Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Lake Event Photos: June, 2013

Summer has just begun and we've already been out shooting tons of photos at several big Lake of the Ozarks area events. 


First up, Liquid Force's BROstock came back to Lake of the Ozarks for the second year in a row. If you've never witnessed a professional wakeboard competition, these athletes will astound you with their abilities on the water. And then there's the party that goes hand-in-hand with BROstock. Put simply, these guys and their fans know how to have a good time. To view a large selection of photos from this year's event, go to http://bit.ly/17HvPDx

Over on the other side of the Lake at Dog Days Bar & Grill, The Canine Cannonball went on for its 7th consecutive year. Presented by Dock Dogs, this event has become a popular start to summer for dog owners, lovers and spectators. People from all over the Midwest as well as local canine athletics enthusiasts bring their furry friends to Dog Days to see how far and high they can jump. The photos speak for themselves - this event is just plain fun. View the images at http://bit.ly/16iIwl3

The Offshore Super Series has finally made it's long anticipated return to Lake of the Ozarks with Lake Race 2013, an event that we hope will be the first annual in a long future tradition at Bagnell Dam. The inaugural Lake Race was a huge success with 20 of the fastest boats in the nation competing for cash prizes and bragging rights. To view photos from this exciting event, visit http://bit.ly/144HY00



Last but not least - Hot Summer Nights, a classic car, truck and motorcycle show combined with entertainment and family fun had it's second run of the season on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. This event gets bigger each year, and June's event was no exception. Hot Summer Nights happens on the second Friday of each month throughout the summer season, which means that we have 3 of them left to go in 2013. To view Hot Summer Nights photos, visit http://bit.ly/15h29a2

We maintain an ever-expanding photo library of nearly all of the Lake's big events as well as Lake of the Ozarks seasonal scenic beauty, attractions and activities. To view the broad catalog of our event photos, simply visit http://funlake.zenfolio.com/lotoevents - If you happen to find a photo that you would love to have your own copy of, we will be happy to supply you with a password to download the original, high resolution file. Just send us an email at photos@funlake.com with the specific image information (Event, Date and Photo Number) and we'll respond as soon as possible.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Summer's 1st HUGE Events Weekend at The Lake


Summer's first truly big event weekend, June 7 - 9, is finally upon us. There's no doubt that you will find something fun and exciting that suits your tastes. The best part - all of the following Lake of the Ozarks events are free to attend!

The Canine Cannonball (June 7 - 9), presented by Dock Dogs and hosted by Dog Days Bar and Grill in Osage Beach begs the question: How far can your dog jump? The annual jumping contest features canine athletes competing in Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve. There's still time to enter your own pooch in the big contest! For information on entering your dog contact Dog Days at 573-348-9797. For a complete schedule, contact info and directions, visit Dock Dogs' event page here: http://bit.ly/10gLBvZ


For the young, young at heart and those who enjoy extreme watersports, Liquid Force's world famous BROstock is back for the 2nd year on June 7th and 8th, hosted by Captain Ron's Bar and Grill at the 34.5 Mile Marker. You don't want to miss Lake of the Ozarks' transformation into Lake of the "BROzarks" as the world's top professional wakeboard riders compete for over $30,000. Fueled by Monster Energy, BROstock will feature twenty six of the world's best riders including Harley Clifford, Shane Bonifay, and Bob Soven. Come for the contest, stay for the party! Find more info and the official schedule at www.brostock.comIf you can't make it to BROstock, you can watch it via the following outlets: Locally on Lake TV Channel 24; Digital TV on station 108.17 or watch the live webcast on BROstock.com.

Finally, Lake of the Ozarks is proud to bring you the much anticipated Lake Race 2013, presented by Mt. Dew and Formula Boats of Missouri and hosted by Beavers at The Dam Bar & Grill at the 1 MM, Bagnell Dam on Bagnell Dam Blvd. Watch some of the world's fastest Offshore Super Series boats compete for huge cash purses as you enjoy Lake scenery by boat or several land viewing locations including Bagnell Dam and Willmore Lodge. Activities kick off with the Lake Race Street Party on Friday, June 7th. All classes of boats will compete through out Saturday, June 8th and the race finals will be held throughout the day on Sunday, June 9th. Please make plans to join us on one or all days of this action packed event. You don't want to miss the power and excitement of these magnificent boats. For more information, an event map that includes parking and viewing locations and a complete schedule at www.lakerace.com. If you can't make it to the Races, KRMS will be streaming the event live at www.krmsradio.com/lakeracestream beginning Saturday, June 8th.

