Guest Blog: Bassing Bob on Fishing in March at Lake of the Ozarks

Fishing at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri during March can be one of the most productive times to enjoy and catch fish. During March the days are getting longer, the water temperatures will be warming up and the fish will be starting to move from their winter time holding areas and their metabolism will start get faster, therefore they will be on the hunt for food.

This winter however, has been one of the coldest in many years, the lake has been frozen for most of February and early March water temperatures are in the mid to upper 30’s, therefore the fishing in early March has been quite difficult to get the bass and crappie to bite. For the most part the bass are mostly on the bottom from 20’-30’ of water, holding inside of deep brush piles or suspended over very deep water, without much indication that they want to eat or move to chase a meal. The  crappie have also been more lethargic than usual for this time of the year, however they seem to be more catchable than the bass in deep brush piles and around dock brush piles.

In fact, many of the bass being caught are being caught on crappie jigs by fisherman fishing for crappie in brush piles. This is certainly an indication that brush piles are holding bass and the bass want their meal to be small and brought to them worked very slowly.

Bass tournaments the early part of March have seen weights being way down.   While it is not unusual to see 5 fish limit weights from 18-22 pounds this time of the year, winning weights have been in the 10-12 pound range, with many tournament anglers being shut out from catching a single fish, including me.

The cold water temperature bite that has been successful has been slow rolling a multi rig bait (ala the Alabama Rig), a rig that has multiple swim baits (3-5 baits) that imitate a small school of shad or bait fish. The successful fisherman have been working this style of rig slowly along the bottom in 15 to 30 feet of water or over the top of brush piles. It should be noted that the State of Missouri regulation for multi-rig baits is a total of 3 hooks, therefore for rigs that have capacity for more than three swim baits, you will need to either attach a spinner to the other wires of the rig or use what is referred to as dummy baits, swim baits with no hooks. These can be attached to the rig with a hitch hiker, a hitch hiker is a small screw like wire that the bait without a hook can be added to the rig.

As the water begins to warm, which it will in March, the bass fishing should really turn on.   As the water temperature starts to reach into the low, to mid and high 40’s which is likely through March, the fish will start to move and want to feed. They will start to feel that spring fever,  just as we do.  However, they also are going to start feeling the urge to spawn and/or get into the spawning areas to pre-stage for the spawn. While the spawn on Lake of the Ozarks does not really start to happen until about mid-late April and into May, the end of March as the water temperatures rise, the fish will start to migrate into the areas in preparation for the spawn.

Lake of the Ozarks Bass Fishing pro’s and experts recently met with BassingBob to discuss March bass fishing on the Lake of the Ozarks, this monthly meeting of experts is video taped each month and can be watched in it’s entirety on www.bassingbob.com. A monthly publication for March can also be found on the same web site.

In summary of the experts meeting, there is a lot of similarity amongst the experts regarding what baits to fish, locations and structure. The experts agree that during March the fish will begin to become more active as the water warms into the 40’s. They suggest fishing in and around secondary points that lead to spawning areas. As the fish are still a bit lethargic, it is key to fish slowly. Brush piles and docks around these areas will also hold catchable fish.   The experts pretty much agree on three primary baits to catch bass, a jerkbait, an Alabama Rig and a bottom bait, like a jig or creature bait. As the water begins to warm, fish should become catchable at the more common strike zone depths of 8’ – 15’ of water.  

The bass will also be found close to bait fish and they will likely be close to deep water but up on the flats and secondary points to feed.   It is often overlook at Lake of the Ozarks, that many fish also spawn on bluff ledges. These are often some of your biggest fish. These are often referred to as river fish, as these fish live full time along the river channels of Lake of the Ozarks. These fish will also start to feed and move more as the water temperatures warm. They will come up along the ledges of bluffs and on main lake points to feed. The baits to catch these fish are the same, a suspending jerk bait, Alabama Rig and bottom bait like a jig or creature bait. The jig/creature baits are very successful on bluff ledges by pulling the bait from ledge to ledge, often the fish will be relating to a drop off of a ledge and the bait will be eaten either as it is falling in front of them or being dragged in the bottom of a ledge. The very best jig and/or creature bait on Lake of the Ozarks is made my Crock-o-Gator Bait Company.

