Enjoy the Colorful Scenes of Fall at Lake Of The Ozarks

For colorful fall foliage, a road trip to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is a can't-miss seasonal tradition for anyone that loves the colorful bounty of autumn.

Last October, readers of USA Today recognized the area for one of its many charms: its autumn colors. The Lake of the Ozarks was voted the second-best place in the country for viewing fall foliage, officially confirming what many locals already knew: there's nothing like autumn in the Ozarks.

The area is beautiful in any season, but in the fall it really shines. The landscape around the Lake of the Ozarks features many rolling hills, scenic overlooks and expansive views of the water, all offering wonderful glimpses of the thick hardwood forests that abound in the region and turn vivid shades of orange, red and yellow each fall.

"Those of us that live at the Lake of the Ozarks enjoy the beauty of the seasons on a daily basis, but for visitors, fall  can be a very special experience," says Jim Divincen, administrator for Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks Tri-County Lodging Association.  "Regardless of wherever you are at the Lake, you'll have lots of colorful surprises. Mother Nature puts on quite the show and many vacationers visit every October to enjoy it."

The peak of the fall colors at the Lake of the Ozarks typically occurs in mid- to late-October  when the maples, ashes, oaks and hickories are at the height of their fall display. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the peak season varies from year to year depending on the weather and can last until early November. 

"I think there's going to be outstanding fall color this year," says Ann Koenig, a forester with Missouri Department of Conservation. "It's been a relatively mild year with not too many hot days and we've had steady rain throughout the state. It's been a good growing season for trees and that will lead to a lot of bright color."

To help plan a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks to coincide with the most vivid colors, visitors can utilize the Department of Conservation's Fall Color Forecaster at nature.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/fall-colors. The Lake of the Ozarks' information is included under the column titled "Central Region."

There are numerous ways to enjoy the bright colors around the Lake of the Ozarks, both from land and on-the-water. 

The area's two state parks feature numerous walking and hiking trails that traverse hardwood forests, glades, meadows and offer wonderful views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, boasts 14 different trails while Ha Ha Tonka State Park, recently named the most beautiful place in Missouri by Conde Nast Traveler, has 12 unique trails. Both parks offer a variety of trails that range in ease and difficulty, from paved walking trails to rugged cross-country treks.

Divincen, who is both an avid hiker and angler, says two of his favorite ways to enjoy the fall colors is getting out on the trails at Ha Ha Tonka and spending time on the water. "I really like the Turkey Pen Hollow hiking trail at Ha Ha Tonka," Divincen says. "There are some spectacular views and it's a beautiful experience. That, and catching a big bass out on the lake with the colorful shoreline as a backdrop is a memorable experience, especially with family and friends," Divincen adds.

Other popular ways to take in the scenery are self-guided driving tours, visiting the various scenic overlooks around the Lake, playing a round or two of golf on the Lake's 14 championship golf courses, taking a guided horseback ride along a rugged Ozark trail or enjoying a meal at one of the area's 60 lakeside restaurants.

For on-the-water fun, visitors can rent a boat from a local marina or hop aboard a scenic narrated cruise on one of the Lake's three different 150-plus-passenger luxury yachts. There also are professional fishing guides that help ensure vacationers find fishing success while also enjoying the pretty foliage around the Lake of the Ozarks, whether it's out in the middle of the Lake or in a secluded and quiet cove.

Travelers also will find the perfect accommodations at the Lake of the Ozarks for fall getaways of any length of time at affordable, shoulder-season prices.  There are full-service large-scale resorts and smaller family-owned and operated resorts as well as charming bed and breakfasts or comfortable cabins and cottages.  There is no shortage of fully furnished vacation rental homes and condominiums. For those who prefer sleeping under the stars, there are spacious campgrounds and RV parks interspersed throughout the area.

To discover more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and available lodging and dining options, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Fast Boats Compete For Top Honors During 31st Annual Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout

The 2019 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, America's largest and longest running powerboat race, returns to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, August 24 and 25.

