Lake of the Ozarks Music Scene In Full Swing This Summer

On any given weekend during the summer, visitors to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks will find a wide array of musical performances taking place around the area. Many of the Lake's resorts and 200 eateries and night spots showcase local musicians as well as some more renowned acts, because what's a trip to the Lake without a little music and sunshine? It doesn't matter what genre a visitor is looking for, whether it be rock and roll, blues, country or bluegrass, the Lake of the Ozarks always strikes the perfect chord.  Below is a highlight of some of the musical acts coming to four of the Lake's larger outdoor stages this summer. H. TOAD'S AT CAMDEN ON THE LAKE RESORT, LAKE OZARK H. Toad's Bar and Grill at Camden on the Lake Resort, Spa and Yacht Club features live music on two separate stages, one indoors and one outdoors, every weekend. In the past, H. Toad's entertainment complex has featured well known acts like Cheap Trick, Molly Hatchet, Nelly, Dr. Zhivagas, the American Hitman Band, as well as many popular local bands. Over Memorial Day Weekend, H. Toad's hosts Contagious, dubbed one of the best party bands in the Midwest, for three consecutive nights on their outdoor stage, May 27-29. This summer, H.Toad's, which was just voted the "Best Entertainment on the Water" by readers of Lake Lifestyles Magazine, will host at least four live performances every weekend. The event schedule is too packed to list all of the bands performing, so for a complete calendar of upcoming shows, please visit www.HToads.com. OZARKS AMPHITHEATER, CAMDENTON This 10,000-seat open-air music venue celebrated its grand reopening in mid-June 2015 with its first annual summer concert series featuring many big name bands, including the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Guess Who, Tracy Lawrence, Warrant and others.  This summer, the owners and operators, who also have experience at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater outside of Denver, Col., have more in store for music lovers as they kick off their second annual concert series Memorial Day Weekend with a show headlined by GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum-selling recording artist Aaron Lewis on Sunday, May 29. The show will open with Andrew Stratman and CristiAna, with a special appearance by the Army National Guard. On Saturday, June 11, one of the most influential bands of the '90s, the Gin Blossoms, and their signature "jangle pop" sound will be on full display. The amphitheater hosts two of country music's biggest names in July and August. The Country Music Award-winning Eli Young Band headlines on Saturday, July 23. Nationally renowned Parmalee bring their North Carolina-based Southern country-rock music to the Ozarks stage on Saturday, Aug. 6. The 2016 summer series hits a crescendo as the legendary "Motor City Madman" Ted Nugent and special guests Head East wrap up the party on Saturday, Aug. 12. For tickets and more information on the upcoming performers and/or the venue, please visit www.OzarksAmp.com, or call 573-346-0000. PICKLEHEAD'S ROADHOUSE, SUNRISE BEACH Picklehead's Road House is one of the Lake of the Ozarks' newest music venues and immediately put its stamp on the local music scene last year as it hosted Head East, Bret Michaels and 38 Special, and more. Picklehead's boasts a four-story entertainment complex complete with a large outdoor stage, multiple dining options and a zip line.  Picklehead's summer season gets underway with a jam-packed Memorial Day Weekend as they host Members Only on Friday, May 27; a double-bill featuring Madd Hoss Jackson followed by Blackberry Smoke on Saturday, May 28; and, on Sunday, May 29, Drew Baldridge headlines a free, all-ages show beginning at 8 p.m. In mid-June, the MidCoast BikeFest rolls into town. This weekend will be packed with custom motorcycles, contests and live music, including Shannon Curfman of Kid Rock as well as local heavyweights Shaman's Harvest on June 17. On June 18, attendees can look forward to performances by Adairs Run followed by the Bellamy Brothers. The weekend will also feature several special guests, including emcee "Goat," as well as bartenders from the famous Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, South Dakota. To celebrate America's Independence Day, Picklehead's will host two double-bills on Friday and Saturday.  Lenny Cooper and Colt Ford will entertain audiences on Saturday, July 2, and, on July 3, Brushville and Backroad Anthem close out the weekend with a free, all-ages show. For aficionados of one of America's most beloved musical genres, the blues, Picklehead's will be the place to be on Saturday, July 23. The 2016 Blues Festival features the Norman Jackson Band, Steve Smith and the Sneakers, E.D. Anderson, Steepwater Band and Davy Knowles. Music begins at 1 p.m. To view Picklehead's complete event schedule, or to order tickets and get more information on the venue, visit www.PickleheadsRoadHouse.com. SHAWNEE BLUFF VINEYARD, ELDON Shawnee Bluff Vineyard is situated on 40 scenic acres of rolling pastures lined with rows of grapevines and is a year-around destination for Lake visitors wanting to sample some of the area's best wines. But, during the summer months, many flock to the Vineyard not just for the fruits of its labor, but for its musical performances.  Shawnee Bluff's annual outdoor concert series has been both a highlight and staple at the Lake of the Ozarks for years and always brings in some of the biggest names in country and classic rock for select weekends throughout the season. The 2016 summer series features the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, famous for their monster hit, "Fishing in the Dark," on June 3. Country music sweetheart Lorrie Morgan graces the stage on July 15. The multi-award-winning country star Mickey Gilley plays his famous hits on August 19, and the legendary Charlie Daniels Band returns to the Vineyard on August 26. The summer series concludes with two shows in September, featuring the raucous rockabilly sounds of Reverend Horton Heat on September 10 and the sweet harmonies of The Oak Ridge Boys on September 23.  Aside from these notable acts, Shawnee Bluff Vineyard also features local artists every Sunday throughout the summer and their second location, Shawnee Bluff Winery in Lake Ozark, features live music every weekend throughout the year. For more information on both locations - the Vineyard and the Winery - as well as a full events calendar, visit www.ShawneeBluffWinery.com. For a complete list of concerts and other family-friendly events taking place at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the Nation, 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. Visitors can also find a wealth of information about the different lodging facilities, 200 restaurants and bars and other Lake-area attractions on the CVB's website as well.

