Lake Race 2015 Set for June 6 – 7

Watch the biggest and baddest powerboats from all over the country compete for big prize money and bragging rights at the Lake of the Ozarks during the 2015 Lake Race, June 4 – 7.   "The Lake Race is a great opportunity for fans of boat racing to get an up-close-and-personal view of these awesome boats," says Tim Jacobsen, Executive Director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. "There's nothing quite like watching these power boats reach top speed as they make their way around the course." The lower area of the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark will shut down to traffic and transform into the Lake Race headquarters on Friday, June 5. There will be a Lake Race Street Party at 6 pm, complete with a family-friendly race "village" where the public can meet the racers and check out all the impressive speed machines. Live musical entertainment starts at 7 pm with the Patrick Lentz Band from Kansas City. The Lake Race gets underway on Saturday morning with the opening ceremonies beginning at 11:30 am at Beavers at the Dam restaurant. All the excitement comes to a climax when the race officially kicks off at noon as competitors thunder across the Lake to see who can clock the fastest four-mile time. Spectators will be able to watch all the high-speed action from prime viewing spots along Bagnell Dam as well as at many of the sponsoring establishments as boats run from the zero-mile marker to the four-mile marker of the Lake of the Ozarks. The first day of racing comes to a close at 4 pm. There will be a celebratory Lake Race party at Beavers at the Dam with live music from Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs. Racing continues on Sunday from 12 noon until 4 pm. The winners of the 2015 Lake Race will be announced at 5:30 pm at Beavers at the Dam. The Lake Race is produced by the Offshore Powerboat Association and hosted by Beavers at the Dam and the Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance. For more information on the 2015 Lake Race and a full list of viewing locations and participating sponsors, visit www.LakeRace.com.   For more information on other events, attractions, accommodations and dining options in the Lake area, please call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-Lake. Or, visit the CVB's award-winning website at www.FunLake.com.

Canine Cannonball at Lake of the Ozarks, June 12 – 14, 2015

Man's best friend will soar through the air and make a huge splash in competition to see who is the top dog at the ninth annual Canine Cannonball, June 12 – 14 at Dog Days Bar & Grill in Osage Beach, Mo.

Canine Cannonball is a Dock Dogs-sponsored, dock-jumping competition that has been an annual event at the Lake of the Ozarks since 2007 and attracts crowds in the thousands. Dog Days Bar & Grill, located at 1232 Jeffries Road on land or at the 19-mile marker on the water, has been the lakeside host of the Cannonball since its inception.

Many families mark the Canine Cannonball on their calendar and build an entire weekend around the dock-jumping spectacular. The event is especially a highlight for Jeff and Rebecca Green of Osage Beach and their dog Ruger, a seven-year old yellow Labrador Retriever (pictured below), who has participated in Canine Cannonball the past six seasons and is set to make another appearance this year.

"The Canine Cannonball is just so much fun," says Rebecca Green. "It's a great family-friendly event that's always really well attended. It's so awesome to watch all the dogs do their thing and the crowd gets really into it cheering them on. And, it's free to attend, so we just kind of camp out and make a weekend out of it. My husband and I really enjoy it and Ruger does, too."

The Canine Cannonball judges a dog's physical prowess in three categories: the Big Air Wave (dock jumping), Extreme Vertical (high jump) and Speed Retrieve (fetching). The Big Air Wave, one of the most enjoyable competitions in this three-day event, consists of the dog running down the 40 x 8-foot competition dock and jumping off into the water for distance. The Extreme Vertical is a dock dog's version of the high jump. In this leap-for-height event, a canine leaps high into the air off the "dock" to retrieve a toy suspended above the water. The third event, the Speed Retrieve, is a timed fetching event that has the dog jump into the water and swim to fetch a thrown toy into the water.

Canine Cannonball events get underway with the first three rounds of the Big Air Wave at 2, 4 and 6 pm on Friday. On Saturday, the next three rounds of the Big Air Wave take place at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm with the Extreme Vertical event taking place at 5:30 pm. The Cannonball concludes on Sunday after two more rounds of the Big Air competition at 11 am and 1 pm followed by the Speed Retrieve at 3 pm.

