South Dakota Ag Connection - Oakwood Lakes State Park to Host Winter Events

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Oakwood Lakes State Park to Host Winter Events
South Dakota Ag Connection - 01/23/2018

Oakwood Lakes State Park will host a weekend of winter fun with the Cool Kids' Classic Fishing Derby and the Groundhog Day Ski Event on Jan. 27 and 28, respectively.

"These events are a great way for the entire family to get active, get outside and have fun at the park," said Becky Graff, district park manager at Oakwood Lakes State Park. "The park offers many opportunities for outdoor winter recreation that families can enjoy."

On Jan. 27, children under age 14 are invited to take part in the Cool Kids' Classic Ice Fishing Derby. Registration begins at 11 a.m. CST at the Welcome Center. Bait is furnished and event staff will drill holes in the ice as needed. Fishing will take place in designated areas from 12 to 2 p.m. CST with weigh-in to follow. Winners will be announced at the award ceremony following fishing. Snacks will be available throughout the day, and numerous door prize drawings will be held.

On Jan. 28, the Groundhog Day Ski Event will feature a non-competitive cross-country ski poker run and a non-competitive snowshoe poker run. Prizes will be awarded in numerous categories. The day also features the annual Sons of Norway Barnelopet Children's Ski Run. This event is free for kids 13 and under.

Registration for the ski events begins at the park shop at 12:30 p.m. CST. The event will start at 1:30 p.m. CST. Cookies, hot chocolate and various Norwegian treats will be served throughout the day. Ski rentals for the event are available from Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness. Snowshoes are available to borrow from the park; call to reserve. In the event of no snow, walks will be held.

The fishing derby is sponsored the Brookings Radio, Gas 'N Mor, Brookings Hy-Vee Food Store, Porter's Bait, 1481 Grille, Cubby's, Sioux River Outfitters, Runnings, CC Bar and Grill, Oakwood Lake Development Association and The Ridge.

The cross-country ski tour is sponsored by the Sons of Norway, Sioux River Bicycles and Fitness, Brookings Radio, 1481 Grille and The Ridge.

Park entrance licenses are required to enter the park and will be available for purchase. For additional information on the weekend's events, call Oakwood Lakes State Park at 605.627.5441. For a calendar of other upcoming special events in South Dakota's state parks and recreation areas, visit gfp.sd.gov.

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