Lake of the Ozarks Holiday Events, Attractions and Information for 2015

The holiday season is a joyous time of coming together and celebrating with friends and family. But, sometimes the stress of planning parties and meals and frantic last-minute trips to crowded markets can make the season lose its luster. The activities and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks can be just the thing to breathe new life into seasonal traditions. The Lake offers family and friends the opportunity to relax, reconnect and even add a little extra spice to their holidays. Thanksgiving is especially festive at the Lake of the Ozarks as many of the businesses around the area get into the holiday spirit. Several resorts and hotels offer bountiful Thanksgiving meals with all the trimmings, but without the hassles of cooking and cleaning up. The Lodge of Four Seasons and Camden on the Lake Resort, both located in Lake Ozark, as well as The Inn at Grand Glaize in Osage Beach, will have full-blown Thanksgiving buffets on Thursday, Nov. 26. To make reservations for overnight stays, Thanksgiving meals and other activities, contact The Lodge of Four Seasons, call 800-THE-LAKE or visit  www.4SeasonsResort.com; for Camden on the Lake, call 888-365-5620 or visit www.CamdenOnTheLake.com; for The Inn at Grand Glaize, visit www.InnAtGrandGlaize.com or call 800-348-4731.  Tan-Tar-A Resort, located in Osage Beach, will host its Winter Holiday Festival over Thanksgiving weekend. Guests and the general public can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner buffet on Thursday, Nov. 26 along with a bonfire, sing-along, comedy show, visits with Santa Claus, a ceremonious lighting of the resort's wealth of Christmas decorations and tram rides throughout the resort property that evening. For guests staying at the resort, the entire holiday weekend is packed with activities, including a "Midnight Madness" shuttle to the Osage Beach Premium Outlets, "Black Friday" sales at Tan-Tar-A, a Turkey Trot 5k race, stations for writing letters to Santa, a duck drop race at the resort's indoor water park, tailgate parties, a scavenger hunt for the kids and additional holiday tram tours. To make reservations for lodging or the Thanksgiving day meal, visit www.Tan-Tar-A.com or call 800-826-8272. Guests at Old Kinderhook Resort can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, Nov. 26 at The Trophy Room; and on Friday, Nov. 27, the resort will transform into a Christmas "village." The new village will be open to the public on weekends until December 20 and will feature Santa Claus and story-telling elves, carolers, s'mores, gingerbread house-making stations and horse-drawn carriage rides. Small fees may apply for some activities. Old Kinderhook's new outdoor ice rink will be open to all visitors that want to do some holiday skating. For reservations for lodging and Thanksgiving dinner at Old Kinderhook, or for more details on their holiday offerings and prices, call 573-317-3560 or visit www.OldKinderhook.com. One of the Lake's most popular and enduring holiday traditions involves the area's different drive-through light parks. Admission to the light parks is free, but donations are welcome.  The Lake's largest light park, The Enchanted Village of Lights, meanders through 27 acres of the Laurie Fairgrounds and is celebrating its 22nd season of warming hearts. The Enchanted Village opens on November 20 and runs through January 2. The light park is open daily from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on weekdays and closes at 10 p.m. on weekends. Complete details can be found at www.CityofLaurie.com/EnchantedLights. Also in Laurie, just a mile from the Enchanted Village on Highway 5, is the Festival of Lights at the Shrine of Saint Patrick. Started in 1981, the festival is now in its 32nd year and has continued to grow each season, with thousands of lights decorating the buildings and grounds. The site is the home of the National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church, so this display focuses on Jesus and His mother, Mary. The St. Patrick Festival of Lights will be open daily from 6-10 p.m. from Thanksgiving through January 1. Learn more at www.ShrineOfStPatrick.org. Versailles joins the lighting celebration from Nov. 26 through Jan. 1 with its own Unity Circle of Lights, featuring 40 lighted holiday exhibits in the city park, at the junction of Highways 5 and 52 in Morgan County. In Osage Beach, the city park and many businesses along Osage Beach Parkway will be dressed in holiday lights from November 28 through January 3. And, on December 12, children of all ages can meet Santa Claus from 3-5 p.m. at the Osage Beach city park. For more information, visit www.OsageBeach.org. Other fun holiday events around the Lake include the City of Eldon's "Home for the Holidays" celebration on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21, consisting of a holiday parade, face painting, craft-making stations, dance performances, live concerts from the Eldon High School Jazz Band and Chamber Choir, and, of course, a visit from Santa.  The City of Versailles' "Olde Fashioned Christmas on the Square," which takes place from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28 in its historic downtown, features many craft and food vendors, live choir performances, a silent auction and an appearance by Old Saint Nick. Also on November 28, visitors can watch a processions of fun floats decked out in lights during the 14th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade in Laurie. Children of all ages can enjoy Breakfast with Santa on December 5 and 12 at HK's Restaurant located on property at The Lodge of Four Seasons. Camdenton offers a day of family fun at Christmas on the Square, December 5. This all-day event features food, games, gifts and, of course, a visit from the season's guest of honor - Santa. In addition, on December 12, Lake Ozark celebrates its 31st "Christmas Magic" parade, which will wind along the historic Bagnell Dam Boulevard. Following the parade, families can join Santa's Caravan, by meeting Santa at Prewitt's Point and following his sleigh to Bagnell Dam. Children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and receive a free stocking stuffed with goodies from the merry-maker himself.  For more information on these and other holiday events around the Lake, visit the event calendar at www.FunLake.com. Another popular Lake of the Ozarks tradition is taking in all the sights and sounds of "Christmas on Mainstreet," an annual presentation by the talented performers of the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach. The show is designed to be a treat for all in attendance with beautifully decorated sets, glamorous costumes, special effects, musical impersonations, comedy skits and the best songs of the season. The Main Street Music Hall audience will enjoy every style of holiday music, from the latest in contemporary songs to favorite Christmas hymns and carols. The show is offered Tuesdays through Sundays, beginning Nov. 27 and continuing through Dec. 20. To order tickets and to get more information, including show dates and times, as well as ticket prices, call the Main Street Music Hall box office at 800-348-9501 or visit www.LakeMusicHall.com. Those looking for the perfect gifts for their friends and loved ones will appreciate the wide variety of shops available at the Lake. Osage Beach Premium Outlets, the largest outlet mall in Missouri with 110 name brand stores, offers extended hours and special savings throughout the season to make holiday gift-buying easier.  In addition, the boutique stores found at The Landing on Main Street, a picturesque Victorian-themed village, offer gifts for the home, unique clothing, jewelry and other personal items, as well as homemade confections.  Antique shops are packed with treasures from the past and handmade crafts.  For more information about shopping at the Lake, click on the "shopping" tab at www.FunLake.com. Visitors to the Lake can also ring in the New Year in style as area resorts offer dining specials and festive overnight packages complete with live music, dancing, champagne toasts at midnight and more. Call your favorite lodging property to ask about their New Year's Eve specials. Whether coming to the Lake to enjoy festive lighting displays, check items off the holiday gift list or to escape the demands of the season, the Lake's lodging properties offer the gift of off-season savings.  Winter and holiday special lodging rates are some of the lowest of the year at Lake-area resorts, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, condos, vacation homes, campgrounds and RV parks.  In some cases, travelers can save as much as 40 percent off in-season rates and give themselves the gift of a good night's rest and relaxation. For a complete list of lodging options, visit www.FunLake.com. To find out about all the fun holiday events, year-around attractions as well as dining and accommodations at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website www.FunLake.com.