That's a whole lot of fun stuffed into one weekend! You can choose your favorite event to attend - but believe it or not, it will be possible to enjoy all of them if you choose to do so. Visit the sites listed above for specific schedules as well as the Lake Events calendar at www.funlakeevents.com. For lodging, dining and additional attractions and activities, www.funlake.com has everything you need in one, easy to navigate location. Be safe and have a great weekend at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri!


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks This Summer

Lake of the Ozarks is known for summer fun!  Whether it is on the water or on land there is lots of fun “Must Do’s” at the Lake. Many people think of the Lake and assume you have to have a boat to have fun. It is actually just the opposite. Well, let me rephrase that… yes, having fun on the water is a lot of fun but there are many more things to do while at the Lake this summer.  Here are the top 10 “Must Do’s” at Lake of the Ozarks this summer:

1.   Golf! Lake of the Ozarks is one of the premier golfing destinations in the Midwest with over 15 golf courses; the Lake is a must for a golfer.  Not only are there lots of courses to choose from, they are all unique and offer something different. The Lake’s golf courses are set in some of the most picturesque settings in the Midwest. Between courses being next to the Lake, on rolling hills, and rock bluffs, these courses will not only amaze you with beauty but challenge your skills as well.

2.   Shopping is one activity you can indulge in this summer at Lake of the Ozarks. For holiday or anytime shopping, you’ll find what you’re looking for -or what you didn’t know you needed at the Lake. It’s not unusual for people to come to the Lake strictly to shop! From a major outlet-mall with name brand designer stores to small, unique boutiques, the Lake has it all.

3.   Find your style of entertainment! After a day of fun at Lake of the Ozarks, enjoy a night out. Lake-style nightlife includes music galore, karaoke bars, live country, blues, jazz and rock-and-roll bands. The Lake also offers sports bars, tiki bars, mellow lounges and lakeside hangouts, plus romantic moonlight cruises, live opry and comedy clubs. Everyone will find their style of fun!

4.   Must see events. There is always something to celebrate at Lake of the Ozarks.  This summer you can look forward to the Hot Summer Nights car show series, Canine Cannonball, BroStock professional wakeboarding competition, Aquapalooza, Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days, Fireworks, Lake of the Ozarks Invitational Offshore Super Series Race, Wave Runner Rodeo, The Midwest Wine & Brew Festival, Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and many more this fall. More information on any of these events can be found at www.funlakeevents.com.

5.   Water time. Your own boat is always welcome at Lake of the Ozarks. Bring it along and launch it where you are staying or at one of the area’s nine public access ramps. If you don’t have a boat, no problem. There are many marinas around the Lake that offer boat rentals. There really isn’t a reason not to get on the 54,000 acre Lake. If being your own captain is not up your alley, there are many excursion boats or charters you can take to have some fun on the water!

6.   Come hungry and leave full! Nearly half of the Lake’s restaurants are located directly on the water or offer a fantastic view of it. Some of the finest cuisine in the Midwest can be savored right here at the Lake. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, your appetite will fare well. With over 200 restaurants in the Lake area you can find gourmet cuisines, Ozark barbecue, buffets, down home cooking, ethnic food and more.

7.   Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks is one thing that all fishermen can agree on. With more than 1,150 miles of shoreline and 54,000 acres of water, there is no doubt you will catch some fish. The Lake is loaded with a variety of fish species: largemouth bass, spotted bass, black and white crappie, blue catfish, channel catfish, flathead catfish, white bass, hybrid stripers, paddlefish, walleye and bluegill. Most species can be caught year-round; they just change their habits depending on the season. If you don’t know where to start, call one of the many fishing guides at the Lake to give you a hand.