This high-speed, action-packed fundraising event, which has been hailed as one of the "must-see boating events in the country" by Boating Magazine, has powerboats racing individually to see who can log the fastest speed and be crowned the overall "Top Gun."

"For anyone that likes boats or boating, you don't want to miss the Shootout," says Ron Duggan, Shootout coordinator and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "At the Shootout you'll see every type of boat imaginable and it's a thrilling and exciting event. You have some of the fastest boats in the world captained by some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. The racers are so generous with their time and they love taking photos with the spectators and talking about and showing off their boats. It's a lot of fun for everyone. I don't think there's anything like the Shootout in the entire country."

Throughout the racing weekend, over 100,000 spectators turn out to watch these powerful vessels top out at speeds of over 200 miles per hour along the race course near Captain Ron's Bar and Grill, 82 Aloha Road in Sunrise Beach or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. The competitive field features roughly 100 boats competing in over 60 different race divisions, including professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.

American Ethanol is the reigning Shootout champion, claiming the Top Gun title the last four years running. In 2018, American Ethanol won with a speed of 204 miles per hour. Spectators and racers alike will be eager to see if American Ethanol will extend their winning streak and break the long-standing fastest-ever time logged at the Shootout of 244 miles per hour set by the Spirit of Qatar in 2014.

The Shootout races get underway on Saturday, Aug. 24 with personal water craft races from 9:30-10:00 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the national anthem and continue until 4 p.m. In addition to the races, there will be other special events throughout the races such as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll during the Shootout Airshow. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m, there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs as well as a racing village with the latest in performance engines and boating accessories on display. Between the two villages, the public can visit over 60 different exhibitors. Captain Ron's also hosts live musical entertainment on Saturday with performances by I-70 Overdrive from 2-6 p.m., followed by Members Only from 8 p.m. until midnight. Inside at Captain Ron's, DJ Kyle will pump out the jams from 11 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 25, the villages open at 9 a.m. and the high-speed action picks up with races taking place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The presentation of the 2019 "Top Gun" honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m. at Captain Ron's.

Those that can't make it to the Lake of the Ozarks to watch the races in person have several opportunities to keep up with the action. New for 2019, the Shootout races will be broadcast with unparalleled high-definition quality across multiple stations throughout Missouri and online as well. According to Denny Benne, owner of Benne Media Group, the expanded coverage and quality of the production will help raise the profile of the Shootout and the Lake of the Ozarks across the state. "We have a great production team assembled that has worked with CBS, NBC, ESPN and Fox. We're very excited to be able to take the broadcast to a new level," says Benne. "Since this is a charity event, we want to reach more viewers and listeners than ever before. And, our goal is to give viewers an incredible product to enjoy." The Shootout will be carried in St. Louis on KPLR 11, in Kansas City on KMCI TV and in Springfield on KY3. Additionally, the races will be broadcast live on the local cable and streaming networks of LakeTV, CoMo Connect, Lake Expo, Fidelity TV, Facebook and ROKU. On radio, the Shootout will be broadcast on COOL 102.7 FM around the Lake of the Ozarks.

While the weekend's races draw the biggest crowds, there are many Shootout events leading up to the high-octane weekend. Other events and activities include the Mini Shootout the weekend of August 16 and 17, featuring remote-controlled race boats that reach speeds upwards of 120 miles per hour near the springs of Ha Ha Tonka State Park; the "Run What Ya Brung" Poker Run takes place throughout the day on Friday, Aug. 16; a Shootout Treasure Hunt on Monday, Aug. 19 in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron's; the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on Tuesday, Aug. 20; and the Float Your Boat contest where participants build the most sea-worthy vessels exclusively out of cardboard and duct tape on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Race fans will have the opportunity to check out these impressive speed machines up close and in-person during the popular "Shootout on the Strip" meet and greet party along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 21. This street party runs from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. and is a great way to meet the captains and crews of each participating vessel and take in incredible engineering behind the participating powerboats. There also will be fun and entertaining activities for children.