The 30th Annual Fall Harbor Hop

One of the best ways to take in the beautiful fall foliage lining the 1,150 miles of shoreline at the Lake of the Ozarks is, of course, by boat. Visitors and locals alike will have another opportunity to cruise the Lake, enjoy the colorful seasonal transition and win big prize money, during the landmark 30th anniversary of the Fall Harbor Hop poker run on Saturday, October 10th.  The goal of this semi-annual event is for participants 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). Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, says that the Fall Harbor is always a fun event and brings out approximately 2,500 people excited to extend the boating season into the fall. "We have many groups of people who come back year after year for the Harbor Hop. Everyone has a good time, and, really, it's just a great excuse to get out on the Lake and enjoy the wonderful scenery."  Jacobsen also says it's a good way for visitors and locals alike to discover new restaurants and bars in the Lake area and make some new friends along the way. And, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Fall Harbor Hop, every participant will receive a free vinyl waterproof phone case compliments of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association. "We just want to commemorate this milestone and thank everyone for participating and making it such a great event." 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. For those that want to participate but don't have a boat, Playin' Hooky Water Taxi and Charters is offering a Harbor Hop Cruise where visitors will be chauffeured to many of the Harbor Hop stops. Playin' Hooky departs from the Millstone Marina in Gravois Mill. The cruise costs $40 per person and will leave the dock at noon and return at 6 pm. To book a place on the charter, visit PlayinHookyAtTheLake.com. There are also many marinas around the Lake area where visitors can rent boats by the hour, day or longer. Harbor Hop prizes will be awarded to the top 10 poker hands, as well as the four worst hands and 10 randomly selected players. 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 am, though some open as early as 9 am. All eligible hands must be turned in by 7 pm. However, because hours vary from location to location, "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). To find out more about all the fun events and attractions, as well as dining and accommodations at the "Best Recreational Lake" in the nation, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website www.FunLake.com.

