First signs of spring in Okoboji

...and it's not the appearance of robins

What a week, and it’s only Wednesday.

Dudley and I came to Okoboji to meet with a few folks to plan the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat, which will be held in September. T-shirts, pens, and bags need to be ordered, and deposits made on venues. I am having multiple conversations with folks about reaching potential attendees.

The real sign of spring - docks going into the water.

Along the way, I met Greg Drees and Julie Peterson, organizers of the Blue Water Festival that takes over the Arnolds Park Promenade with exhibits related to water quality. This year, it will be held on August 10.

Our own Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member,

Jason Walsmith

will perform at the Festival with his band, the Nadas.

“It’s imperative we all, especially young people, understand that water quality in the lakes area is critical,” said Drees, who held the first event in 2016. “Without clean water, we’ll be another withering small town.”

Greg came up with the idea for the festival just nine years ago, and it’s taken on a real presence and life of its own. Thanks to major donors, it’s free to the public.

Members of the

Iowa Writers Collaborative

,

Chris Jones

and

Art Cullen

have been invited to be key presenters this year, and I have the honor of moderating the discussion between the two. Come!

The Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat will also have a booth on the promenade to encourage environmental writers to apply for the Judy Thoreson scholarship to the Okoboji Writers’ and Songwriters’ Retreat. By naming the scholarship in her honor, we acknowledge the legacy of Judy, a sailing enthusiast known as Judge Judy, for her regular gig as a sailboat racing official for the Okoboji Yacht Club. Judy died last year, and although I was a newcomer to her broad swatch of admirers, I feel her loss.

Please share with those you think might be a fit for this event and scholarship.

Dudley watched the geese on the water while chewing on his squealing purple pig. He will write a column shortly about surprising a ‘church lady’ in her office.

Follow

J. Dudley's World

for his latest adventures.

For more, watch the video about the Blue Water Festival and the ‘why’ behind it:

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