Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest 2013

The rumble of rolling thunder in mid-September can mean only one thing at the Lake of the Ozarks - Bikefest. Now in its seventh year, Bikefest 2013, Sept. 12-15, is expected to bring more bikers, more vendors and more events and concerts to the Lake. 

Bikefest's official website - www.LakeBikefest.com - offers participants printable maps of three recommended rides. An 84-mile ride showcases the beauty of Bennett Spring and Ha Ha Tonka state parks and takes less than two hours. Roads that are part of historic Route 66 are included in the three-hour, 115-mile ride that includes a stop at Devil's Elbow. A 96-mile ride around the Lake of the Ozarks takes a bit over two hours and shows riders a number of beautiful vistas around the Lake.

"Motorcycling is about the joy of riding," Jack Fleming of Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson said, noting the hills and curves of the roads around the Lake are enjoyable for riders. Fleming and other organizers of Bikefest know riders who come to the Lake of the Ozarks are certain to spread the word that the Lake is, in Fleming's words, "a great destination for motorcycle riding year-round."

   

However, there are plenty of other reasons approximately 10,000 people travel to the Lake for Bikefest each year. "The Lake is tailor-made for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts," Jacobsen said. "With more than 200 bars and restaurants, plus vendors, events and activities brought in just for Bikefest, the Lake gives attendees just what they are looking for." 

This year's Bikefest will feature five vendor villages - at Dog Days Bar & Grill, Camden on the Lake, Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson, Dam Bait Shop, and on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip - as well as two bike giveaways, a bike auction, more than 50 live concerts, extreme motocross events and more.  More details and a complete schedule can be found at www.lakebikefest.com

The vendor villages feature all types of vendors, though Fleming notes most everything is motorcycle-related. Visitors can expect to see leathers, custom painting, lights and even bike-builders.  The vendor village at Camden on the Lake will play host to well-known bike builders Strip Club Choppers, Silver Wraiths Choppers, Billy the Kid Custom Cycles and Schaaf's Cycle Garage, plus Curry's Hot Rods.

Along with the vendor villages, Rhonda Martin from Camden on the Lake credits the weekend's music for drawing people to Bikefest.  "They (attendees) are here to have fun," she said, "and the music is a part of that."  Evening concerts around the Lake will feature tribute bands including: "Dead or Alive," a Bon Jovi tribute; "Silver Bullet," a Bob Seger tribute; "Paradise City," a tribute to Guns and Roses; AC/DC tribute band "Hells Bells"; and "Special Forces," a tribute to 38 Special. Though she expects the lots around her property will be filled with motorcycles, Martin says there will be overflow parking and shuttle service. "Everybody, and I mean everybody, should feel free to come down for Bikefest," she said.

Find lodging, dining and other area attractions to enhance your 2013 Lake Bikefest experience at www.funlake.com.

The 25th Anniversary Lake of the Ozarks SHOOTOUT

Ten days of activities await attendees at the 25th anniversary of the Lake of the Ozarks SHOOTOUT powerboat races. Week long events beginning Friday, August 16, and continuing through Sunday, August 25, this year's Shootout will feature racing by watercraft ranging from remote-controlled boats to personal watercraft to offshore racing boats flying down the Lake at speeds of 200 mph.  (The main racing event will be held Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, August 25).

  

Captain Ron's Bar and Grill in Sunrise Beach is hosting the event for the sixth year. According to event sponsor and Captain Ron's owner Ron Duggan, the event continues to grow each year, with more events and bigger crowds.  He estimates participation of approximately 120 racers and 100,000 spectators during the 10-day event.  "Most importantly, however, the donations to local charities benefitting from the event continue to grow. That's what it's really all about," Duggan said, noting that last year's Shootout raised $100,000 for 22 area charities, including six local fire protection districts.

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat race in the country, featuring some of the top racers and offshore racing powerboats in the U.S. and Canada. "Powerboat Magazine" lists it as one of eight "must-see" boating events, and the magazine readers have voted it the Number 1 race in the country.

From Thursday through Sunday, attendees can enjoy vendor booths featuring everything from sunglasses to boat motors. Duggan estimates as many as 20,000 people will walk through "vendor village" and "racer village" during the Shootout. While there are entry fees to a number of the week's activities, Duggan emphasized the opportunity to watch the race and meet the racers is free and accessible to all attendees. "Everything is free but the parking," he said. "You don't have to have a whole lot of money to do this."  All the particulars of Shootout participation, like lodging and parking, can be found on the race's website at www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org.
  
There are many ways to see all the action of the race.  Captain Ron's provides fans with viewing options on land with a "jumbotron" and dozens of televisions on the beach, docks and inside the bar and restaurant.  Attendees who want to see the races from the water are welcome to tie up along the course to watch.  Last year's flotilla included approximately 9,000 boats along the length of the course.  The cruise boat Celebration also offers the opportunity to watch the race from its decks, with shuttle service from Captain Ron's. For those who cannot attend in person, the Shootout will be streaming online.

Duggan stresses that the activities, as well as the donations to the charities, would not be possible without the participation of Lake-area businesses and volunteers. Last year, 569 volunteers donated 6,425 hours to ensuring the event's success. Their participation helps keep costs down so more of the money generated by the event can go to charities.

The Shootout combines sports with community activism. Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, sums it up this way: "The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout has grown over the years to be the premier boating event in the Midwest. The Shootout is a great example of all aspects of our community coming together to benefit the Lake as a whole."

Visit www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org/schedule.html for the full schedule of SHOOTOUT events and activities.

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

www.funlake.com.

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 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

Spring Returns to Lake of the Ozarks

Spring is off to a slow start at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks with a late March winter weather system moving through the area. Rest assured, we will soon be seeing warmer days and greener grass with redbuds and dogwoods blooming all around The Lake.

Within the next three to four weeks, Lake of the Ozarks will not only come alive with colorful blooms, but activity on the water will also return as our waterfront restaurants open their doors for the 2013 season. Some have already taken a start to the season by opening as early as the second week of March. Always check websites and/or call ahead to make sure your favorite lakefront establishments, golf courses and area attractions are open before heading out at this time of year.

Springtime around the Lake Area also means the return of some of our favorite events. The granddaddy of all spring festivals, The Dogwood Festival is back for its 63rd consecutive year. Make plans to visit Camdenton, MO on April 18th through the 20th to enjoy everything that this celebration of spring has to offer such as the arts & crafts show, pageants, live entertainment, the area's largest parade, the 5K Fun Run, the golf tournament, garage sales, a fish fry & hog roast, and a great carnival midway for the kids. Visit the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce's website for more information and a full schedule of events: http://camdentonchamber.com/DogwoodFestival.htm


Other April events and happenings around The Lake include Jacob's Cave Swapping Days, The Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing, the Big Bass Bass fishing tournament, the MidCoast Bike Run, various golf tournaments and musical and dramatic performances. Visit www.funlakeevents.com for details on all of these events and more. Happy Spring!