Fall Newsletter, 2026
Fall in Okoboji was always Butch’s favorite time of year. It’s harvest time, the golden colors are out, the birds are migrating and there is a special camaraderie of smaller groups and visitors in the Lakes Area. Butch loved to hunt ducks and taught his sons, Brady and Rudy, how to love it too. He once told me “Debbie, I want to die in the fall.” I guess that was something he couldn’t control. Rudy, the Parks Marina team and I will cherish his memory this first fall without him. Are you sick of me writing about Butch? I have so many great stories to share!
Our team has just returned from the Cobalt Dealer Meeting, where we received the highest honors in Sales. Our very own Jamie Johnson received a top Salesman award for our region. Congratulations, Jamie, and thank you to everyone who bought boats this year! It was a remarkable achievement to receive both awards. They also did a very emotional tribute to Butch at the meeting, he had such an impact on the industry and with Cobalt.
If you are thinking of buying a new boat, don’t forget it takes 100 days to build a Cobalt. They are limited production boats and if you want a big one, you need to reserve a build slot now – our big boats sold early this summer. Take advantage of the Toss Us Your Keys Program and let us handle your trade in with no storage or winterization fees. Order the new boat and pay for it when it arrives after the New Year. We will get you going on the water next spring!
Fall and winter is also a great time to consider upgrades to your boat. Whether you’re wanting a new sound system, ceramic coating, service, or a detail before storage, let our team know. Getting the work done now means you’ll be ready to go next season.
We have welcomed a new team member, Mike Slatterly, as our Marina Operations Manager. Mike is well versed in marina operations with years of experience – he started as a tech and worked his way up to management of the Saylorville and Red Rock Marinas in Des Moines. He went on to work in corporate marina development and is now settling in with us at Parks Marina. We have lots of work to do this fall and winter. We have so many ideas! Some are not so obvious, like implementing new technology, but others you will see and we think you will like. It will take time, so hang in there with us.
Thank you for a great Barefoot Bar season. We will be turning 25 next year, so get ready to celebrate. Please join us at Snappers and keep the staff busy up there this season. We have a great fall menu out now with lots of new additions, plus a fun tailgate menu served during football games. The team at Snappers has come up with some tasty burgers, soups and more. Keep an eye on the Snappers Facebook page for fun fall events and daily specials coming up.
Rudy just turned 16, so wish him a happy birthday if you see him! Enjoy the fall boating and football season. It’s a special time of year. We can’t wait to see you soon!
AS BUTCH WOULD SAY, "COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS" - AND WE ARE!
Debbie Parks
