It's hard to believe that it is October already. Schools have been in session for almost 2 months and our summer vacations already seem like a distant memory. Boating traffic on the Lake has been getting slower by the day and cooler nights remind us that winter is not far away. But that doesn't mean that we're done having fun on the water quite yet. There is still plenty of warm days to get out to enjoy beautiful autumn colors and our changing landscape. Not to mention that most waterfront businesses are still open until the end of the month, some even into November. Then there is the annual Fall Harbor Hop, a day-long poker hop celebrating Autumn and the close of the boating season at the Lake. This year's event is set for Saturday, October 12th, 2013.
"What is the Harbor Hop?", you ask? It's just like a poker run, only without any racing between locations. "Hoppers" begin the day at any one of over 40 participating locations around the Lake. Poker hands (entries) are purchased for a $15 donation and the first card of 7 is drawn. From there, "hoppers" go by water or land to the next participating waterfront bar, restaurant or marina where the next card is drawn. After visiting and enjoying at least 7 locations, participants will have a complete poker hand. The completed hand is turned in at the checkpoint where the 7th card is drawn. To qualify, a hand must be turned in by 7:00 pm. Prizes for the 5 best hands are awarded as well as prizes for the worst 4 hands. For complete prize allocations and more information on the event itself, visit www.funlake.com/harborhop
The 28th annual Fall Harbor Hop is open to all ages, and is by far the most fun that you can have on Lake of the Ozarks this Fall. If you're not sure where to go or start your Harbor Hop experience, we have a full map of all participating locations available to view and download here: http://funlake.com/harborhop/HHmap.pdf
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.com. If 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!
