Yak Attack Festival returns to Lake Geode

In 2023, the beach at Lake Geode was closed for the summer as major restoration of the parking lot occurred. Happily, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friends of Geode will host the return of an expanded Yak Attack. Danville Lions are sponsoring the event. Our park rangers have helped the Friends to meet DNR standards and have provided helpful advice.

The kayaking registration begins at 10:30. The kayak entry fee is $25 which includes a T-shirt. Boats will launch from the parking lot or the beach. Friends of Geode will have volunteers to help with this task. The Kayak event begins at 12:30. Jason McDonnell, Chairman of the Yak Attack, will introduce the certified instructors in kayaks and canoes. The DNR requested this important safety feature. The Friends of Geode certainly agrees with this the DNR and the New London Rescue and Fire Department will be on hand to help. The kayakers will have stations to visit and pick up tickets for the prize drawings later in the day. The drawing includes such enticing items such as St. Louis Cardinal tickets sponsored by Shottenkirk and Solar Powered Battery Banks. The complete schedule is available at www.friendsofgeode.org/events.

This year, kids’ games have been added. Five fun, easy games will be held in the beach area. Match a duck, ping pong toss, Frisbee golf toss, corn hole toss and dig for treasure are planned to enhance family fun and participation. Volunteers are needed to help with the games.

Food trucks will park close to the beach house and be available for treats and meals as families enjoy the day outdoors. The Friends also plan to have a merchandise table available for those who would like to browse Lake Geode related items.

NOTE: Friends of Geode members! More volunteers are needed. Your participation is valuable and welcome. A Pre-event Yak Attack meeting on Saturday, June 15 at 6 p.m. at the beach shelter house.