PATRIOTIC THEME PLANNED FOR 2026 SKI TEAM PANORAMA DAYS SHOW

 

By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times

The first practice session for the 2026 Lake Panorama Ski Team was May 28. For more than 40 years, the team has put on a show during Panorama Days. This year’s show will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, with parking and viewing on Lake Panorama’s south shore. 

The theme for this year’s show is “Red, White and Skis.” 

“We wanted to include an Americana theme to go with Panora’s 175^th anniversary and America’s 250^th anniversary,” says Heather Isom, who is a member of the Lake Panorama Ski Team board. “Our team shirts are white with red and blue images. We plan on using Americana-themed music throughout the show.”

Prior to the show, members of the ski team will be in the Panorama Days parade towing the Ski Team boat, with kids “skiing” behind the boat and adults throwing candy. 

The ski team has 45 members this year with 32 of those skiing. The skiers include 19 adults and 13 kids. Others help with ropes, boat driving, music, photography and general organization. 

The youngest skier this year is 4-and-a-half years old and will be part of the “Duckie Board” act. The oldest adult skier is in his 70s and is a grandfather of the youngest skier.

Isom says each year brings an ebb and flow of ski team members. 

“Our college group of kids didn’t come back this year since they have jobs and internships now,” she says. “But we gained a new family of three. New members of all ages are welcome. The only requirement is membership in the Lake Panorama Association.”

Ski team practices are held each Thursday night, weather permitting, from 6-8:30 p.m. In June, team members spend most practices trying different things. In July, the team firms up the acts and act order. 

“Practices are held both Tuesday and Thursday the last two weeks of July,” Isom says. “We run our practice in order like the show, so we can see the flow, plus gauge the areas that need more time to let water settle. Practices the last week of July are dress rehearsals with the skits and music.”

This year’s ski show is expected to last an hour-and-a-half to two hours. Similar to previous years, there will be canopies and free water on the south shore to help with the heat. Viewers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets.

People also can watch the ski team show from their boats. 

“We have worked with Lake Security for years trying to ensure everyone’s safety,” Isom says. “We set up large buoys to show the no-wake area in the main basin. It starts at the south shore and extends northwest to the area headed towards the dam. The buoys north of the ski show mark the area where boaters can anchor and watch the show.” 

The show will include Matt Lukacs and his barefoot skiing, and the “Willie” hitchhiker act with father and son duos Larry with Clint Isom and Eric with Leyton Temple. This involves Clint and Leyton jumping onto their dad’s back as they ski by the dock. 

“We will have lots of pyramids, saucers and kneeboards. There will be flags, a girls’ line, trick skis and much more. We also are working on additional props for skiers since this is an anniversary year for Panora,” Isom says. 

This is the fourth year for the Lake Panorama ski team to have formal legal status. In 2023, a board of directors was formed, officers elected, bylaws established and 501(c)3 nonprofit status obtained. 

Because of the ski team’s nonprofit status, donations are tax deductible. Donations help cover gas in the boats, team insurance, equipment and equipment maintenance, costumes and props. 

A donation bucket will pass through the south shore viewing area during the show, and a boat will go through the area where people are viewing from the water. 

A QR code printed on ski team posters and pamphlets will be available at the show and other locations to allow electronic donations. Donations also can be made by check, payable to Lake Panorama Ski Team, and mailed to P.O. Box 384, Panora, Iowa, 50216.