Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer with entertaining activities

Arnold Park Amusement Park is officially open for the season.
(File photo)

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Whether you're looking for entertainment, bargains, food or someplace to take the kids, the Iowa Great Lakes Memorial Day weekend schedule will accommodate all your needs.

With the official kickoff of summer, Memorial Day weekend brings activities for everyone, including the annual Wing Ding, flea markets, and of course, the opening of the Lakes area's amusement attractions.

Wing Ding

The Okoboji Tourism Committee invites residents and visitors to attend the Fifth Annual Great Okoboji Wing Ding, taking place on Sunday, May 24 rom 5 to 9 p.m. in the Roof Garden and the Pavilion at the Arnolds Park Amusement Park.

The event will be held rain or shine. There will be a $5 admission charge, which will allow participants to enjoy limited chicken wings and free entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at The Chamber office or at the door.

Wings will be served from 5-7 p.m., with live entertainment by Lakes area musician Damon Dotson from 5 - 9 p.m.

Flea Markets

Vick's Corner

Vick's Corner has held more than 100 flea market events and will host yet another shopping event Memorial Day weekend. The event will be held from May 23-25 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Vick's Corner, the junction of Highway 9 and 86.

Vendors from throughout the U.S. will have glassware, antiques, collectables, primitives and some arts and crafts for sale.

Flea markets are also held at Vick's Corner on the weekends of July 4th and Labor Day.

Treasure Village

A shopper's paradise will be found at the Antique Flea Market to be held at Treasure Village on Memorial Day Weekend. Over 60 dealers will be displaying decor, clothing, tools, jewelry, toys, collectibles, books, glassware, food, and much, much more.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. After walking the tree-shaded aisles of bargains, grab some food from one of the concession vendors. The admission is free.

This is the first of three Antique Flea Markets set for this summer of 2009. The others will be the Fourth of July Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.

Dickinson County Fairgrounds

The flea market at the Dickinson County Fairgrounds will be held May 23 through 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Dickinson County Fairgrounds, located one block north of Hy-Vee, will host vintage jewelry, pottery, furniture, cheese curds, mini donuts, post cards, primitives, victorian glass, and more.

The flea market at the fairgrounds will also be held over the July 4th and Labor Day weekends.

Attractions open for the summer

Arnolds Park Amusement Park

Last weekend, the Arnolds Park Amusement Park opened officially for the 2009 summer season. The park is scheduled to be open Saturday through Monday of Memorial Day Weekend. The Park opens daily May 30.

Along with the perpetual favorites - the roller coaster, bumper cars, the Queen II and more, Historic Arnolds Park has a full line up of musical entertainment for the season. This summer's paid concert will be held July 18 featuring REO Speedwagon. Currently, the line-up also includes Chubby Carrier (June 27), The Rumbles (July 3), The Nadas (July 4), Blessid Union of Souls (July 10), RiseFest (July 25), Blues Fest (Aug. 1), Big Head Todd and the Monsters and Toby Kane (Aug. 8), Hairball (Aug. 14), Kory and the Fireflies (Aug. 15), Southern Rock All-Stars (Aug. 22), Magnificent Board of Directors (Aug. 29) and Arch Allies (Sept. 5). Roof Garden concerts are also scheduled for Thursday evenings beginning in mid-June.

Visit www.arnoldspark.com for more information.

Treasure Village

The Treasure Village Mini-Golf will open for the season Memorial Day weekend (weather permitting), and will be open 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Play the fun 27-hole Mini-Golf and then relax with a hand-dipped ice cream cone. Treasure Village is located on the west side of West Lake Okoboji, two miles northwest of Milford on Highway 86.

Treasure Village begins its Children's Theatre shows June 18 and Gospel Concerts on June 21.

Visit www.treasurevillage.org for information.

Ranch Okoboji

Ranch Okoboji's 18-hole Wet Rock Mine miniature golf course features a western theme with an old hotel and various other buildings that make it look like a scene from a John Wayne movie. The shaded course with beautiful trees features a cave, features waterfalls and a river running throughout the course.

Along with mini golf, Ranch Okoboji features Kids Kountry, an area designed for toddlers with a miniature cabin as well as a playground area, frisbee golf, bocce ball, horseshoes, sand volleyball, and indoor skee ball and arcade games.

Beginning Memorial Day weekend, The Ranch is open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. seven days a week.

Bridges Bay Water Park

Although its available year-round, the Bridges Bay Indoor Waterpark is a big draw for summer visitors. The 20,000 square-feet indoor water park features slides for all ages, a bucket water drop, a pirate ship with water cannons, lily pad walk and lazy river. The park is open to the public, with hotel and condominium residents taking first priority.

For additional information and hours, visit www.bridgesbayresort.com.

Funny Barn

The Funny Barn Comedy Club in Spirit Lake will host comedians each Friday and Saturday evening beginning May 22-23. The line-up for 2009 includes hypnotist Robb Leckland, Willi Myles, Charlie Wiener, Steven Hirst, Collin Moultin and more.

Visit www.funnybarn.com for more information.