020825_DIS_A01

A FREE WEEKLY ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FROM IOWA INFORMATION MEDIA GROUP
Tasty
Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe
hosts weekly contests
— SEE PAGE 9
trivia
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
DISCOVER! MAGAZINE
FEBRUARY 8, 2025
SWEET
Cherokee Symphony set for Classic
Concert — SEE PAGE 10
SOUND
your ABCs
Dickinson County Nature Center hosts Nature Tots on Feb. 12
— SEE PAGE 5
Cooking
up some love
Pearson Lakes Art Center hosts Valentine’s Day food events
— SEE PAGE 6
Your source for weekend fun in N’West Iowa
FunAtBoji.com

2 | FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!

5
Nature:
6
Taste:
8
Other
9
Event:
10
11
Dickinson County Nature
Center hosts Nature Tots.
Pearson Lakes Art Center
hosts Valentine’s Day food events.
Happenings: Other
must-see area events to check out.
Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe
hosts weekly contests.
Sounds: Cherokee Symphony
set for Classic Concert.
Screen: New releases for the
big screen and good new rentals.
ON THE COVER5
DISCOVER! | FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Contents | 3
Side Trip:
Walk through the front door of any
local coffee shop and you’re greeted
with a most wonderful aroma.
The smell of fresh-ground coffee is one of
life’s simple pleasures, in my opinion, and
I indulge with a hot
latte more often than
I should.
At more than $6 a
cup at most locations,
it really is an indulgence,
not a daily
necessity.
Which is why our
Barista home brew
system, a family gift
from my husband’s
parents a couple of
years back, is so wellused.
We probably
MYRNA
WAGNER
clean and descale our device more often
than most due to heavy use. Fortunately,
there are step-by-step instructions on the
digital screen and the process takes just a
few minutes.
Despite cleaning, for the last couple of
weeks our brew was not looking quite right.
The volume was minimal, the depth of color
lacking, and the flavor not memorable.
This weekend, I scoured the internet for
troubleshooting tips. Who knew the complexities
of grinding and brewing? There’s
certainly more to this than opening a can of
Folgers.
I sifted through a variety of videos and
tutorials to find the practical ones, eliminating
those filmed by coffee aristocrats.
Turns out the coarseness of our grind was
set too fine, and the brew temperature too
low. I brewed several test rounds of espresso
into clear cups to test volume and witness
the three distinct layers — heart, body and
that beautiful top layer, crema.
I’m not sure how the settings got messed
up to begin with but glad we were able to
troubleshoot.
Now, I’m intrigued to learn more about
the many other functions of our home
barista system. Café Breve, anyone?
9
Nature Tots will explore “Animal ABCs” at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji.
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
10

4 | FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!

MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
DISCOVER! | FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Nature | 5
Practice your
KATE HARLOW
ABCs
STAFF WRITER
Dickinson County Nature
Center hosts Nature Tots
program Feb. 12
Getting there:
WHAT: Nature Tots: Catfish and
Darter
WHERE: Dickinson County Nature
Center, 22785 Nature Center
Road, Okoboji, IA
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
COST: Free
CONTACT: 712-336-6352
ONLINE: www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com
Learning your ABCs is a special
building block of learning.
The Dickinson County Nature
Center is ready to lend a hand
for tots learning their ABCs by offering
up a monthly program called
Nature Tots. And the theme for the
series of events for 2025 is “Animals
ABCs.”
The Nature Tots program is aimed
at children ages 2-5 with an adult
chaperone and takes place the
second Wednesday each month at
10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
The event is free and registration is
encouraged and can be done online
at www.dickinsoncountyconservationboard.com.
The next class will take place on
Wednesday, Feb. 12.
The second class will focus on the
letters C and D and attendants will
learn about catfish and darter.
“Our young nature enthusiasts
will discover the letters C and D
for Nature Tots: Catfish and Darter.
Attendees will start by singing the
ABCs and go into learning about
parts of a fish, their habitat and look
at some mounted fish here at the
nature center. They will also enjoy
some storytime reading: ‘Pout Pout
Fish Valentine’s Day,’ and the program
will end with decorating their
own shiny fish craft using a CD,”
according to Amy Heibult, the community
relations coordinator at the
Dickinson County Nature Center.
The goal of this class is to bring
these animals off the page and inspire
the kids to want to learn even
more.
“Nature Tots is the perfect way to
inspire curiosity in little ones with
their own keepsake to take home,”
Heibult said. “This program will
bring storytime to life, by taking a
closer look at real fish that can be
found here in our blue waters!”
Nature Tots is all about getting
little kids excited about the natural
world around them and the organizers
of these events hope that these
youngsters grow up to still be passionate
about nature.
“We want everyone to have the
opportunity to learn about Iowa’s
amazing wildlife and natural resources.
One of the best ways to ignite
an appreciation is to learn about
our natural environment at a young
age,” Heibult said in a previous interview.
F
Okoboji | Iowa

FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!
6 |
Taste
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
KATE HARLOW | STAFF WRITER
COOKING
up some love
Sometimes it’s fun to add a little spice to your
relationship.
The Pearson Lakes Art Center is taking that
literally.
They will be hosting a class focused on teaching
couples to add spice to their food along with their
relationship with Date Night Cooking Classes appropriately
scheduled for the weekend of Valentine’s
Day.
The classes are set for 6 p.m. on both Friday and
Saturday night, Feb. 14-15. The cost is set for $130 for
a couple for members of the Pearson Lakes Art Center
and $140 for a couple for nonmembers.
The class will be led by local foodie Marisa Sidles,
the owner and the creator of Rissy’s Dry Rubs & Seasonings.
It seemed liked the perfect time to host this class.
“When I think of Date Night and Valentine’s Day,
I think of going out for a classic steak dinner with
someone special. Instead of making reservations at a
busy restaurant, spice it up and try something different,”
Sidles said. “The hands-on environment is fun
and exciting. At the end of the cooking portion, picture
candles on the tables and music going to create
an atmosphere.”
The plan is for an immersive experience that will
get everyone’s hands dirty.
“Whether you are a couple dating or just a couple
of friends, I want you to create delicious memories in
this hands-on Date Night cooking class. I, with the
help of a friend, will guide you through cooking a
flavorful steakhouse inspired dinner for two using my
popular seasonings and dry rubs,” Sidles said. “The
meal will include a large perfectly seasoned rib-eye
steak for two and rich, flavor-packed
sauces as well as
a homemade vinaigrette for
the salad course. For the end
of the meal, I will treat you to
a spicy chocolate dessert that
has a secret ingredient.”
Learning a new skill or just
enjoying special time with
someone is what this class is focused
on.
“I want to give the students an
opportunity to bond with someone
special while learning a few skills
and trying new flavors along the
way,” Sidles said. “This could be a way
to mix up your usual date night routine
or a way to spend more time with your
best friend. I also want to teach people
how to use my seasonings in many different
ways.”
Sidles is excited to make some new
friends and get back in the kitchen at the
Pearson Lakes Art Center.
“My hope is that people have a great
time and learn how to make a flavorful
meal and some skills that they can apply
at home,” Sidles said. “I’m most looking
forward to meeting new people and cooking
in the amazing kitchen at the Pearson Lakes Art
Center with my friend. This is just as much fun for
us as we hope it is for you. We take time to create a
delicious menu by practicing it with our friends and
family until we get things just right.” F
Pearson Lakes Art Center hosts
Valentine’s Day food events
Getting there:
WHAT: Date Night Cooking Class
WHERE: Pearson Lakes Art Center, 2201 Highway 71, Okoboji, IA
WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, and 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
COST: $130 per couple for members, $140 per couple for nonmembers
CONTACT: 712-332-7013
ONLINE: www.lakesart.org
Okoboji | Iowa

DISCOVER! | FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | 7
Pizza Puzzles
& Pitchers
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Registration: 5 – 6 pm
Competition begins promptly at 6pm
Sibley American Legion
Teams of 4 compete to finish a
Large pizza, 8 cans of beer/seltzer
And a 500-piece puzzle first.
Cost: 100 per team
Must be 21 or older to participate
Prizes awarded to the team who completes all first.
Register by contacting the Sibley Chamber of Commerce
712-754-3212 | chamber2@premieronline.net
Quality Vehicle Restoration
Cars, Trucks,
Tractors, Motorcycles
and more!
107 North Runger, Sheldon, IA
Phone 712.324.2453
Owners, Dave & Glenda Wurpts

FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!
8 |
Other Happenings
Paint, Sip & Savor With
Kris Walker & Kathy McGill
The Pearson Lakes Art Center will be hosting a
class that is intended to get participants to sit
back and relax.
That is the goal for the upcoming Paint, Sip &
Savor class scheduled for 12-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.
18. People must register five days before the class
and the prices are set at $75 for members and $85
for nonmembers.
Kris Walker and Kathy McGill will lead this entertaining
and low stress art instruction in painting
on canvas, then treat guests to a delicious homemade
meal and a glass of wine. All art supplies are
included. Designed for art beginners, but will be
fun for all.
WHERE: Pearson Lakes Art Center, 2201 Highway
71, Okoboji, IA
WHEN: 12-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18
COST: $75 for members, $85 for nonmembers
CONTACT: 712-332-7013
ONLINE: www.lakesart.org

MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
DISCOVER! | FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Event | 9
Anyone can sign up as teams or individuals.
We’ve had positive feedback from the
community and we’ve enjoyed hosting it.
Trevor Johnson
Tasty
RYLAN HOWE
STAFF WRITER
TRIVIA
Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe hosts weekly contests
Put your knowledge to the test.
And enjoy some tasty wings at the same
time — just don’t let the sauce smear your
answer.
For the past few months Snappers Turtle Bay
Cafe has been hosting a weekly Trivia Night contest
in its location at Parks Marina in Okoboji.
The fun gets underway at 5:30 p.m. and includes
19 questions with a wagered bonus at the
conclusion. The winning team or contestant goes
home with a $20 Snappers gift card.
“It’s still a fairly new thing we’re tying and now
we’re starting to get people coming back and
some returning contestants, so we’re seeing it’s a
positive thing for the area with good camaraderie
and fun times,” said Trevor Johnson, marketing
specialist at Parks Marina.
And they’re turning up the excitement another
notch now. With the closing of The Gardens,
Snappers will be offering the same famous Wing
Wednesday specials moving forward.
“We’re kind of doing an ode to the Gardens
with 75 cent wings all day, and that’s on top of
our daily happy hour going on from 4-6 and
we’ve brought all the flavors over from the Gardens,”
Johnson said. “So all your favorite messy
sauces and those great dry rubs can all be found
here.”
In terms of the triva, it’s basic, general trivia for
now but Johnson anticipates themed nights in
the future.
“Anyone can sign up as teams or individuals.
We’ve had positive feedback from the community
and we’ve enjoyed hosting it,” Johns said.
“We’re open to anything to be able to entertain
and accommodate people, have a good time
with good drinks and good food.”
Sign up for all of the above with the next Trivia
Night at Snappers. F
Getting there:
WHAT: Trivia Night at Snappers
WHERE: Snappers Turtle Bay Cafe,
24457 178th St., Okoboji, IA
WHEN: Every Wednesday starting
at 5:30 p.m.
COST: No entry fee
CONTACT: 712-332-8293
ONLINE: www.parksmarina.com/
snappers
Okoboji | Iowa

FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!
10 |
Sounds
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS!
At a Glance:
WHAT: Cherokee Symphony Classic
Concert
WHERE: Cherokee Community
Center, 530 West Bluff St., Cherokee,
IA
WHEN: 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16
COST: $15 per person, Free entry
for students
CONTACT: 712-225-2715
ONLINE: www.cherokeesymphony.org
Cherokee Symphony set for Classic Concert
Lineup:
Procession of the Sardar by
Mikhail Ippolitov-Ivanov
Andante Cantabile for Cello and
String Orchestra by Peter Tchaikovsky
Emperor Waltz by Johann Strauss
Jr.
Romanze for Cello and Orchestra
by Richard Strauss
Symphony No. 2 by Joseph Bologne
de Saint George
Pictures at an Exhibition arranged
by Mikhail Tushmalov
SOLOIST: Carolina Rodriguez de
Armas
SWEET
symphonic
SOUNDRYLAN HOWE | STAFF WRITER
It’s a small group with a big sound.
The Cherokee Symphony has been
performing since the 1950s and is ready
for the second show of the 2025 season.
The symphony’s Classic Concert is set
for 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Cherokee
Community Center.
Conductor Ted Hallberg has been leading
the ensemble since 2013, played the
cello in the symphony for several years as
well, and believes the audience is in for a
fantastic concert.
“We’ll be featuring an exceptional cellist
as a soloist during this concert,” Hallberg
said. “Carolina Rodriguez de armas just got
her Master’s Degree in cello performance
and will be joining us for two pieces —
the Romanze for Cello and Orchestra by
Richard Strauss and Andante Cantabile for
Cello and String Orchestra by Peter Tchaikovsky.
Then we’ll have some big war horse
pieces for the whole ensemble like the Procession
of the Sarder by Mikhail Ippolitov-
Ivanov and the Emperor Waltz by Johann
Strauss Jr.”
The Cherokee Symphony includes about
40-45 musicians from at least 22 communities
by their last count noted Hallberg.
“The symphony itself as been around
since 1957 really as kind of an educational
group and morphed into what it is today,”
Hallberg said. “We take pride in the
fact that we’re the smallest city to have a
symphony orchestra. It’s a tight-knit group
that works really hard to make sure we
put out a good sound. I think people that
have never heard our symphony will be
pleasantly surprised with how good and
how large of a sound we produce for such
a small group.”
Soak it all that symphonic sound during
their Classic Concert in Cherokee. F
Cherokee | 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.”
Love Hurts
R | 83 min.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t break up with your past.
This Valentine’s Day, Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything
Everywhere All at Once, Loki) rockets into his first major leading
man role as an unlikely hero, a seemingly mild-mannered
Realtor with a dark secret that he is desperate to leave behind.
Heart Eyes
R | 97 min.
For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked
havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic
couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe …
DISCOVER! | FEBRUARY 8, 2025
Screen | 11
good stuff still playing
Dog Man
PG
89 min.
When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the
job, a harebrained but lifesaving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is
★★★★★ born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve — and fetch, sit and roll over.
Companion R
97 min.
A weekend getaway turns bloody and violent when a subservient Android that’s built for
One of Them Days
what you can rent
Kensuke’s Kingdom
PG
85 min.
human companionship goes haywire.
Young Michael, shipwrecked on a remote island, must adapt to life alone. Over time, he
feels another presence, learning that this world is home to both unimaginable danger and
beauty. A gripping animated adaptation of a beloved novel.
Smile 2
R
127 min.
About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins experiencing
terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and the
pressures of fame, Skye is forced to face her dark past to regain control of her life.
Rumours
R
103 min.
Ricocheting between comedy, apocalyptic horror, and swooning soap opera, Rumours
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
Saturday Night
★★★★★
R
97 min.
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
★★★★★
R
109 min.
★★★★★
Best friends and roommates 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.
door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant), becoming ensnared in his
deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
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.

12 | FEBRUARY 8, 2025 | DISCOVER!
AnD
SUNDAY, JUNE 15TH
REMEMBERING BOBBY VEE
TICKETS: $29 - $39
BOOTHS: $300
ARE BACk!
SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH
HERMAN’S HERMITS
TICKETS: $39 - $49
BOOTHS: $400
SUNDAY, JULY 13TH
AN EVENING WITH THE
LOVIN’ SPOONFUL
TICKETS: $25 - $35 | BOOTHS: $300
SUNDAY, JULY 27TH
A MAN NAMED CASH
TICKETS: $29 - $39
BOOTHS: $275
*DOORS OPEN AT 6:30 PM
*SHOW STARTS AT 7:30 PM
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD
THE RAT PACK LEGACY
TICKETS: $25 - $35
BOOTHS: $275
FOR UP-TO-DATE
CONCERT
INFORMATION
ROOFGARDENBALLROOM.COM
*All ticket purchases subject to $7 processing fee