POWERBOATS COMPETE FOR "TOP GUN" HONORS AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS SHOOTOUT

Thousands of spectators will flock to Captain Ron's Bar & Grill, located at Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach, to witness the thrill and excitement of pure speed as some of the world's fastest powerboats race against the clock during the 27th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout. The Shootout consists of ten action-packed days of racing-themed activities and celebrations, beginning Friday, Aug. 21, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 30. This wildly popular annual event features all types of watercraft racing individually against the radar gun. Ranging from remote-controlled boats to personal watercraft to power boats and offshore racing boats, some competitors will exceed speeds of over 200 miles per hour. The largest unsanctioned boat race in the country, the Shootout attracts between 75,000 to 100,000 people from across the US to witness some of the top offshore racing powerboats in the world compete for the coveted honor of "Top Gun." Powerboat Magazine lists it as one of eight "must-see" boating events, and the magazine's readers have voted it the number one race in the nation. "I'm really excited for this year's races," says Ron Duggan, event organizer and owner of Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. "We've added several new classes, so we'll see even more boats and we will have the most competition for the "Top Gun" award than ever before. It will be a great show for the crowds." Last year, The Spirit of Qatar, captained by Sheikh Hassan, claimed the 2014 "Top Gun" trophy with a run clocking in at 244 mph, crushing the standing Shootout speed record by 20 mph. Hassan's run beat the previous record, which was set in 2013 by Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe of the Canadian racing team, My Way. The Canadians' once-record breaking run of 224 mph was expected to hold up for years. "If you really want to see fast boats, Sunday's races are the time to be here," Duggan says.  "All the adjustments have been made from Saturday's races and the teams show up ready to run." Racing spectators can experience the action from televisions at Captain Ron's, from the decks of the cruise boat Celebration or by tying up along the course as part of the Shootout's flotilla of thousands of boats. "We generally have around 6,000 boats lining the course to watch the races. It's quite the spectacle," adds Duggan. Although the races are the main attraction, the Shootout is all about giving back to the community. Close to 700 hundred volunteers serve over seven thousand hours to ensure the success of the event's activities, which generate generous donations to 32 area charities, including six local fire protection districts. Last year, the Shootout generated $125,000 for local charities and Duggan has set his sights on raising $150,000 this year.  "It really says a lot about our community," Duggan says. "It's simply amazing to have so many people donate so much of their time and money to make this such an enjoyable event and a great fundraiser for our local charities. That's what it's all about." Captain Ron's Bar and Grill in Sunrise Beach is hosting the event for the eighth year. For complete details on the 2015 Shootout, including information on lodging and parking as well as a full schedule of activities, visit  www.LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org. Following is a schedule of the 2015 Shootout events and activities. SHOOTOUT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2015 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout activities are open to the public, though many require registration for participants. Details about registering and attending any of the week's events can be found at LakeOfTheOzarksShootout.org. AUGUST 15 Shootout PWC Dam Poker Run This personal watercraft (PWC) run offers an opportunity to explore the scenic views along the upper mile markers of Lake Ozark. The run begins at 8 a.m. at Surdyke Yamaha, 5863 Osage Beach Parkway in Osage Beach (26 mile marker on the Osage Arm). PWC riders will experience the calm waters and beautiful scenery on the 130-mile journey to Truman Dam and back.  Along the way, they will make pit stops at lakeside restaurants and marinas for fuel, refreshments and playing cards for a poker hand. The After Party takes place at Shorty Pants Lounge, 1680 Autumn Road in Osage Beach (21.6 mile marker by water), to compare poker hands and award prizes. Entry donation is $150 per PWC, $10 for each additional passenger and $25 for one extra poker hand. Participants can register at www.SurdykeYamaha.com. AUGUST 21 Second Annual Lil' Boat and Pontoon Poker Run Sponsored by Border X'pressions, this run is for boats and pontoons 32 feet and under.  This poker run features "dual starting points," with starting points on both sides of the Lake and a finish point in the middle.  For more information, or to enter, visit lakeoftheozarksshootout.org/lilboatpontoon.html. AUGUST 21-23  Sixth Annual Mini Shootout  Held at Papa Chubby's, which is located by land at 820 Serene Valley in Sunrise Beach, or by water at the 26 mile marker, the Mini Shootout features remote-controlled boats up to six feet long, traveling at speeds up to 100 mph.  Friday night, Aug. 21, features registration and a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., with musical entertainment from 6-11 p.m.  