One of the highlights of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the Wishing On A Ride program. For this event, powerboat captains donate their time to give special powerboat rides to over 150 children and adults from around the state with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions. Wishing On A Ride takes place from 12 noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18 at Redhead Yacht Club and Marina and Performance Boat Center in Osage Beach and again on Thursday, Aug. 22 at Dock Three at Captain Ron's. This program is sponsored by the Missouri-Kansas Make a Wish Foundation, Oak Star Bank and Shore Magazine.

"It's an amazing event," says Tiffany Maasen, the organizer of Wishing on a Ride. "We're able to help 'Make a Wish kids' break out of their day-to-day routine of doctor appointments and medical treatments by giving them a special experience. It's something remarkable and fun that not only the kids get to enjoy but their families, too. They get to enjoy it together and it's just awesome. It's incredible how everyone comes together - from our sponsors to the host families, local resorts and the boat drivers - to ensure our Wishing on a Ride families have the most wonderful time at the Lake of the Ozarks. It means so much to these families and the joy it brings them is priceless."

While the Shootout is one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks, it also has the distinction of being one of the most successful fundraisers for the Lake area. Last year, the Shootout donated over $300,000 to 32 local charities and eight fire departments. Since Captain Ron's began hosting the Shootout in 2008, the event has generated nearly $1.5 million dollars for local Lake of the Ozarks charities.

For complete details on the 2019 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of  activities , visit www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.com.  

For more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and lodging and dining options available at the Lake, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Paddle Around Lake of The Ozarks for On-The-Water Fun!

For many people that enjoy spending time outdoors, nothing says summertime like a leisurely paddle on the various and celebrated Ozark waterways. At Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, visitors can take their time exploring spring-fed tributaries as well as slow and secluded coves from paddleboards, kayaks, canoes or paddle boats.

While Lake of the Ozarks is regarded as one of the best boating and fishing lakes in the country, there are many other ways to have fun on the water, especially when it comes to paddling sports.

One of the many reasons the Lake of the Ozarks has been designated the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" is because it caters to paddlers of all types. The newest paddling sport to hit the Lake of the Ozarks is stand-up paddleboarding. Visitors of any skill level, from first-timers to the most seasoned pros, can get their paddles wet at a number of resorts, marinas and paddle-specific businesses.

"What makes the Lake of the Ozarks such a great paddling destination is that there are so many different coves," says Dave Bertels, co-owner of Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach. "There are many opportunities for paddlers to duck into different coves where the water is super smooth and paddle around and explore the unique scenery. And, on sunny days, it's nice to be able to run along the cliff faces to stay in the shade. You can dip in the water to cool down and then keep paddling. You don't always get those opportunities on different lakes or with different paddle craft."

For those wanting to learn how to paddleboard, the Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to start. There are a handful of businesses that not only rent paddleboards but also provide lessons for those new to the sport.  Super Dave's Paddle Craft Adventures in Sunrise Beach, Sunset Beach Resort's Adventure Boat Rentals in Camdenton and Wake Effects in Osage Beach all  make sure to set every guest up for success. Each paddleboard rental comes with personalized instructions for those that need it on how to safely and successfully get on the board, stand up on the board, how to paddle efficiently and how to control the board before vacationers make their way out into the quiet cove s to enjoy their newly acquired skill . Lessons can take anywhere from five to 15 minutes depending upon the customer, and, extra assistance and coaching are provided if necessary.

"The difference between an incredible day out on the water with a paddleboard and a really

frustrating one can be as simple as spending a few minutes to get comfortable with the board and having someone with experience show you what to do," says Bertels, who has taught nearly 15,000 people to paddleboard at the Lake of the Ozarks. "A little bit of quality instruction makes all the difference. Most people catch on really quickly and there's no slowing them down after that. They get it and then they're hooked. Helping people fall in love with paddleboarding is the best part of the job for me," Bertels concludes.

Anyone looking to take their paddleboard experience to another level can try Wake Effects' different paddleboard-based yoga and fitness classes, including an introductory class that teaches both how to paddleboard as well as how to do yoga on a paddleboard. For more details on Wake Effects' paddleboard yoga and fitness classes, visit   wakeeffects.com/paddle-rentals-sports/.