All Canine Cannonball activities are free for spectators. Money raised at the event through donations will benefit the Dogwood Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter in Osage Beach. The Shelter will also have pets available for adoption on-site during the three-day meet. According to Dogwood Animal Shelter officials, these pets have been given all required shots at the time of adoption.

Dog owners headed to the Lake for the Cannonball have many options for pet-friendly accommodations, from resorts and hotels and motels to campgrounds and RV parks. Most of the pet-friendly lodging facilities require a small per-day pet fee and/or a refundable deposit in return for a comfortable lodging experience for pets and their owners. A few of the campgrounds and RV parks require advance approval, so be sure to call ahead. For a complete list of pet-friendly lodging options, please visit www.FunLake.com.

Family Travel with Colleen Kelly Visits The Lake

Now airing its second season, PBS syndicated show, "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly" is set to show off Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks in their third episode of the season.

Rewind 1 year ago to June, 2014; The Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau played host to Colleen, her two daughters and production crew. With a jam-packed, four day itinerary secured, the cast, crew and members of the CVB staff set out to give the cameras a complete Lake of the Ozarks experience focusing on family friendly activities.

From deep underground to hundreds of feet above the entire Lake, the cast and crew filmed our caves, parks, attractions, fishing, water sports, local dining experiences, shopping destinations and lodging facilities. From a Convention & Visitor Bureau perspective, it was fantastic to see newcomers enjoy what Lake of the Ozarks has to offer first hand. The cast and crew stated numerous times how impressed they were with our destination and how they couldn't wait to come back and experience a vacation here without having to "work". It also reminded us (at the CVB) that we often forget how much fun there is to be had right here in our back yard. With the year-round, daily tasks that go into promoting our destination, we sometimes lose track of how fortunate we are to live and work in an area that most people only visit in their free time - and for that reminder, we sincerely thank Colleen and her crew.

Here is a 37 second preview of the Lake of the Ozarks episode:

The Family Travel with Colleen Kelly episode is set to air on Chicago PBS affiliate WTTW Channel 11 at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 16th and on Springfield, MO PBS affiliate KOZK on Sunday May 17th at 8:30 am and Wednesday May 20th at 8:30 am. The Lake episode will continue to air on PBS stations across the country throughout the summer and fall of 2015. Check local PBS schedules and set your DVRs. After the premier, the show will also be available to stream online on the Family Travel with Colleen Kelly website here: www.FamilyTravelCK.com

Additionally, Colleen Kelly recently featured Lake of the Ozarks as a favorite pick for her "Family Friendly Summer Vacation Destinations" segment on the Hallmark Channel's morning show, "Home & Family. You can see the full segment right here: 

A full gallery of photos taken during the taping of Family Travel with Colleen Kelly at Lake of the Ozarks can be viewed at http://funlake.zenfolio.com/familytravelck - And if you're looking to create your own memories at Lake of the Ozarks this summer, visit www.funlake.com for all of the information you need to plan your family vacation.

Memorial Weekend Celebrations at The Lake

Several resorts at the Lake of the Ozarks are celebrating the unofficial kick off of the summer travel season with stunning fireworks displays over Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25.

Although June 21 is officially the first day of summer, Memorial Day Weekend has been the traditional start of the tourist season at the Lake, which gives many resorts, restaurants and local businesses plenty of reason to celebrate.

On Saturday evening, Bear Bottom Resort, in Sunrise Beach, will entertain visitors with live music from Money for Nothing beginning at 7 pm followed by a professional pyrotechnics display at 9:45 pm. The fun continues at Bear Bottom on Sunday with a live, double-bill concert featuring another performance by Money for Nothing from 7:00 - 9:30 pm, a second fireworks display at 9:45 pm and country music superstar Matt Stillwell will close out the evening with a much-anticipated performance beginning at 10 pm. For more information, call 573-374-6905 or visit www.BearBottomResort.com.

On Sunday, two of the Lake's premier resorts are sure to bring "oohs" and "aahs" with their fireworks displays over the Lake. Tan-Tar-A Resort, located in Osage Beach, invites Lake visitors to view its fireworks display by water at the 26-mile marker. Viewing opportunities on the resort property are for guests only. For more information, call 573-348-3131, or visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com. 