8.   The great outdoors. Lake of the Ozarks is home to two State Parks with one being the largest State Park in Missouri. There are hundreds of trails to explore from easy to moderately strenuous, castle ruins, horseback riding, fishing, boating, caves, parks and much more. Not to mention, the endless beauty of what Lake of the Ozarks is all about. It is such a great way to wind down and enjoy nature.

9.   Lots to do with any of our many attractions. For fun on or off the water, the water, the Lake of the Ozarks offers non-stop activity. In addition to our outdoor, marine, golfing and shopping opportunities, the Lake is home to several unique and fun attractions. There are tons of action-packed amusement facilities throughout the Lake area with activities such as go carts, miniature golf, bumper cars, playgrounds, lazer tag, parasailing, horseback riding, water parks, disc golf parks, music show and more. If history is what you crave, then one of the many museums will be a fun time. There is no lack of things to do at the Lake.

10. Relax! Last but not least if you just need to slow down and relax, Lake of the Ozarks is the place to do it. If all you do is sit outside and take in the beauty of the rolling hills and Lake, you will find a relaxation. You can pick any resort, hotel, motel, condo, campsite, or a bed & breakfast and just sit outside and enjoy the beauty. 

If you have been to the Lake before, then we don’t have to remind you to visit again. If
you have never been to Lake of the Ozarks, pack up and enjoy a weekend or longer if
your schedule allows. To make the most of your Lake experience, you can request or
view the Official Vacation & Service Guide at www.funlake.com/vg or visit

Monday, May 20, 2013

Memorial Weekend 2013 at Lake of the Ozarks

The traditional start to summer in the US is always Memorial Day Weekend, and the best place to celebrate the season in the Midwest has always been Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Whether your idea of summer celebration is quiet relaxation or attending the biggest parties, Lake of the Ozarks has all of that and everything in between.

If camping is your style, you can find amenity-filled RV Parks with full hook-ups and primitive tent sites, sometimes all within the same campground. If you require more modern accommodations, Lake of the Ozarks offers a range of lodging from roadside motels to completely furnished luxury homes right on the water's edge. Start your search for the right place for you and your family or group at www.funlake.com/accommodations.


No matter where you decide to stay, Lake of the Ozarks will provide non-stop activities and entertainment. Boating and water recreation, fishing, hiking, world class golf, shopping, dining, music shows, night clubs with live bands and more. Plan your schedule or just get a quick idea of what you may want to do during your stay: www.funlake.com/visitors.html


All of this activity in one region sets Lake of the Ozarks apart from your average vacation destination, but what may make Memorial Day Weekend unique is that we don't wait for the 4th of July to hold large, professional fireworks displays. Three major fireworks displays over the water will be held between May 25th and 26th. Watch the sky light up at or near any one of these following locations: Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark and Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach. You can even reserve space on one of two luxury cruise yachts to view displays from the water at Tan-Tar-A and The Lodge of Four Seasons. Visit our online calendar for contact numbers and web links: www.funlakeevents.com.

Where ever or how ever you choose to spend Memorial Weekend, have a great time, make lasting memories and take time to remember those that gave everything in the line of serving our country.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Another Weekend of Great Events on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip



LAKE OF THE OZARKS BLUES & BBQ WEEKEND
See amateur and professional chefs try to "smoke" the competition and enjoy cool blues music during the second annual Lake of the Ozarks Blues and BBQ Weekend, May 17-18, on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. This Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event is open to the public and features a barbeque cook-off, live blues music, a vendor village, and all-you-can-eat barbeque for $5. On Saturday, visitors can catch a shuttle to and from the Blues & BBQ festivities to the nearby Oma and Noma Heritage Festival activities to enjoy even more great music and great Lake-area fun. For more information about the event or about how to enter the cook-off, contact Jon Hartenstein at 573-480-9866 or visit www.lakebbq.com.