Of course, there are a variety of options for those more interested in kayaking or canoeing as well. In addition to the three businesses mentioned above, there are numerous places that help visitors get out on the water in a self-propelled fashion.

Mother Nature's River Retreat in Mack's Creek offers three options for scenic canoe floats down the Big Niangua River, one of the Lake of the Ozarks' spring-fed tributaries: a three-mile, four-mile or seven-mile float. Shuttle services also are available.

The area's two celebrated state parks offer kayak rentals and outstanding locations to paddle around. Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Missouri's largest and most visited state park, offers kayak, paddleboard and paddleboat rentals at the marina located at Public Beach #1 in Osage Beach. Once vacationers have their paddle craft, they can launch their vessels and spend the day exploring the park's Aquatic Trail, a nearly 10-mile stretch of water that runs from Grand Glaize Beach to the park's main campground. Buoys are placed at various Lake locations to mark this unique water trail and a  special corresponding Aquatic Trail interpretive map provides information about what boaters see at each stop. The diversity of the park and its natural communities are showcased with stops to view woodlands, glades, streams and geological structures. Boaters can learn how swallows use the bluffs in the park, how chert is formed and why glades are being lost to cedar invasion. The Aquatic Trail map is available at various locations in the park and is recommended before embarking on this on-the-water adventure.

At Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton, which was voted one of the best state parks in the nation by readers of USA Today, visitors can rent single or tandem kayaks from the park's visitor center. The park features launches and wonderful paddling opportunities at the Ha Ha Tonka Cove near Ha Ha Tonka Spring, Missouri's 12th largest natural spring. Paddlers can take in impressive views of the towering limestone bluffs as well as cool, clear blue waters of the spring. The cool, spring-fed water in the cove at Ha Ha Tonka is a popular spot for swimmers and paddlers at the Lake of the Ozarks.

All paddle craft rentals are generally based on an hourly rate, though some marinas and businesses offer half-day, full-day or weekly rates. Prices vary from business to business, so visitors may want to call ahead to check on prices and availability of rentals.

In addition to all the places mentioned above, many Lake of the Ozarks resorts rent a variety of watercraft for a fun day (or days) out on the water. Some even offer complimentary use of paddle craft for their guests. Visitors should check with the lodging properties of their choice to see what kind of vessels are available for their use. 

For a getaway of any length to the Lake of the Ozarks, the accommodations available are as varied as the shoreline around the Lake. Visitors will find full-service, luxury resorts; smaller, family-owned and operated resorts; spacious, multi-bedroom condominiums and vacation homes; charming bed and breakfasts; rustic cabins, campgrounds and RV parks in addition to well-known hotels and motels.

For more ways to have fun at the Lake of the Ozarks and to get information on additional events, year around attractions, and lodging and dining options available at the Lake, visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Celebrate the Beginning of Boating Season with The 22nd Annual Spring Harbor Hop!

The annual Spring Harbor Hop, Saturday, May 4, marks the beginning of the boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The Spring Harbor Hop, a highly-anticipated seasonal tradition at the Lake of the Ozarks, combines some of the best things about springtime in the area - warm weather, scenic beauty, boating, dining, live music and fun - along with the chance to win big prizes. 

According to Tim Jacobsen, executive director for the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Spring Harbor Hop brings out around 1,000 participants.

"The Spring Harbor Hop is a great way to kick off the spring season at the Lake of the Ozarks," Jacobsen says. "We typically have some beautiful weather and the trees and flowers in bloom along the shores of the Lake make for a wonderful spring Saturday. On top of that, you get to visit an outstanding variety of the area's most popular restaurants and marinas, enjoy some good food, great live music and have fun with your friends. It's something I look forward to every year."

Harbor Hop participants can travel by water or by land to their choice of over 40 lakeside restaurants, bars, resorts and marinas in order to complete the best poker hand (or hands). Hoppers must travel to at least seven different locations to draw cards, but can visit as many of the participating venues as they wish.

