout the region.
They most notably are the current and future business
leaders in N’West Iowa as they represent some of the
area’s best and brightest young professionals.
These 20 people — all under the age of 40 — were
nominated by you to be recognized in this 17th
annual special section and at a “20 Under 40”
Breakfast Banquet at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at
Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon.
This promotion is sponsored by NCC, Iowa State
Bank and Iowa Information Media Group.
Honoring the accomplishments of 20 area entrepreneurs, managers, business owners and professional men and women under 40.
THE BEST
OF OUR
YOUNG
LEADERS
OF N’WEST
IOWA
19TH ANNUAL
UNDER 40
Honoring the accomplishments of 20 area
entrepreneurs, managers, business owners and
professional men and women under 40.
WWW.NWESTIOWA.COM/20UNDER40
SUBMISSION DEADLINE - SATURDAY, JANUARY 25
CRITERIA:
• Selection will be based on creative
leadership and growth of the
organization or department under the
nominee’s stewardship.
• Applications should be submitted
to N’West Iowa Business through
our website at nwestiowa.
com/20under40. Please fill out
the nomination form completely
and accurately, giving us thorough
explanation for all criteria.
• Additional background information
will be accepted. This could include
a current resume, personal biography
or articles. (Please limit to 2 pages).
Attach files to nomination e-mail.
• Multiple nominations from one
company are accepted. However,
only one person per company will be
selected.
• Nominations must come from the
area served by Northwest Iowa
Community College. Nominees
must be under 40 years of age as of
Monday, Jan. 1, 2025.
P.O. Box 160, Sheldon, IA 51201
712-324-5347 • 800-247-0186
603 W. Park St., Sheldon, IA
712-324-5061 • 800-352-4907 • www.nwicc.edu

JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
8 |
Event
RYLAN HOWE | STAFF WRITER
That fire goes up before you can blink an eye and
it’s such a fun way to end the weekend, a grand
finale for out team here and all the volunteers and
everyone who helped make it happen.
Morgan Strauss
CLOSING
Ceremonies
The night will light up in more
than one way as Winter Games
comes to a close.
The Burning of the Greens and
Fireworks Extravaganza serves as a
sort of closing ceremonies for the
annual festivities in the Iowa Great
Lakes, but according to Morgan
Strauss, director of events for the
Iowa Great Lakes Area Chamber of
Commerce, they also serve as a turn
of the page to the year head.
“It’s the finale of the weekend
but also the start of the next year,”
Strauss said. “We can celebrate another
great year and another great
Winter Games, and I feel like after
Winter Games everyone in the area
knows that summer is right around
the corner, so it’s a great way to close
one chapter and kick off another
great year.”
The ceremonies typically involve
an address from the Winter Games
chair and co-chair, an introduction
of the cheerleaders, and plenty of
words of thanks for all the volunteers,
businesses and everyone who

This Weekend!
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025
| 9
comes together to pull off the weekend’s
packed schedule of events.
Once the cheerleaders rally the crowd
one final time, the chant of “Light that
fire!” builds throughout the crowd with a
path made for a parade of torchbearers that
set the pile of donated Christmas greenery
ablaze.
“That fire goes up before you can blink
an eye and it’s such a fun way to end the
weekend, a grand finale for our team here
and all the volunteers and everyone who
helped make it happen,” Strauss said.
But wait, there’s more.
“After we light the fire we radio out and
that’s when the fireworks extravaganza begins!”
Strauss said.
And with that the 45th edition of the
University of Okoboji Winter Games will
be in the books. F
Burning of the Greens wraps up
Winter Games weekend
At a Glance:
WHAT: Burning of the Greens
and Fireworks Extravaganza
WHERE: Preservation Plaza, 37
Lake St., Arnolds Park, IA
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan.
25
COST: Free
CONTACT: 712-332-2107
ONLINE: www.uofowintergames.
com
Arnolds Park | Iowa

JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
10 |
Event
This Weekend!
At a Glance:
WHAT: Polar Plunge
WHERE: In front of the Ferris
wheel, 37 Lake St., Arnolds Park,
IA
WHEN: 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25
COST: $25 per person
CONTACT: 712-332-2107
ONLINE: www.uofowintergames.
com
Polar Plunge
dares
people to
take an
icy dip
There are many popular events
with long traditions at the
University of Okoboji Winter
Games.
One that has come to symbolize
the weekend for so many visitors
and locals alike is the Polar
Plunge.
Held in various places around
the lakes over the years, the event
has settled in front of Arnolds
Park Amusement Park, the Ferris
wheel and Legend roller coaster
providing a picturesque backdrop
to those taking on the challenge
of slipping into the ice cold waters
of West Okoboji Lake.
RYLAN HOWE | STAFF WRITER
cold
EMBRACE THE
“This is one of
those events that
has truly been
going on since
the beginning
of time,” said
Morgan Strauss,
director of events
for the Iowa Great Lakes Area
Chamber of Commerce. “Broom
ball was the first event but this
one did start shortly after and has
grown so much into the classic
event that it is now.”
Registration for the plunge is
on the day of the event only, costs
$25 per person and begins at 1:30
p.m. with the plunge itself getting
underway at 3 p.m. and proceeds
benefiting Arnolds Park/Okoboji
Fire & Rescue.
“It’s truly incredible to see the
amount of people that come
out to watch and to jump. If the
weather’s nice we get about 200
jumpers,” Strauss said.
Those taking the plunge run the
gamut from young to old, firsttimers
and long-timers, cannon
ballers and folks dressed up in
festive costumes to commemorate
the occasion.
It all adds up to a memorable
event every year for those in attendance.
F
Arnolds Park | Iowa

University of Okoboji Winter Games • January 23-26
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025 | 11
www.sibleyiowa.net
…
Opens Spring of 2025
THE THREE SONS
1 Block East Of Bank Stoplight • Milford • 712-338-2424
WINTER SALE
30-50 %
OFF MANY OF THE NAME
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1 Block East Of Bank Stoplight • Milford • 712-338-2424
OPEN MON.-SAT. 10AM-5:00PM, SUNDAY NOON-3PM
Warm Up this winter
with a bowl of soup
from
Stop in During Winter Games!
Special Winter Games Hours:
Friday 7am-6pm • Saturday 7am-6pm
Sunday 7am-2pm
Open 8-5:30 Monday-Friday and 8-4 Saturday
2025 Winter
Games
Cheerleader:
Nathan Kraft,
owner of Krafty’s
Meat Market
2098 HWY 86, WEST OKOBOJI, IA
712-339-0536
kraftymeatsllc@gmail.com
Ice Shack/Propane Refills
• All Sizes •
Daily Specials
Call in for food orders
712-338-2384
2098 Hwy 86 | NW of Milford
The Best on 86 West
Bait • Gas Pumps • Convenience Store • Boutique • Liquor

12 | JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
SPEAKERS:
MATT CAMPBELL
Grain Market Hotspots
ERNIE GOSS
Economic Outlook
TRENT LOOS
Loos Tales
FEBRUARY 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
CLAY COUNTY REGIONAL EVENTS CENTER
800 W 18TH STREET, SPENCER

DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025 | 13
California Dreamin': The Songs of Laurel Canyon Mama's & the Papa's, Beach Boys, Doors, & Much More!
Winter Dance Party: Celebrating Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper
Puppy Pals Live!: As Seen On America's Got Talent
An Afternoon with Groucho: Live Theatre, Comedy, Music & Fun!
The Wonder Bread Years: A Hilarious Evening with Seinfeld Writer Pat Hazell
A SEASON OF
UNFORGETTABLE
PERFORMANCES AWAITS
2025 WILL BE FILLED WITH EVENTS YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!
MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
www.friendsoftheauditorium.com
714 13th St. Worthington, MN • 507-376-9101

