OTTER CREEK LAKE & PARK – With Otter Creek Lake at last full following the restoration project that completed in 2023, Tama County Conservation is more than ready to welcome the public to its family-oriented Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1-5 p.m.

“Our goal is to provide a fun, low-cost opportunity for the entire community to come enjoy some of what Tama County Conservation has to offer at Otter Creek Park,” Conservation Director Curtis Behrens told the newspaper.

The annual event is set to feature a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities in and around both the nature center and the lake including hayrack rides to and from the campground, an apple press using local apples, free canoe rentals at the main boat ramp, and four different types of bullseye sports on rotation with drawings for a free two-night camping weekend.

Inside the nature center, Wildthunder Wildlife and Animal Rehabilitation will be set up in the main hall for visitors to observe the nonprofit’s wildlife ambassadors. Tama County Conservation’s own resident turtles will be on display as well.

While the basement is currently inaccessible due to the space housing the naturalist’s office and workshop, the upstairs will be fully open including the diorama room.

Also planned for the nature center, visitors should have the chance to enter several raffles for outdoor gear including a firearms package from La Porte City’s Guns and Gear and a kayak package. There will be raffles for a $100 Fareway meat gift card and meat from Sedlacek’s Wholesale Meat in Melbourne as well. Raffle tickets will cost anywhere from $5 to $20, but Tama County Conservation plans to also conduct a free drawing (one per visitor) for a six-night week of camping with up to two winners chosen.

Back outside, several food trucks will be on site including Clare’s Tenderloins, Most Wanted Coffee, Big Acai, and PapaRoni’s with the possibility of more.

Confirmed vendors this year include Tama County Extension and Outreach/4-H, Dolezal Honey Bees, Tama County Master Gardeners, and Everyday Sweets Bakery plus a variety of craft vendors.

“We are [also working] hard to get a live jam band,” Behrens added.

Behrens said Conservation staff including, hopefully, the new ranger/tech will be present at the festival to greet the public while helping out with the various activities.

In addition to all the planned fun, one of the biggest draws this year is the lake which is now at capacity.

“The lake has been totally full since the end of June after all that continuous rain we had,” Behrens said. “The lake is looking great and fish are growing as well. Some of the saplings along parts of the shoreline will remain and be maintained as habitat, but much of the other saplings will likely get killed off this winter, or get treated next season.”

Those who would like to fish the lake during Fall Fest are more than welcome to do so, but Behrens cautions to wear sturdy footwear.

“Expect more walking than any other day to get to [a] favorite fishing spot on the east side [as much] of the east side drive will be closed for Fall Fest except for the main boat ramp. We will only be allowing camper units in and out along the road as well as those with handicap permits, but, similar to last year, we will be directing everyone to park in the field north of the nature center from the field access drive off of N Avenue, and they will exit out that same drive.”

Otter Creek Lake & Park is located north of Toledo at 2283 Park Road.

For more information on Fall Fest, refer to Conservation’s new Facebook page: Tama County Conservation-new pg or email Behrens at curtis.behrens@tamacounty.org.

Sun Courier Note: Several raffles including a firearms package from La Porte City’s Guns and Gear, a kayak package, a $100 Fareway meat gift card, and meat from Sedlacek’s Wholesale Meat in Melbourne are planned for this year’s Fall Fest activities. On Monday, Sept. 15, the Tama County Board of Supervisors declined to approve a signed letter as requested by Director Behrens that would have validated his department with the County in order to apply for a required gambling license. The newspaper reached out to Behrens on Friday, Sept. 12, in regard to whether the raffles could still take place without such a letter, but as of press time, had not heard back.