The rules of this poker hop are simple. Participants begin the Harbor Hop by making a suggested donation of $20 per hand and drawing their first card(s) at any of the participating venues. From there, six additional cards are obtained by visiting at least six additional Harbor Hop locations to draw one card, per hand, at each location. Once the seventh card is drawn, the hand is complete and turned in at the location where that card was drawn. In order to help improve the hand(s), one additional card per hand can be obtained at that same location for a $5 donation. 

The top 10 poker hands, as well as the four worst hands, will be awarded cash prizes. There will be 10 randomly selected winners as well. In order for a poker hand to be eligible for prizes, it must be turned in to one of the official Harbor Hop venues no later than 7 p.m. the day of the event. Winners will be notified by certified mail. In addition, there 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 13 mile marker on the Main Channel.
• Section III runs from the 13.5 mile marker to the 26 mile marker on the Main Channel.
• Section IV includes mile markers 28.5 through 38 on the Main Channel as well as the Big Niangua Arm.

Most of the Spring Harbor Hop locations open at 11 a.m., though some open as early as 9 a.m. Hours vary from location to location, so attendees should consult the list of locations and operating hours at www.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).

Additional events, as well as year around attractions and information on all lodging and dining options available at the Lake, can be found on the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com, or by calling 1-800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

Fireworks & Fun Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend 2018 at Lake of the Ozarks

Fireworks, festivities and live music add to the Lake of the Ozark's usual blend of fun on the water and on land during the Labor Day Weekend celebrations, Friday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sept. 3.

Multiple lake-area resorts host large-scale fireworks displays throughout the weekend as a colorful send-off to the summer tourist season.

Bear Bottom Resort, located at 123 Bear Bottom Drive in Sunrise Beach, will entertain guests throughout the three-day holiday celebration with live music featuring the country-rock sounds of  Dirt Road Addiction from 7-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday, Bear Bottom features the impressive vocal performances of ChristiAna also from 7-11 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday nights, the resort will light up the sky with professional fireworks beginning  at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks also can be viewed from the water at the 38 Mile Marker of the Osage Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. To find out more about the resort's holiday weekend activities or to reserve lodging for the festivities, call 573-374-6905 or visit www.BearBottomResort.com .

Tan-Tar-A Resort, at 494 Tan Tar A Drive in Osage Beach, will host its annual "End of Summer Celebration" from Friday, Aug. 31 through Sunday, Sept. 2. On Friday evening, guests can enjoy free face painting and free popcorn in the main lobby of the resort. There also will be s'mores and a bonfire outside on Windgate Plaza from 8-9:30 p.m. Throughout the day on Saturday, there will be a mini-golf extravaganza with a chance to win passes to the arcade and/or bowling alley, an all-American burger cookout at the lakeside pool from 12-6 p.m. as well as a variety of fun games and contests. Cody West performs live music from 7-10 p.m. at the Tiki Hut Pool Bar. Sunday's schedule of activities includes more mini-golf fun, limbo and hula-hoop contests, an all-American burger cookout, and visits from Uncle Sam the Stilt Walker and Sprinkles the Clown. Live music featuring the acoustic sounds of Grayson Wood will take place in Mr. D's Lounge from 9-11:30 p.m. Tan-Tar-A's festive weekend is capped off on Sunday evening with a huge fireworks display beginning at dusk. Fireworks can be viewed from the resort or from the Lake at the 26 Mile Marker on the Lake main channel. In addition, the Tropic Island luxury yacht, which docks at Tan-Tar-A's marina, will have a sunset Lake cruise to watch the resort's fireworks. The cruise boards at 7:00 p.m., departs the marina at 7:30 p.m. and returns following the fireworks shortly after 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the cruise cost $30 per person and include light appetizers.  Children three years of age and under are free. To book the Tropic Island fireworks cruise, call 573-348-0083. For complete details on Tan-Tar-A Resort's weekend activities or to make lodging reservations, call 573-348-3131 or visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com.

