August Newsletter, 2026

You know when you’re reading a good book and you can’t wait to get to the next chapter? Butch and I talked a lot about chapters…when Skipper died (you may have met our marina dog), it was a chapter closing. When we started the Barefoot Bar, we opened a chapter! When we sold Okoboji Boat Works, another chapter closed. As we go into August, the most beautiful chapter is opening… how lucky we are to live in Okoboji, the golden sunsets and hot summer nights. I have had all the ups and downs of missing the great change maker Butch was. We had many beautiful chapters and I miss them all, even the rough ones. I appreciate so much all of the respect and friendships that have been put forth since Butch’s passing and so many people saying GO DEBBIE! We will have some failures, but we will continue to try our best. One thing I really miss is sitting at the Barefoot Bar for our evening drink. Those were happy chapters.

Okay, what’s coming up? New Cobalts are starting to arrive. We’ve had a very good year in Cobalt sales. It’s fun when you get to sell the best boats from the best companies! Just when you think you have too much inventory, here comes July and WHAM, not enough! The hot temps are keeping people on the water. Pontoons are still a big segment. We have a nice selection of Barlettas at varying price ranges. If you want the best in performance boats Nautique is your answer. Technology, comfort and looks! If you’d like to try one out, send us a message. We’ll get you on the water! sales@parksmarina.com. There are a lot of Crownline boats on our lake, you can join the club and buy an in-stock model today. Things are selling so if you see something, my advice is just do it.

At the Barefoot, the Johnny Holm band was here on the 29th of July! The man and the band kill it every time. It never gets old. On August 7th, we will have a special tribute performance to Toby Keith, and we are looking forward to the Full Moon Party on August 28th with an amped up version of the Brad Morgan band! It has been so much fun watching him grow in his musical career throughout the years. He will always have a home here.

At Snappers, you can now order chicken on-line and pick it up by boat or car for a boat picnic or family dinner at home. We have some of the best broasted chicken I’ve ever had. Or sit and eat with us, it’s a great spot, with paddle boats for the kids and cold drinks for the grown-ups.

Cruises are very popular, and have been booked up all summer. If you want to get your party on-board we will squeeze you in! Cruises@parksmarina.com. There is some availability on public cruises, you just need to buy a ticket, it’s easy! We will take care of the fun. The Siesta Cruise departs daily from the Barefoot gas dock at 5 PM and the ticket includes wine, beer and sodas. Pretty cool.

I’m opening a new chapter with Rudy as we are learning to surf. Who would have known I’d be surfing? We have closed chapters on so many great people in the Lakes area lately… who will be the people to continue the book, to be the change makers? The ones to create, inspire, move, and teach the young people what incredible work ethic is, and how it can change your life? Butch would say, “Debbie, you do things great so I can do great things.”

LET'S SAIL INTO AUGUST AND ENJOY EVERY SECOND OF IT. START WRITING YOUR OKOBOJI CHAPTERS, MAKE THEM MEMORABLE, AND LET US BE A PART OF THEM!

Debbie Parks