14 | JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
University of Okoboji Winter Games • January 23-26
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January 24th - 26th
15 Lakeside LN,
Lake Park, IA
January 24, 11-7 • Doors open at 11 a.m. • Numbers handed out at 10 a.m.
January 25, 11-6 • half price day
January 26, 11-4 • 75% off day
This is a whole house and garage tag sale. Hummels, cast iron, Terry Redlin art,
John Deere collectibles, Christmas decor and trees, collectible glassware, everything
kitchen, large collection of Jadeite and milk glass, vintage furniture, old toys, tools,
jewelry, watches, clothing and shoes, gardening items and outdoor furniture.
Heather Lauck | 712-363-2883
Discover a treasure trove of
unique finds while exploring
our 65+ vendors in a
beautifully expanded
two-level mall with
elevator access!
Finders
Keepers!
• Anitques • Mid-Century Modern • Mantiques • Art •
Vintage Clothing • Hand-Crafted Items • Tons of Memories!!
• A Great Place to Get Lost in the Past
2718 HWY BLVD. • Spencer, Iowa • 712-660-0318
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5:30 p.m
Sunday 12-4:00 p.m. | Follow us on &

DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025 | 15
University of Okoboji Winter Games
FUN RUN
All ages and skill levels encouraged to join!
Check in: 8:00-8:45am at
Arnold’s Park Amusement Park
Race begins: 9am
Route will start at Arnolds Park
Amusement Park, racing around
the streets and neighborhoods of
Arnolds Park, and finishing down
the brand-new Promenade!
Warmth, Health, and Okoboji Happiness
Visit us at the Kozy Heat Gallery at
584 US-71, Arnolds Park, IA 51331
Day of
Registration at
the Pavilion in
Arnold’s Park
$35
online registration
open until 1/22/25

JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
16 |
Taste
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
Bread
baking class
on the menu
at Pearson
Lakes Art
Center
At a Glance:
WHAT: Super Sourdough Saturday
WHERE: Pearson Lakes Art Center,
2201 Highway 71, Okoboji, IA
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8,
Must register by Feb. 1
COST: Members $45 and nonmembers
$55
CONTACT: 712-332-7013
ONLINE: www.lakesart.org
The down low on
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
SOURDOUGH
Nothing smells or tastes better than a loaf of
freshly baked bread.
Whipping together a regular loaf takes
patience and a little bit of know-how, but all that
levels up when you start talking about one of the
oldest forms of bread — sourdough.
Sourdough has been going through a resurgence
due to it’s health benefits.
And the Pearson Lakes Art Center is going to
offer a class that will teach you to make it.
Super Sourdough Saturday is all set to take
place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. People who
want to participate must register for the class by
Feb. 1.
Sourdough has been around for thousands
of years and was the main method of leavening
bread until baker’s yeast replaced it only a few
hundred years ago, according to ScienceDirect.
“All the magic happens in the fermentation
process. Fermentation helps make calcium,
sodium, magnesium, iron, and zinc more
available for the body to use. There is a load
of science backed evidence the fermentation
process can lead to an increased number of
probiotic and probiotic-like properties which
help improve gut health, which in turn results
in better digestion,” according Jean Quinn,
the culinary director at the Pearson Lakes Art
Center. “So not only can sourdough provide
essential nutrients, and support a healthy gut,
it tastes delicious.”
To get the down low on sourdough, the Pearson
Lakes Art Center has tapped Sheila Thelen
to teach the class.
“Sheila Thelen, who works at the Okoboji
Wellness Clinic has always been an advocate
for healthy living. Her mother, who is also a
bread-maker, inspired her to get interested in
sourdough bread making several years ago,” said
Quinn. “Now Sheila has developed a weekly
practice of making one to two loaves so her family
always has freshly baked homemade bread to
enjoy. In her class, she will teach you the steps
in making your own sourdough bread, give you
your own starter, and guide you in working with
a mini-loaf to bring home and bake.”
The results speak for themselves and Quinn
has been lucky enough to have a taste of the
class yet to come.
“The Pearson Lakes Art Center staff was fortunate
enough to have a preview of this sourdough
making class in early January, and absolutely
loved it,” Quinn said. “We are delighted to offer
this class to our community for the first time!” F
Okoboji | Iowa