Aside from the Tropic Island, there will be two other opportunities to see fireworks from a luxury yacht. On Saturday, Sept. 1, visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks can enjoy a scenic sunset cruise complete with fireworks on the Celebration II. This vessel docks and departs from 1006 Bagnell Dam Boulevard, near Bagnell Dam on the historic "Strip" in Lake Ozark. And, on Sunday, Sept. 2, the original Celebration cruises from its Grand Glaize location, 5085 Davis Drive in Osage Beach, to enjoy the fireworks from that section of the Lake. Boarding for both Celebration cruises will be at 7 p.m. with departure at 7:30 p.m. Each vessel will return to its marina at approximately 10 p.m. following the fireworks, which will take place around 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for children from 3-10 years of age and free for kids under 3 years. To purchase tickets or to learn more about the two Celebration yachts, call 573-480-3212 or visit www.CruiseLakeoftheOzarks.com.

On Sunday, Sept. 2, The Lodge of Four Seasons, 315 Four Seasons Drive in Lake Ozark, hosts their "Family Labor Day Festival" for guests of the resort. For children, there's an indoor carnival with free activities in the Campana Hall from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. featuring games and contests as well as a cookie decorating station. There also will be waterslides outside on the lawn. During the carnival, there will be hot dogs and sweet treats available for purchase. For the adults, there will be wine samplings at HK's Restaurant from 1-3 p.m. And, there will be happy hour specials at Breezes from 4-6 p.m. and happy hour specials in the Lobby Bar from 10 p.m. until midnight. There will be water-focused activities throughout the day at the resort's cloverleaf pool and a barbecue buffet in Breezes from 4-9 p.m. The Lodge's spectacular fireworks begin at dusk and can be seen from the resort or by water at the 13 Mile Marker on the main channel of the Lake. To learn more about The Lodge of Four Seasons or to make reservations for lodging for the holiday weekend, visit www.4SeasonsResort.com.

Elsewhere on Sunday, fireworks at the Inn at Grand Glaize, 5142 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach, will begin at dusk and will be viewable by land at the Inn or by water at the 1 Mile Marker of the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake. For additional details on the holiday activities taking place at the Inn, or to make lodging reservations, visitwww.InnAtGrandGlaize.com.

If a vacationer's idea of a great holiday getaway consists of live music, there are several concerts taking place over the extended weekend.

The Horny Toad Entertainment Complex at  Camden on the Lake Resort, 

located at 2359 Bittersweet Road in Lake Ozark, hosts its annual "Contagious Labor Day Weekend," with repeat nightly live performances from one of the Lake-area's favorite  bands, Contagious. This full-service resort has a well-earned reputation for hosting great bands and great parties. Labor Day weekend will be no exception. The celebration kicks off on Friday and continues through Sunday night. Contagious, hailing from St. Louis, will play on the outdoor boardwalk stage overlooking the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Contagious performs contemporary and classic hits from a wide array of popular artists spanning the decades. The music starts at 9 p.m. and concludes around midnight on all three nights. For more weekend details or to book a stay, visit www.CamdenOnTheLake.com.

Ozarks Amphitheater, the 10,000-seat outdoor music venue located at 2629 North Business Route 5 near Camdenton, celebrates Labor Day Weekend by welcoming back Aaron Lewis on Saturday, Sept. 1. Lewis, a Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum-selling recording artist, will be joined by country music star Drake White and up-and-coming country-rocker Alec Davis. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $30. On Sunday, Sept. 2, for fans of the Netflix original series, "Ozark," the amphitheater hosts a free marathon watch party to celebrate the release of the second season of this gritty crime drama. The open-air screening begins at 12 noon and runs until the tenth episode is complete. Binge-watchers can expect to pay $10 for all-day parking and concessions will be available on-site . The Emmy-nominated show is intended for mature audiences and tells the fictional story of the Byrde family and stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney.  For additional information or to order tickets for the Aaron Lewis concert, and/or to learn more about the free screening of "Ozark," visit www.OzarksAmp.com.