The Lodge of Four Seasons will host a grand opening of the newly redesigned cloverleaf swimming pool and poolside Parrot Bar throughout the holiday weekend and will also host a barbeque and carnival followed by fireworks on Sunday. The barbecue and carnival start at 5 pm on Sunday and cost $23 for adults and $12 for children. Reservations are highly recommended. The fireworks can also be viewed by water at the 13-mile marker. Call 800-843-5253 or visit www.4SeasonsResort.com for more information.

Those who would like to see the Memorial Day fireworks in style can reserve a spot on the Tropic Island or Celebration luxury cruise yachts.  Make reservations by calling the Tropic Island at 573-348-0083 or the Celebration at 573-480-3212. These cruises fill up fast, so travelers who want to experience the fireworks by water should reserve their spots early.

There is always something special to see or do at Missouri's Fun Lake. Find out more about the events, activities, accommodations and dining at FunLake.com or by calling 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Battle of Monday's Hollow, A Civil War Reenactment Weekend

Experience history as it comes to life May 30-31 with two reenactments of the Battle of Monday's Hollow at a Living History and Civil War Reenactment Weekend, held at the Missouri Trapshooters Association Grounds located at 51 Trapshooters Road off of State Road A near Linn Creek.

This event, sponsored by the Camden County Historical Society & Museum, will feature a full-scale, historically accurate reenactment of the battle on both Saturday and Sunday to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, 1861-1865. 

Although Missouri was the third bloodiest state during the war, its role in the conflict is often overshadowed by the major battles of Virginia and Tennessee. Missouri was home to several large scale engagements, but much of the bloodshed resulted from ambushes and skirmishes. 

"The Battle of Monday's Hollow is a perfect example of what happened in Missouri throughout the Civil War because it was a skirmish," says Valerie Thomas, event coordinator and Camden County Historical Society & Museum archivist. "In October 1861, a wagon train left Rolla, Mo. for Linn Creek loaded with wintertime supplies for the troops stationed in the area. As the wagons entered Camden County, 40 Union infantry men accompanying the wagons were ambushed by rebel soldiers. As the Union troops gave chase, they quickly realized they were riding into a trap as they found themselves surrounded by hundreds of Confederate soldiers. Word spread to the nearby Union calvary, who came to their rescue and in the end, 62 Confederates were killed in the fight with only one Union casualty."

The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm Saturday and 8 am to 3 pm Sunday and will feature many period-specific activities throughout the weekend. The reenactment of the Battle of Monday's Hollow will start at 1 p.m. each day. Afterwards, according to Thomas, "the 'dead will rise' and we will reenact a more 'generic' Civil War battle with cannons, calvaries, and the whole works."

Battle reenactments of this scale generally attract an average of about 400-600 reenactors and spectators can often number in the thousands. Thomas is expecting around 6,000 attendees this year.

"It's the only reenactment of its kind in the central portion of Missouri," Thomas continues. "It's like having a front row seat to a live-action Civil War battle movie. It's quite a spectacle - Union and Confederate soldiers with sabers drawn, cannons firing, infantries shooting and the cavalry charging. Adults are absolutely fascinated by it, and kids love it, too. It's really a spectacular two-day event."

Each day visitors to the grounds can walk through Confederate and Union military camps and interact with the soldiers on both sides. Throughout the weekend, strolling minstrels will be on the grounds entertaining visitors with Civil War-period music and songs and there will be interpretative reenactment speakers talking about the effects of the war and the life of slaves. On Saturday, from 7-9 p.m., there will be a Civil War dance where soldiers in full regalia and women in period dresses will join arms and step and swing to the authentic sounds of the Gum Springs Serenaders. The dance is free and open to the public, and anyone wishing to join in the fun is welcome. Following the dance, 11 cannons will make an "announcement" using multi-colored powdered flares to close out the evening. A Civil War-era worship service is also scheduled at 8 a.m. Sunday.

Attendees can complete the historical experience by visiting the "sutler village," consisting of period vendors, craftsmen, laundresses, woodworkers and soap makers peddling their wares, all of which will be for sale to the public. There also will be traveling museums and a Civil War-era medical tent. Inside the medical tent, visitors can learn how surgery was performed and how illnesses were treated in the 1860s, as well as observe a demonstration of how wounded soldiers would have been treated in the heat of battle.