On Saturday, Aug. 22, practice runs take place from 9 a.m. until noon, with lunch and open swimming from noon until 1 p.m.  Splash runs and the Bounty Race take place from 1-5 p.m., with musical entertainment from 7-11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, features bracket racing, exhibition races and "Powder Puff" racing from 9 a.m. until noon. Lunch and open swimming are available from12-1 p.m. From 1-4 p.m., racing includes class runs, Top Gun racing and the Bounty Race. An awards ceremony and celebration will follow the racing. AUGUST 23  Old Kinderhook & Manor Roofing Present the 2015 Shootout Benefit Golf Tournament  2015 is the seventh year for this tournament, played at Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, 20 Eagle Ridge Road, west of Camdenton. The tournament begins with registration and lunch at noon, followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start.  Players may register by calling the Old Kinderhook Pro Shop at 573-317-3573.  Proceeds benefit the Shootout charities. AUGUST 24 LakeExpo.com Presents The Great Shootout Treasure Hunt  Captain Ron's hosts a hunt for treasure in the sand at Cannonball Beach from 5-8 p.m. Participants dig in the sand for treasure chests, one of which contains the grand prize. Captain Ron's is at Lake Road 5-50 in Sunrise Beach, or at the 34.5 mile marker by water. All proceeds benefit the Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center. Tickets for the treasure hunt can be purchased for $20 each at Captain Ron's or Cannon Smoked Saloon, or by calling Cara Gerdiman of Kids Harbor at 573-348-6886. AUGUST 25 Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner Join race enthusiasts and special guests at the annual Shootout Hall of Fame dinner at 5:30 p.m. at the Stables at Cannon Smoked Saloon.  Visit the Shootout website for reservations.  AUGUST 25  Shootout Volleyball Tournament Captain Ron's hosts a volleyball tournament from 4-8 p.m., with live musical entertainment.  Register for the tournament at Captain Ron's or plan to come cheer on the teams and enjoy the entertainment. AUGUST 26 Shootout on The Strip Meet and Greet Wheels and Waves presents this opportunity for fans to see the boats up close and meet the drivers along the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, where most of the race's drivers will show off their rigs from 2-10 p.m.  There will be vendor booths and activities for the kids, so attendees can enjoy the day and also vote for their favorites in the "Sharpest Shooter" contest. AUGUST 27 "Make-A-Wish" Powerboat Rides, sponsored by First National Bank At this special event, racers donate their time and their boats to provide the "ride of a lifetime" to children with disabilities or serious illnesses and their families. Boat rides will be given from noon until 4 p.m. and will depart from Dock #3 at Captain Ron's. Families can register for the rides by contacting Tiffany Riemann at 573-368-1177 or tiffany@lakeareaindustries.org. AUGUST 27 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Charity Auction Performance Boat Center, 1650 Yacht Club Drive in Osage Beach, hosts the annual Lake of the Ozarks Charity Auction. A silent auction runs from 5-7 p.m. with a live auction beginning at 7 p.m. The auctions are open to the public and attendees will have the opportunity to bid on all kinds of great items, including boats and docks, sports memorabilia, gift certificates, as well as golf, travel and dining packages. Proceeds from the auctions go to benefit the local Shootout charities, including several Lake-area fire-rescue teams. For more information about the auction, visit www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.org/auction.html. AUGUST 27 Stereo Shootout Bragging rights for the biggest and best stereos are on the line at the Stereo Shootout at Camden on the Lake, 2359 Bittersweet Road, Lake Ozark (7 mile marker by water) from 6-8:30 p.m. Check the Shootout website for more information about this event, presented by Waves and Wheels. AUGUST 28 Poly-Lift Poker Run From 10:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., participants will try to get the best poker hand at locations around the Lake, beginning at Backwater Jack's, 4341 Beach Drive, Osage Beach (17 mile marker by water) and ending at Captain Ron's. Registration will be held the day before the run at Performance Boat Center, or beginning at 8 a.m. at Backwater Jack's on the day of the run. Entry fees begin at $200 and registration forms are available on the Shootout website. AUGUST 29 Shootout Racing Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. on Aug. 29 at Captain Ron's. The Racer Village and vendor booths, located at Captain Ron's, are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Racing begins with personal watercraft races at 8:30 a.m. Powerboat races begin following the opening ceremonies. AUGUST 30 Shootout Racing Powerboat racing resumes at 10 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m. The Racer Village and vendor booths, located at Captain Ron's, are open to the public from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closing ceremonies are at 4 p.m., including the awards presentations for each class and crowning of the Shootout's overall "Top Gun." Celebrate by tying up along the course as part of the Shootout's flotilla of thousands of boats.