This is a highlight of some of the fun that awaits visitors at the "Best Recreational Lake in the Nation" over the upcoming holiday weekend.

For all attractions, events, as well as all lodging options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit  the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau 's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com. Or, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

30th Annual Lake Of The Ozarks Shootout Promises Fast Boats & Fun Times at The Lake

Some of the world's fastest boats will be in Central Missouri for two days of speed and nine days of entertaining events during the 30th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, August 18-26.

Heralded as one of the "must-see boating events" in the country by Powerboat Magazine, the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is the largest unsanctioned boat racing event in the nation. Over 100,000 spectators turn out for the Shootout each year to witness  some of the fastest offshore powerboats in the world race individually to see who can clock the fastest speed as they compete for the coveted honor of "Top Gun."

According to Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau, the Shootout is a fun and exciting family-friendly event.

"The Shootout is certainly one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks and for a good reason," Jacobsen says. "It's an event that's unique to our lake and it's an amazing experience to see these incredibly fast boats fly across the water and hit top speeds of over 200 mph. And, the atmosphere at Captain Ron's is great. Everyone in attendance gets pumped up and cheers for the boats as they try to break the speed record. It really is a 'must-see' event."

The Shootout, celebrating its 30th anniversary, brings in about 100 boats to compete for top honors along the lake race course in front of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. Captain Ron's is located on Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach or the 34.5 Mile Marker by water. Last year, the American Ethanol powerboat was awarded the overall "Top Gun" honor for the third year running after its best run clocked in at 204 mph. The eight-person American Ethanol team will be back again this year to defend their title and try to break the current Shootout speed record of 244 mph, set in 2014 by the Spirit of Qatar.

"There's a lot of excitement with it being the 30th anniversary," says Ron Duggan, the event coordinator and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "Because of that we're expecting a larger crowd for the weekend. We also have some big name competitors signed up to race this year, so it's going to be really exciting and a great show for the crowd."

The races take place on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26 along the official three-fourths-of-a-mile-long track. There will be nearly 70 different race divisions with over 10 Top Gun class winners named over the course of the weekend. Divisions include professional, non-professional and manufacturer classes, among others.

Saturday's activities get underway with personal water craft races from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by the official opening ceremonies and national anthem at 9:45 a.m. The powerboat races begin after the opening ceremonies and continue until 5 p.m. Between powerboat races there also will be a powerboat parade by the local marine dealers as well as acrobatic aerial performances by Brian Correll Airshows. From 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., there will be a vendor village selling various goods and souvenirs and a racing village with the latest and greatest in performance engines and accessories on display. There will be over 60 different exhibitors present and both villages are open to the public. After Saturday's races conclude, there will be live music at Captain Ron's by Fat Mike and the Bartenders followed by Members Only. DJ Kyle will close out the evening after Members Only. The music will run from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.

On Sunday, the vendor and racing villages will open at 9 a.m. and the high-octane action picks up with races taking place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.  The presentation of the 2018 "Top Gun" honors will take place during the awards ceremony at 4 p.m.

Many spectators choose to get a front row seat for the races by tying up their boats along the course outside of Captain Ron's. There are typically around 6,000 boats filled with onlookers cheering on the powerboats. On land, visitors can view the races on televisions at Captain Ron's. And, those who can't make it in person can watch live online at www.KRMSradio.com . 

Although the weekend races are certainly the largest draw, there are many other events that lead up to the action-packed weekend. Other activities and events include the Mini-Shootout the weekend of August 18 and 19 in the Ha Ha Tonka cove in Camdenton, which features remote-controlled boat races; the Great Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Treasure Hunt on August 20 in the sandy beaches at Captain Ron's; a Shootout Volleyball Tournament also at Captain Ron's on August 21 and the Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony takes place at Cannon Smoked Saloon in Sunrise Beach on August 21.

The Shootout on the Strip meet and greet party takes place along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark the evening of August 22. The meet and greet is a great opportunity for the public to peek inside these incredible racing machines and meet the captains and crews of each participating vessel. There also will be fun and entertaining activities for children as well.