new
at the
box
office
Limited release movies are not included in “What’s
New.” Only films that receive an average “C” or better
rating by movie critics on both coasts and the
Midwest are included in “Good Stuff.”
Presence
R | 85 min.
A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced
they’re not alone.
Flight Risk
R | 91 min.
Mark Wahlberg plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal
accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness,
tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on
board is who they seem.
One of Them Days
R | 97 min.
Dreux and Alyssa are about to have One of Them Days. When
they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the
duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against
the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025
Screen | 17
good stuff still playing
Wolfman
R
118 min.
With his marriage fraying, Blake persuades his wife Charlotte to take a break from the city
Autumn and the
Black Jaguar
Babygirl
PG
100 min.
★★★★★
what you can rent
and visit his remote childhood home in rural Oregon. As they arrive at the farmhouse in
the dead of night, they’re attacked by an unseen animal.
Grown up in the Amazon rain forest, Autumn lives with Hope, the cute baby jaguar she
adopted. However, a circumstance forces Autumn to return to New York. Autumn goes
back into the jungle to save Hope from grave danger.
Smile 2
R
127 min.
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing
increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Skye is forced to face her dark past to
regain control of her life before it spirals out of control.
R
Rumours Ricocheting between comedy, apocalyptic horror, and swooning soap opera, Rumours
103 min. follows the seven leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies at the annual G7 summit,
★★★★★ where they attempt to draft a provisional statement regarding a global crisis.
Heretic
R
111 min.
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong
door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his
deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Conclave
★★★★★
R
114 min.
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
PG
120 min.
★★★★★
A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid
affair with her much younger intern.
Saturday Night
R
109 min.
At 11:30 p.m. on October 11th, 1975, a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers
changed television forever. Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90
minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events — selecting a new
Pope. Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected
death of the beloved Pope.

JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!
18 |
Flavor
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
Time to
talk
TEA
KATE HARLOW
STAFF WRITER
Tea blending is experimenting
with different tea leaves and
ingredients to create personalized
blends.
At a Glance:
WHAT: Tea Blending Workshop
WHERE: Spencer Public Library,
21 E 3rd St., Spencer, IA
WHEN: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.
29
COST: Free
CONTACT: 712-580-7290
Robin Munson
ONLINE: www.spencerlibrary.com
Cold winter nights are the perfect time
to cuddle up by a fire with a good
book and a steaming cup of tea.
And what could be more special than
sipping a tea blended just for yourself.
And there’s a class for that.
The Spencer Public Library will be hosting
a Tea Blending Workshop
at 3 p.m. Wednesday,
Jan. 29.
The program is free to the public, but
since space is limited people are being
asked to register ahead of time by calling
the library at 712-580-7290.
The program will be taught by Robin
Munson, the adult programming librarian
at the Spencer Public Library, who
has been doing adult programming at the
library for almost 15 years.
“The programs on tea that Spencer Public
Library offered in the past were very
popular. We had a tea expert talk about
the varieties and history of tea and we also
had a tea party with tea and appropriate
sandwiches and dessert,” Munson said.
“The library thought it would be fun
to offer an exploratory workshop
on tea blends and have participants create
their own flavors.”
Blending tea is like getting to play scientist.
“Tea blending is experimenting with different
tea leaves and ingredients to create
personalized blends,” Munson said. “Tea
blends require at least two ingredients but
can contain as many as one wants, based
on the percentage of each component.
Herbs, spices, fruits, roots, flowers, and
some flavorings can be added to a tea
blend.”
There will be plenty of opportunity to
learn about tea and the things you blend
with it.
“When participants walk in the room
they will find two tables — one with true
tea leaves (white, green, and black) and
one with herbal tea components (decaf).
It essentially works as a make-your-own
sundae bar but with dried teas, spices, and
fruits. Participants will get two handouts,
one on tea and tea blending and the other
on optional tea blend recipes to try,” Munson
said. “Following a brief discussion
about the handouts, attendees will gather
their chosen ingredients and fill the provided
empty tea bags to craft their unique
blends. They will be given a notebook to
write down what blends they are crafting to
ensure they remember their favorites with
the proportions they love. Sampling of tea
blends is encouraged!”
Munson is happy to be offering up something
people haven’t experienced before.
“I am excited to have participants try
something new,” Munson said. “Hopefully,
participants will create tea blends
they really love and have fun while doing
it!” F
Spencer Public Library hosts tea blending workshop on Jan. 29
Spencer | Iowa

MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
DISCOVER! | JANUARY 25, 2025
Sounds | 19
DANCE PARTY
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
This is an era of music that can
be enjoyed by everyone and
watching this show makes you
want to jump out of your seat
and recreate the screaming fans
of the music of the ’50s.
Tammy Makram
At a Glance:
WHAT: Winter Dance Party: Celebrating Buddy
Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Big Bopper
WHERE: Memorial Auditorium Performing Arts Center,
714 13th St., Worthington, MN
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1
COST: Adults: $35 Advance/$40 at the door. Child/
College: $15 Advance/$20 at the door
CONTACT: 507-376-9101
ONLINE: www.friendsoftheauditorium.com
Memorial Auditorium
hosts concert
celebrating
music of the ’50s
Dust off your dancing shoes.
ing all the hit songs of the rock ‘n’ roll stars
They are going to get a workout. including ‘That’ll Be The Day,’ ‘Peggy Sue,’
The Memorial Auditorium Performing
Arts Center in Worthington, MN, Lace,’ and many, many more.”
‘Oh, Boy,’ ‘Rave on,’ ‘La Bamba,’ ‘Chantilly
will be hosting a Winter Dance Party: Celebrating
Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens & the Memorial Auditorium in Worthington, MN,
This show is returning to the stage at
Big Bopper at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1. due to popular demand.
Tickets for the event are set at $35 for “This group performed the Winter Dance
adults in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets
for kids or college age students are $15 in and John Mueller’s other touring group One
Party concert to a sold out audience in 2016
advance or $20 at the door.
Night in Memphis sold out in 2017. John
“John Mueller’s ‘Winter Dance Party’ is does an incredible job of bringing together
the official live and authentic re-creation wonderfully talented bands who pay tribute
of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the to the greatest musicians of all time by making
the audience feel like they’ve stepped
Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show
endorsed by their families,” according to back in time for an evening,” Makram said.
Tammy Makram, the managing director “When I received a call that they were coming
our way this winter with a tour, it was an
of the Memorial Auditorium Performing
Arts Center. “The concert includes over two instant, ‘Yes!’”
hours of high energy entertainment featur-
This show will appeal to anyone who
loves the music from the era of Buddy Holly
and Ritchie Valens, but also will appeal to
anyone who has a love of good music.
“To be honest, there isn’t anyone who
wouldn’t enjoy this show. Unless you don’t
like fun music and fantastically talented
musicians who have charismatic stage presence,”
Makram said. “This is an era of music
that can be enjoyed by everyone and watching
this show makes you want to jump out
of your seat and recreate the screaming fans
of the music of the ’50s. Dancing in the
aisles will be allowed.”
In fact, Makram will not only have her
dancing shoes on and at the ready, she’ll
also be pulling out another ’50s fashion
staple.
“I’m most excited to put on my poodle
skirt and dance in the aisles,” Makram
said. F
Worthington | Minnesota

20 | JANUARY 25, 2025 | DISCOVER!