Oma and Noma days

OMA AND NOMA HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Travel back in time during the Oma and Noma Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 18, on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark. This festival celebrates Oma and Noma Degraffenreid, the two ladies who were the first to travel across Bagnell Dam when it opened in 1931. The festival features arts and crafts, vintage automobiles, Ozark storytellers, pageants, Bagnell Dam tours, a dog show and much more. There are a couple new features to this year's festival, including live music that progresses through the decades as the day goes on featuring blues, bluegrass and Ozark folk music in the morning, live jazz from the '30s and '40s in the afternoon, and classics from the '50s, '60s and '70s in the evening. And,
since this year's event is held in conjunction with the Blues & BBQ Weekend, visitors will be able to catch a shuttle to and from both events. 
To find out about all things Oma and Noma, visit www.omanomaheritagefestival.com

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

2013 Events Continue to Warm Up Lake of the Ozarks

Events at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks continue to pick up steam this weekend, May 10 - 12, with two big happenings centered around the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip.



Hot Summer Nights, a five-part automobile cruising series spectacular, returns for another season of cars, music, food and family fun on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Business Hwy. 54) in Lake Ozark. The series begins on May 10 from 6 until 11 p.m., and continues once a month on select Fridays during the summer (June 14, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sep. 6). Admission and cruise participation is free. In addition to food and drink, each Hot Summer Nights event features a live DJ, caricature artists, street-performing clowns, helicopter rides and other forms of entertainment. For more information about Hot Summer Nights, call the Lake Area Chamber at 800-451-4117, visit the event's website at CruiseHotSummerNights.com or visit the event's Facebook page at facebook.com/cruisehotsummernights for additional updates.



May 10 - 12 will see the return of The Bagnell Dam Rendezvous, a favorite event that has been absent from the Lake Area for the past few years. Located in the campgrounds below Bagnell Dam (the Osage River side of the dam), the Rendezvous is a step back in Missouri history as participants will set up camp as settlers and travelers did more than 100 years ago. There will be a blacksmith shop, Irish Pub with Irish creme soda, traders, craftsmen, demonstrations, black powder shoots, archery competition by KOSH Trading and Post Archery, hawk and knife throwing, fire starting, kids fishing contest, and more. There's also a potluck and live music on Saturday. Cost is $2 and children under 15 are free. Call the Dam Baitshop for camping fees. 573-365-9135.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

First Big Weekend of the 2013 Season for Lake of the Ozarks

Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is heating up the late spring season with the first big weekend of 2013 with two of the Lake Area's favorite events. By land or by lake, there is something for everyone the weekend of May 3rd through May 5th.

Celebrate automotive excellence and enjoy great family fun at the Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals' silver anniversary on May 3-5 on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Business Hwy. 54) in Lake Ozark. The Street Meet Nationals, now in its 25th year, is a nationally-known, open-class car show, featuring all makes, models and years of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Each year, thousands of spectators attend this automotive festival to view over a thousand of the country's finest custom autos and motos. The Magic Dragon Street Meet's other attraction, the Generation NEXT Magic Dragon (located at Monarch Plaza in Lake Ozark), returns for its third year. GenNext runs May 3-4 and is specifically designed for the next generation of car enthusiasts. The GenNEXT location features tuner cars (Scion and other imports) and other highly customized foreign and domestic rides. Each Magic Dragon festival location features vendor villages, music, DJs and plenty of fun for the entire family. Admission is free. Judging-by-classification also is set to return to the Street Meet Nationals this year. Entry fee for these judging contests will be $5, with judging classes to be announced in the upcoming weeks.  For more information on this event, call 800-451-4117 or visit the Magic Dragon website at MagicDragonCarShow.com


The Spring Harbor Hop, May 4, starts the 2013 boating season at Lake of the Ozarks. This event, sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, is a boating festival in which participants "hop" (by water or land) to and from waterfront restaurants and marinas to draw playing cards and build a winning poker hand for prizes. Players can donate $15 per seven-card hand and start the hop by drawing their first card at any of the sponsoring restaurants and marinas along the Lake's main channel, the Big Niangua and Gravois arms. For more information about the Harbor Hop, call800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253). For a full list of participating Harbor Hop locations and event hours, visit FunLake.com/HarborHop.