I would also encourage fisherman coming to the lake in March, whether you are an occasional angler or tournament angler, to hire a guide for a half a day or full day. March is a very tricky time of year, especially this year as we have had such severe cold water temperatures. My suggestion is to contact Jack Uxa of Jack’s Guide Service. Jack is a full time guide on the lake, he is the only multi species guide (crappie, bass, catfish, etc.). The Lake of the Ozarks bait and tackle stores are also another great place to find out what the fish are biting on, where to fish for the active fish, ect. My suggestions for bait stores on Lake of the Ozarks are Fitz Fishing, Tackle and Supplies, and Osage Bait and Tackle. Wayne, the owner of Fitz Fishing, is a veteran active tournament fisherman on Lake of the Ozarks and Bill at Osage Bait and Tackle has a great selection of fishing goods and always has an entourage of fishing guides and expert fisherman working at his store.

Finally, for videos, pictures, daily, weekly and monthly fishing reports, check out www.bassingbob.com.

Good fishing everyone.  Please feel free to contact me with questions or send me pics with your fishing report to bob@bassingbob.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

2014 Holiday Lights at Lake of the Ozarks

Lake of the Ozarks shows off its natural beauty for photographers all year, but when it gets dressed up for the holidays, it offers glitz and sparkle that demand a close-up from visiting camera bugs.  Thousands of lights reflect the joy of the season off the Lake's quiet waters, adding an aquatic theme to the holidays.

Twinkling lights are the stars of the show at drive-through holiday light parks around the Lake area. 

   

In Laurie, the 21st Annual Enchanted Village of Lights turns the 27-acre Laurie Fairgrounds into a winter wonderland from November 21st to January 1st.  Some of the displays are massive - up to 30 feet tall and 30 feet wide - while others come to life through animation.  Many are being equipped with LED lights to shine brightly throughout the park.  None of them, however, shine as brightly as the eyes of the children who visit, according to Susann Huff, Laurie's events and parks coordinator.  "I just love to see the kids' eyes when they arrive," she said.  "They can't believe it. It's hard to take it all in." 

  

Work has already begun on preparing the spectacle for visitors, expected to top 16,000 people again this year. The Enchanted Village of Lights opens each day at 5 pm to 9 pm, staying open to 10 pm on the weekends. There is no charge to drive through the village, but any donations will be put to use in refurbishing and preserving the displays for the future. More information about the event can be found at CityofLaurie.com/EnchantedLights.htm.

   

Also, just a mile down the road in Laurie is the Lake area's most enduring drive-through Christmas lights event - Saint Patrick's Festival of Lights, celebrating 31 years when the lights go on this Thanksgiving evening. The Shrine of St. Patrick on Hwy. 5 on the north side of Laurie also is the site of the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, so this festival of lights focuses on Jesus and his mother, Mary. The drive-through festival will be open daily from 6 pm to 10 pm until January 1st. New for this year, the gift shop will be open during festival hours and volunteers will be serving hot chocolate and apple cider. The Festival of Lights is a free event, though donations are accepted.

  

Versailles joins the lighting celebration from November 27th through January 1st with its own Unity Circle of Lights, featuring 40 lighted holiday exhibits in the Versailles City Park, at the junction of Highways 5 and 52 in Morgan County. The Unity Circle of Lights, too, is offered free of charge to visitors.

Last but not least, Deck the Docks is back for 2014 to light up the Lake of the Ozarks waterfront. www.cruiselake.com for more information or call (573) 480-3212 to reserve your tickets.
Climb aboard the Celebration Cruise Boat for a view of beautiful lakefront homes and docks decorated for the season. This is truly a memorable holiday experience that you can only find at Lake of the Ozarks. Cruises run every Friday and Saturday evening between November 27th through December 27th. Tickets must be purchased in advance for this one-of-a-kind attraction. As an added holiday bonus, a part of the proceeds go to support the Dogwood Animal Shelter.  