A variety of food vendors are scheduled to be at the site, featuring pulled pork, chicken and ribeye sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries, nachos, funnel cakes, kettle corn, ice cream and more.

Admission is free to this maximum-effort reenactment of the only Civil War battle fought in Camden County. Parking is available for suggested donations of $10 per car and $5 per motorcycle. Handicap parking is available and shuttles to and from the battle field will be free of charge.

For more information, including an event schedule or for details on how to get involved with the reenactment, call the museum at 573-346-7191 or visit CamdenCountyMuseum.com. The Camden County Historical Society & Museum is located at the corner of U.S. 54 and Route V in Linn Creek and is open from 10 am to 4 pm five days a week (when volunteers are available).

Spring Harbor Hop at Lake of the Ozarks

Kick off the spring boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks - and win big prizes - during the 18th Annual Spring Harbor Hop poker run on Saturday, May 2.  Spring Harbor Hop participants will try to complete the best poker hand (or hands) by traveling by lake or by land to their choice of waterfront checkpoints across the Lake (there are over 40 businesses consisting primarily of bars, restaurants and marinas on the Hop). While all the stops for the event are boater friendly, participants also can enjoy the day and the scenery by land, driving from one location to the next. "The Spring Harbor Hop happens at a time when many flowers and trees around the Lake are in full bloom, so it's just gorgeous," CVB Director of Member Services Heather Brown says.  "Many people make a full day of it, as the event lets them enjoy the food and fun of the Lake, all while taking in our beautiful spring scenery. This year we're expecting as many as 1,400 people to come out to celebrate the beginning of the boating season." Players will begin their "hop" by making a suggested donation of $20 per hand and drawing their first card at any of the participating locations. Six additional cards will be drawn for each hand as participants visit the various Harbor Hop locations around the Lake. When the seventh card is drawn, the hand is complete and is turned in at that final location. An additional card to help improve the hand can be obtained at that final location for a $5 donation.  Prizes will be awarded for the top 10 poker hands at the Hop, as well as the four worst hands and 10 randomly selected winners. All eligible hands must be turned in by 7 p.m. Winners will be notified by certified mail. There also will be prizes for "section winners" who complete their entire hand in one of these four sections: Section I is the Gravois Arm of the Lake Section II includes Bagnell Dam to the 10 mile marker on the Main Channel Section III runs from the mile markers 13-26 on the Main Channel Section IV includes mile markers 31-38 on the Main Channel and Big Niangua Arm Most Harbor Hop locations open at 11 a.m., though some open as early as 9 a.m. Hours will vary from location to location, so "hoppers" should consult the list of locations and operating hours by visiting FunLake.com/HarborHop. Complete rules for the Harbor Hop can also be found on that site, or by calling the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Year-Round Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks

If your vacation luggage always includes a tackle box, Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect year-round destination for you. The Lake includes 54,000 acres of fish-filled water and is fed by several rivers and their tributaries - the Osage River, the Big and Little Niangua arms, Gravois Arm and Grand Glaize Arm - so there is plenty of fishing fun for everyone. Crappie, bass and catfish are the most common catches, but other species, like walleye and bluegill, await anglers as well. Fishing is fun at the Lake for both serious sport fishers and casual enthusiasts of all age and skill levels. "If you're interested in catching your daily limits of large and small mouth bass, white bass, crappie and catfish, the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks provides a wonderful opportunity to accomplish that. Some of our family's fondest memories were created with one-on-one time fishing with our children," Jim Divincen, administrator for the Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association, said. Anytime is a great time for crappie fishing at the Lake of the Ozarks. Spring means spawning in the shallows at the Lake and nearly everyone can cast a minnow and bobber into the water and catch fish. In the summer, you'll have to fish in deeper waters or try night fishing for the best success. Dock fishing is great in fall, when crappie like to stay in tighter schools near the structures. Don't put away the tackle in the winter, either, as a number of the Lake area's smaller family-owned resorts offer heated fishing docks, perfect for catching crappie when the weather turns cooler. If bass are your target, the Lake of the Ozarks has plenty of largemouth, white and spotted, all of which can be caught year-round. In spring and fall, the Missouri Department of Conservation suggests the use of topwater baits, plastic worms, jigs, crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Winter is an excellent time to catch bass by slowly fishing jerkbaits off points or pea gravel banks. Spring and fall bass and crappie tournaments offer big purses, making a fun day on the water very profitable, as well. "We know about catching big fish in Central Missouri. We're blessed to have one of the top fisheries in the entire country here at the Lake of the Ozarks, hosting more than 500 fishing tournaments annually, primarily in the spring and fall," Divincen said. "We're also home to three of the BassMaster Classic Winners, Denny Brauer, the first ever fisherman to be featured on the Wheaties Box, and father and son winners Guido and Dion Hibdon." Channel, blue and flathead catfish all can be found at the Lake of the Ozarks. The best months for catching channel catfish are April through September, according to the Department of Conservation, though blue catfish remain active later into the fall and can be caught year-round.  Blue catfish tend toward the open water, so fishing in the mouths of coves and deep flats brings the best success. To catch channel catfish, keep bait on or near the bottom and stay near the shoreline. Use live bait and stay near large boulders or woody cover to land flathead catfish. The Lake of the Ozarks has made a point of providing top-notch services for anglers for decades. Public launching sites are available in the Lake area's two state parks - Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park - as well as at full-service marinas and resorts around the Lake.  Many of the same marinas and resorts offer boat rentals. Fishing guides make for a relaxing and effortless fishing experience. With one call, you can book these professionals, who will take you to the Lake's fishing "hot spots," and will also provide the boat and all the equipment needed for the excursion. Fishing licenses are required for most anglers in Missouri. For more information, or to apply online, visit the Missouri Department of Conservation at www.mdc.mo.gov/permits. Whether you're fishing with your buddies or your family, your time off the water can be as enjoyable as the time you spend fishing. The Lake of the Ozarks has activities and events for every age and interest.  To learn more about these, plus dining and accommodations options, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website at www.FunLake.com.

St. Patrick's Day Festivities at The Lake

Saint Patrick’s Day at Lake of the Ozarks is kind of a big deal. Not only is it a day (and night) dedicated to fun parties and all things green, it heralds the return of Spring - a time when we can emerge from our sheltered winter existence and enjoy warm sunshine and our beautiful Lake landscape coming back to life.

Start your St. Paddy’s Day at Lake of the Ozarks with a unique parade experience - on the water! The Saint Patrick’s Parade on the Water will be held on March 14th, 2015 and is a fun day trip on the Lake and a perfect way to kick off the Spring boating season. A new route this year will start at Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach. An optional breakfast buffet at Captain Ron’s is available, beginning at 8 am. Boats depart and the parade officially begins at 10 am. There will be the cruise boat again this year with tickets available through the Lake West Chamber office for only $25.

The Water Parade route is as follows: Captain Ron’s (34.5 MM by water, LR 5-50 by land) to Bear Bottom (38 MM by water, LR 5-36 by land) to Bulldogs Beach House (33 MM by water, LR 5-65 by land) and then Larry’s on the Lake (31 MM by water, Pier 31 Road by land). Stay up to date and get more information on the St. Patrick's Day Water Parade on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Patricks-Water-Parade/945176652159813.

The 31st Annual Lake of the Ozarks St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on March 14, 2015 at 1:00 pm on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip (Bagnell Dam Boulevard) in Lake Ozark, Missouri. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is Lake Ozark's longest running traditional parade and is guaranteed to bring out the Irish in you. Deck the whole family in green, grab the lawn chairs and head out to the Bagnell Dam Strip for an afternoon of family fun watching the various floats, cars, motorcycles and yes even boats as they make trip along the Strip. And who knows you might even score some candy! 

Do you or your group/organization have a boat, float, car, truck or motorcycle that you would like to enter  in the parade? You can download the official entry from and return it to the Bagnell Dam Strip Association no later than March 9, 2015. See past parade photos and get more information, including registration at www.lakestpatsparade.com.

Whether they are Irish or not, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can get a head start on St. Patrick’s Day at The 5th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Short Bus Shuffle, to be held March 14 on the west (Hwy 5) side of Lake of the Ozarks. Ten restaurants and nightspots will offer live entertainment and St. Patrick’s Day food and drink specials. In addition, six West Side lodging establishments will provide special Short Bus Shuffle rates for participants who make reservations in advance. 

