By Steve Weisman
The 10th annual Okoboji Blue Water Festival (OBWF) set for Saturday, August 9 at the Preservation Plaza green space in Arnolds Park is now less than two months away. According OBWF co-chairs Greg Drees and Julie Peterson, they have recently secured the fishing clinician, clean water panelists, headliner and musical opening act showcasing the day’s focus on raising public awareness of water quality issues in the Iowa Great Lakes and beyond.
Fishing Clinician
Joe Henry, Executive Director of the Lake of the Woods Tourism, is being sponsored by the Iowa Great Lakes Fishing Club (IGLFC). President Terry Thomsen shared his excitement for the fishing seminar. “Joe Henry is an outstanding outdoor communicator and is heavily involved with the tourism on the Lake of the Woods. As a club, we are excited to have him share his fishing knowledge with the crowd.”
Joe Henry
Clean Water Panel
One of the greatly anticipated events at the OBWF is the guest clean water panel. This year’s clean water panelists include; Pete Hidreth, division administrator for Conservation & Recreation for Iowa DNR; Susan Kozak, director of Soil Conservation and Water Quality for IDALS; Joe McGovern, president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation Larry Stone, photographer, naturalist, explorer and writer. The panel will be moderated by John Lundell, retired mayor of the city of Coralville, who has been inducted into the Iowa League of Cities’ Hall of Fame for his career in local government.
Pete Hildreth
Susan Kozak
Joe McGovern
Larry Stone
John Lundell
The Wallflowers to headline 2025 festival concert
“We are ecstatic that Jakob Dylan is bringing his renowned band, one of rock’s most enduring acts over the past 30 years, to the festival,” Peterson said. “What a way to conclude our 10th annual water quality event.” The Wallflowers will take the stage at 9 p.m.
Dylan has been a prolific songwriter for 30 years, fusing his rock ‘n roll roots with introspective lyrics and a hard-hitting delivery. Though the bulk of his career has been spent playing with a band, he has also stepped outside that setting with solo work and collaborations with such artists as Eric Clapton, Beck, Neil Young and Fiona Apple.
Jacob Dylan
Festival concert to open with The Nadas
The Nadas will take the stage to perform ahead of The Wallflowers on August 9. “This completes the concert card, and we are excited to have The Nadas kick off the show,” Peterson noted. “They have a strong fan base and a loyal regional following.”
Known primarily as a folk-American act, The Nadas live show is authentic and polished with three decades of experience.
The Nadas
2025 Okoboji Blue Water Festival Schedule
When: Saturday, August 9
Where: Preservation Plaza @ Arnolds Park Amusement Park
Time schedule:
8 a.m. ChalkStock (Sidewalk Art)
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Exhibitors’ Row
9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Kids and Family Activities
9:30 a.m. Fishing Seminar with Joe Henry
10 a.m. Story Time
11 a.m. Clean Water Panel
Free concert on stage
7:15 p.m. The Nadas
8:45 p.m. The Wallflowers