  

Learn more about all of these drive-through lights parks at: LakeHolidayLights.com/parks. Additional holiday event information can be found on the Lake's most complete event calendar at www.funlakeevents.com.

If you plan to visit the Lake for an extended shopping trip or if you want a beautiful location to host your family's holiday gathering, www.funlake.com has a complete list of Lake homes and condos to bring everyone together under one roof. Make this year's holiday season one to remember.

Autumn Color at Lake of the Ozarks

It is mid-October and Autumn is beginning to show some color all across the Lake of the Ozarks area. Fall is the perfect season to enjoy our two Missouri State Parks, scenic boat rides and seasonal festivals. If you happen to live in the Lake Area or if you are thinking of making one last visit before the weather takes a turn, now is the time to get outdoors and enjoy the Lake.

Of course, the most common question that we get this time of year is, "When will the fall colors peak at the Lake?". The truth is, we aren't aware of a way to accurately predict the exact peak of foliage color. What we can tell you is that, traditionally, our trees look their best in the week leading up to Halloween. This time varies year to year and it looks to be slightly delayed for 2013; meaning that you may still see some colorful scenery into the first week of November. Be aware that once the peak hits, colors drop very quickly and we could begin to see bare branches within just a few days afterwards. All that said, you certainly will not be disappointed if you head to the Lake right now. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks are bustling with activity as our weather has been great for enjoying a long walk in the woods. 

Don't forget your camera! We love to see and share our visitors' Lake experiences, and Fall makes for some awesome photo opportunities. If you happen to be an Instagram and/or Twitter user, follow @FunLakeMO and tag your snapshots with the hashtags #LakeoftheOzarks and #funlake. If Facebook is your thing, share a photo or two to the Lake of the Ozarks Page at www.facebook.com/funlake. We look forward to sharing and re-tweeting Lake of the Ozarks from your point of view.

If you're looking for a place to stay or if you are wondering if your favorite waterfront restaurant or dining establishment is still open for business, www.funlake.com has all of the contact information you need to plan an Autumn visit to Lake of the Ozarks. We even have downloadable State Park trail maps in the Outdoors section to help you pick the perfect hiking spot for you and your family. 

Lake of the Ozarks Still Open for Business

All that is great about fall in Missouri is ready and waiting for travelers at the Lake of the Ozarks. The bass are biting, the leaves are putting on a color show and the temperatures are just right for favorite outdoor activities like camping, fishing and boating. While some recreation areas on US Army Corps of Engineers lakes have been affected by the federal government shutdown, all services and amenities on the privately owned Lake of the Ozarks are open and available.

 "Visitors can come to the Lake knowing they will find all of our boat ramps, campgrounds, resorts and activities open and ready to accommodate them," Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association Executive Vice President Jim Divincen said.  "Autumn is a beautiful time at the Lake.  We hope travelers will come and see for themselves all the Lake of the Ozarks offers in the fall."
  
The three counties in the Lake area offer lodging options including family and fishing resorts, luxury resorts, condos and lake homes, bed and breakfasts and hotels and motels. Public and private campgrounds offer hundreds of sites, with options from primitive, no-frills tent sites to fully equipped RV sites. For those who enjoy rustic camping without pitching a tent, some campgrounds and parks offer rental options from cabins (including treehouse cabins) to yurts.

The fall season is one of the best times of the year to ensure outstanding fishing success at one of the country's best bass fishing lakes. Fishermen and fisherwomen can launch their boats at boat ramps in the state park, some resorts or campgrounds, rent a boat at an area marina or fish right from the docks. Bass tournaments on three October weekends offer the opportunity to win prizes for the biggest catch.

Visitors can complete their fall vacation with golfing on championship courses, shopping at the state's largest outlet mall and sampling a portion of the Lake's restaurants and nightlife. Travelers can plan their worry-free fall vacations by visiting the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at FunLake.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 Air Show 2013

All eyes will be turned skyward at the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show at the Camdenton Memorial Airport on Sept. 21. Now in its third year, the annual event began as a way to honor the commitment of active military and veterans, as well as add an autumn event for the Lake of the Ozarks community and visitors. 