Shuttle buses will safely transport “shufflers” from location to location, beginning at 4 pm. A required $5 wristband grants entrance to any participating entertainment venue along the shuffle route and is also necessary to ride the shuttles. “The Lake of the Ozarks West Lake Chamber of Commerce’s goal for the Short Bus Shuffle is for participants to have a fun time and be transported safely when doing so,” Chamber Executive Director Deborah Buscher said. “We are currently selling wrist bands and they can be ordered directly from the Lake West Chamber of Commerce office.”

Many participants will be honoring the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of wearing green, including green souvenir shirts from the Short Bus Shuffle. Like the wrist bands, the shirts are available prior to the event at any participating location or the Lake of the Ozarks West Chamber of Commerce office.

A list of the businesses and lodging establishments participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Short Bus Shuffle can be found at: www.lakewestchamber.com/events/short-bus-shuffle or the event’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/shortbusshuffle.

If you plan to visit Lake of the Ozarks for your St. Paddy's day celebration, head to www.funlake.com or call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau office for complete area lodging, dining, attractions and more. 

Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days 2015

The bluffs and forests around Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks are a popular destination for eagles on their annual southern migration. Visitors who want to see these majestic birds in their natural habitat should make Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days a winter weekend destination January 3 - 4, 2015. Missouri is one of the leaders in eagle population in the lower 48 states, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation, with more than 2,000 bald eagles reported each winter. They are drawn to warmer, wooded areas such as the Lake of the Ozarks in their migration from Alaska, Canada and the northern U.S. Eagle Days activities allow attendees to see the birds in a natural setting, as well as offering opportunities for up-close viewing at programs offered by the World Bird Sanctuary. Events on Saturday, January 3, begin at 9 am and continue until 5:30 pm. On Sunday, January 4, events begin at 10:00 am and end at 4:30 pm. All Eagle Days activities and sites are located in Lake Ozark, all within a short drive of one another. Eagle-viewing activities are located at Willmore Lodge and the Bagnell Dam Access. Eagle-watchers are encouraged to bring cameras and binoculars. Interactive exhibits and crafts will be on display at Willmore Lodge each day, and eagle nest-building and rope-making exhibitions will be held at the Bagnell Dam Access.  At Osage National Golf Resort, live eagle programs are presented by the World Bird Sanctuary from St. Louis, beginning on the hour from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 2 pm on Sunday. School of the Osage Heritage Elementary will feature two programs by Springfield's Dickerson Park Zoo. The "Live Owls of Missouri" program features information about the species of owls indigenous to Missouri. The second program, called "Day Shift, Night Shift and Garbage Gal" provides information about hawks, owls and turkey vultures. These shows will be held every hour on the half-hour beginning at 9:30 a.m. and ending at 4:30 pm on Saturday and from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm on Sunday. There will also be coloring contests and other activities for kids, as well as nature-related exhibitors including the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Department of Conservation. If weather permits, eagle-watching cruises will be offered aboard the Tom Sawyer for a nominal fee. Attendees interested in taking the cruise should go to the boarding area on Bagnell Dam Blvd. Lake of the Ozark Eagle Days is made possible by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, Osage National Golf Resort, FaceLift Marketing, School of the Osage, Missouri Master Naturalist - Lake of the Ozarks Chapter and Boy Scouts of America. To learn more about Eagle Days, visit LakeoftheOzarksEagleDays.com or call 1-800-386-5253. For information on the year-round fun at Missouri's Fun Lake, including activities, events, dining and accommodations, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE or visit the CVB's multiple award-winning website, FunLake.com.

Liverpool Legends Make Their 6th Annual Stop at The Lake

Once again in 2014, the Grammy Nominated and award-winning Beatles tribute band, Liverpool Legends, will come to the stage at Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach for two performances, on Friday and Saturday, March 7 & 8, at 8 pm. Branson's Liverpool Legends tribute show, created by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, gives audiences the full Beatles experience.