In addition, the heart-warming Wish Upon a Ride event takes place on August 23 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. at dock three at Captain Ron's. For Wish Upon A Ride, powerboat captains donate their time to give special powerboat rides to over 150 children and adults with disabilities and/or serious medical conditions providing them with an incredibly memorable experience that brings smiles to their faces as well as their families'.

There's the popular on-the-water poker run on August 24 with registration and breakfast running from 7:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Big Thunder Marina in Gravois Mills. The poker run concludes at Shady Gators Bar and Grill in Lake Ozark, at 6 p.m. At the completion of the poker run there will be a dinner and award ceremony as well.

Over the years, the Shootout has become one of the most popular summer events at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as one of the most successful fundraisers for the community. Last year, the Shootout donated $200,000 to 28 local charities and eight fire departments. Duggan is hoping to surpass that figure for 2018 and he's proud to say that in the 10 years the Shootout has been held at Captain Ron's, they've generated $1.43 million for local Lake of the Ozarks charities.

For complete details on the 2018 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of  activities , visit   www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org .  

For additional attractions, events as well as all lodging and dining options available at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit  the  Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's award-winning website,  www.FunLake.com.  Or, call   800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253).

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE SUMMER SEASON AT CENTRAL MISSOURI'S LAKE OF THE OZARKS

Although the first day of summer is officially June 20, Memorial Day Weekend has traditionally marked the start of the summer season at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks.  As the days grow longer and the weather continues to warm, the action at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation really begins to heat up. Read on for more information on the area's Memorial Day Weekend celebrations.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, MAY 27-29, 2016

Many resorts host professional fireworks displays to start their busy season with a bang. Resort guests and visitors to the area are welcome to enjoy the festivities by either land or by water.

Old Kinderhook Golf Resort in Camdenton invites the public to join them for their annual Fireworks Fun Fest from 5-9 pm. Admission to this sparkling spectacle is free and features live musical entertainment from Slick Nickel; bounce houses, clowns, face painting and games for the kids; an "All-American" cookout, which will be available for $13; and fireworks at dusk. For more information, visit www.OldKinderhook.com.

Two Lake-area resorts will put on professional pyrotechnic displays for visitors on Saturday, May 28. The fireworks at the Inn at Grand Glaize, located in Osage Beach, will begin at dusk and will be viewable by land at the Inn or by water at the 1 mile marker of the Grand Glaize Arm of the Lake. Bear Bottom Resort, located in Sunrise Beach, will feature live music by Money for Nothing followed by fireworks at 9:45 pm. And, on Sunday, May 29, the celebration continues at Bear Bottom with a double-concert featuring Money for Nothing and the return of country music star Matt Stillwell. There will be a second fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. on Sunday as well. For more information about the Inn at Grand Glaize and its fireworks, visit www.InnAtGrandGlazie.com; and for more details about the events at Bear Bottom Resort, including musical performance times, check out www.BearBottomResort.com.

Tan-Tar-A Resort celebrates Memorial Day with a weekend full of festivities for their hotel guests. Visitors can look forward to live music, cookouts, miniature golf, fun games and contests (limbo, hula hoop, watermelon eating) for the kids, a scavenger hunt, swim-up movies, cosmic bowling and more. The resort's fireworks take place at dusk on Sunday evening, May 29. For more information, visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com, or call 573-348-3131. Also, those who would like to see Tan-Tar-A's fireworks display on the water, but don't have a boat, can reserve a spot on the Tropic Island luxury cruise yacht. Make reservations by calling the Tropic Island at 573-348-0083 and view their website at www.tropicislandcruises.com. This cruise fills up fast, so travelers should reserve their spots early.

The Lodge of Four Seasons will also be hosting a large-scale fireworks display on Sunday beginning at dusk.  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.

For more information on all Memorial Day Weekend events, as well as Lake Area lodging, dining, attractions, golf and more, visit www.FunLake.com.