Head the the Iowa Great Lakes for the third annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival - a celebration of water quality in the Iowa Great Lakes! This event, and all of its associated activities including a panel discussion, fishing seminar and live music performance are free and open to the public.
Activities will commence at 8 a.m. with the extremely popular Chalkstock, where both adults and youth can be part of bringing the Arnolds Park Walk alive with artwork featuring the theme of clean water. Other kids’ and family interactive learning stations will start at 10 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Approximately 40 Clean Water Exhibitors will line the Preservation Plaza sidewalk.
At noon, anglers are invited to attend a fishing seminar presented by Iowa native and professional angler Tommy Skarlis. A highly renowned tournament angler, Skarlis will offer fishing tips and presentations that can be used across the Midwest and specifically on the Iowa Great Lakes.
The much-anticipated panel discussion will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's panel features an impressive lineup of water quality and natural resource experts including Cindy Lane, water program director for the Iowa Environmental Council; Joe McGovern, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation; David Osterberg, professor emeritus of Environmental Health at University of Iowa; Mary Skopec, director of the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory; Sean McMahon, executive director of Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance; Bill Stowe, general manager of Des Moines Water Works; David Thoreson, photographer, writer and world traveler; and Bruce Trautman, interim director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The panel will be moderated by Bill Maas, president of the East Okoboji Lake Improvement Corporation and John Lundell, mayor of Coralville.
An evening of live music will be the culmination of a great day. The Firm will kick off the evening at 6 p.m., followed by the Atlanta Rhythm Section at 7:30 p.m. Headliner Michael McDonald will take the stage at 9 p.m.
Visit www.okobojibluewaterfestival.com for more info