  

Aviation acts for the 2013 show include the Commemorative Air Force - Missouri Wing's AC-47 "Spooky" Gunship, which saw action in Vietnam, the TBM-3E "Avenger," which was utilized during the Korean Conflict and the P-51 Gunfighter, which took its place in history in 1945. This year's lineup also features stunt flying by the Erik Edgren and Team Vortex air shows, as well as performances by the KC Flight Formation Team and Free-Fall Express Skydivers. The show's organizers note the event is enjoyed by people of all ages - from the Korean and WWII veterans who remember the roaring sound of the plane engines to children who wait for the event's Ping-Pong ball drop. For a full schedule of Air Show acts and events , visit www.lakeairshow.com. 

Attendance at the show has grown exponentially, from 4,000 the first year to more than 14,000 last year, making it the largest single-day event in Camden County. "You know you're doing something right when they (attendees) tell other people and those people come, too," Camdenton City Administrator Brenda Colter said.

  

The show's location at the Lake is part of its draw for visitors, according to Airport Manager Corey Leuwerke. "People come to the airshow and get to spend a weekend at the Lake," he said.  However, the event benefits the Camdenton community in many ways. Local civic organizations are vendors of food at the event, reinvesting the proceeds into the air show or their own community projects.

The event is made possible by collaboration among the City of Camdenton, the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce, the Camdenton Memorial Airport and the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director Tim Jacobsen also credits the local sponsors. "Without our sponsors, the air show simply would not be possible," he said.

With all it has to offer, the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show is an event for everyone. Camdenton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Trish Creach sums it up this way: "This is a top-notch, do-not-miss, must-attend air show at the Lake!"

To view photos from the 2012 Lake of the Ozarks Air Show, visit our Flickr gallery at http://bit.ly/1e9i4jZ. For lodging, dining and other Lake Area attractions, visit www.funlake.com.

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.

Lake Event Photos: July 2013

Summer is now almost halfway over, and we have been out shooting photos at a couple of Lake of the Ozarks' favorite events, The 6th Annual Support Our Troops Poker Run and the increasingly popular, Aquapalooza 2013.

The Support Our Troops Poker Run, now in its sixth year has grown to include over 120 boats with over 500 people from all over the United States. As a poker run for charity, the Support Our Troops Poker Run has raised over $70,000 for charities that directly benefit soldiers and their families. Numbers for the 2013 event aren't in quite yet, but judging from the photos, this year was very successful. View the set of 50 photos taken from on the water at http://bit.ly/1c3j9Hn

Aquapalooza, the Lake's biggest family boating and live music event, came back to Dog Days bigger and better than ever before. 2013 featured the young up and coming musician Nic Cowan, The Brian Collins Band, The Devonshires and from Kansas City, Rock Paper Scissors. Great live music and family fun on the water is what Aquapalooza is all about, and 2013 did not disappoint. We shot hundreds of photos of the musicians, fans, families and scenery over the 5 hour event, and have narrowed it down to the best 160 of them. Enjoy the images here: http://bit.ly/143lOQE

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.

Independence Day Fireworks at The Lake

Visitors to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri can experience traditional 4th of July fireworks from a different perspective - on the water. Those who want to spend Independence Day at the Lake should plan a getaway now at one of more than 200 local lodging properties. Communities and resorts around the Lake will offer spectacular displays of pyrotechnics on July 4 and throughout the holiday weekend. Visitors can enjoy fireworks on land at festivals featuring food, fun and games. Those with boats can take to the water on their own. Don't have a boat? No problem - The Lake offers numerous watercraft rental companies that are waiting to get you out on the water.  Others can make reservations to view the fireworks on tour boats like the Tropic Island or the Celebration, which offer special fireworks cruises. For exact times, dates and locations for fireworks displays, visit www.funlakeevents.com. (The accompanying image above also outlines locations and contact information). If you haven't planned your visit to Lake of the Ozarks for the 4th of July yet, www.funlake.com will help you gather information on lodging, attractions, dining, golf, shopping and more.

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.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!

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.

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.