  

Louise Harrison has been a part of what she describes as "The Global Family of Beatle People," since her youngest brother came to America with the "Fab Four" in the 1960s. She hand-picked the performers for the Liverpool Legends show both for their striking physical resemblance to the original Beatles and also for their musical expertise.  

These talented artists faithfully recreate performances throughout the Beatles' career, complete with wardrobe changes to represent the different eras of the band's history, and then continue on through the years of band members' solo performances. Vintage video footage of the Beatles serves as a backdrop for the performance and audience members are invited to relive the experience of a live concert by standing near the stage. The result is a widely acclaimed and crowd-pleasing tribute that engages audience members and takes them back in time to the years when the world was watching the Beatles.

Tickets are available from the Tri-County Lodging Association and The Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. Premium seats are $30 for adults and children; regular reserved seating is $25 for adults and $20 for children. The venue will sell out quickly, so it's recommended that tickets be purchased early. For more information, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's special event website, www.funlake.com/liverpoollegends. For information on Lake Area lodging, dining, attractions and more, visit www.funlake.com.

Polar Plunge at the Lake Set for Feb. 22, 2014

Only brave souls with warm hearts would be inclined to take a dip in Lake of the Ozarks in February. On February 22, costumed participants will "take the plunge" into the frigid waters of the Lake as part of their commitment to Special Olympics Missouri's year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Festivities at the event include a costume parade before the 2:30 pm plunge, when participants walk, run or crawl into the cold winter waters of the Lake from Public Beach #2 in Lake of the Ozarks State Park. All participants fundraise for the Special Olympics prior to the plunge and prizes are awarded for top fundraisers. These donations help the participating individuals and teams show their pride and dedication to the cause and give them, as one team puts it, "a reason for freezin'." Spectators crowd the shoreline at the event, cheering on their favorite participants and showing their support for the cause. The Polar Plunge is a project of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri and is proudly hosted by the Osage Beach Police Department. To register yourself or a team to take the plunge, or to donate to your favorite participant, visit the Special Olympics of Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge page at http://bit.ly/1kA5rm0.

To view a complete series of photos from the 2013 Polar Plunge, check our our Flickr photo set at http://bit.ly/YAGOZ6.

Eagle Days 2014

Dates for the 2014 Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days event are set for January 4th and 5th. Bundle up in coats, hats and gloves and bring binoculars and cameras for this popular winter event, which features majestic wild eagles.  These awesome creatures nest in the bluffs around the Lake of the Ozarks and Eagle Days provides a great opportunity to see and appreciate their beauty. 


The event includes hourly programs at Osage National Golf Resort, featuring naturalists with eagles from the World Bird Sanctuary in St. Louis. Wild eagle viewing through telescopes provided by the Lake Area Astronomy Club will be at Willmore Lodge each day. Eagle viewing, nest building, rope making and free hot chocolate will be available at the Bagnell Dam River Access.  New for 2014, the Country Club Hotel will host two programs given by Dickerson Park Zoo, featuring owls, hawks and vultures along with interactive exhibits and crafts. The shows will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday rotating every hour.  Eagle Days activities are free, but donations are gladly accepted. To view the entire schedule of Eagle Days activities, visit LakeoftheOzarksEagleDays.com

The 28th Annual Fall Harbor Hop

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

September 2013 Lake Event Photos

Two of our favorite post-summer season events have come and gone as 2013 draws near an end. Both Bikefest and the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show continue to grow with 2013 being the most successful year yet. 

The 7th Annual Bikefest was held September 12 – 15. We couldn't have wished for better weather over all four days of the event as not one drop of rain fell, making perfect riding conditions around the entire Lake area. A selection of photos highlighting the vendor, activity and concert areas can be viewed at our Flickr page here: http://bit.ly/17HGxHS

We were also blessed with another day of beautiful weather for the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show on September 21st. Sunny and cloudless blue skies provided a perfect backdrop for a tribute to our military veterans and aerobatic acts as they took to the sky over Camdenton Memorial Airport. You can view our selection of Air Show photos on our Flickr Page here: http://bit.ly/18VkU47


Both Bikefest and the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show are annual events and plans are already forming around the 2014 season. If you missed out on the action this year, make arrangements to visit us next September. Visit www.funlake.com for all of your lodging, dining, attractions needs and more!

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.