Lake of the Ozarks Named #1 Recreational Lake in the U.S.

It was announced Friday, July 24 that Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks was voted the "Best Recreational Lake in the US," according to a USA Today readers poll.   The Lake of the Ozarks, which covers 54,000 acres with 64 billion gallons of water and features over 1,150 miles of meandering shoreline (more than the entire Pacific Coast of California!), beat out Lake Tahoe in California and Nevada, Big Bear Lake in California, West Okoboji Lake in Iowa, Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, among many others for the coveted top spot. "We're just thrilled to receive this recognition," says Jim Divincen, administrator for the Tri-County Lodging Association. "We are blessed that the Lake of the Ozarks has such a variety of recreational activities, both on and off the lake, that appeal to people of all ages." Divincen continues, "There are so many ways to enjoy the cool waters of the Lake of the Ozarks and its tributaries, be it on-the-water activities like swimming, fishing, boating, tubing, wake boarding, paddle boarding and kayaking, or by taking in fun water-focused events like AquaPalooza, the Canine Cannonball and the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout powerboat races." The Lake of the Ozarks was among 20 lake destinations across the US selected by a panel of travel experts and journalists from USA Today, 10Best.com and other media outlets. Online voting took place over the course of four weeks, and although it was a close race, the Lake of the Ozarks received more readers' votes and ultimately won the contest. For a complete list of winners visit www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-recreational-lake/. "We simply could not be more excited," added Divincen. "This is a testament to what a great family-friendly destination the Lake is and why we have nearly 5 million visitors to the area each year. We're so very grateful and we would like to thank everyone that voted for the Lake of the Ozarks as the 'Best Recreational Lake' in the country." For more information about all the on-the-water fun and activities and Lake-area events, attractions, dining and lodging options, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 1-800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com.

Fun, Fireworks and Live Music at The Lake (2015)

Families looking to make their Fourth of July weekend one to remember need to look no further than Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. The holiday weekend provides ample on-the-water action, fun festivals, interesting and unique attractions, live music, lodging specials and, of course, lots of impressive fireworks. The festive weekend gets started on Friday, July 3 with several resorts hosting family-friendly activities and large-scale fireworks displays. Old Kinderhook Golf Resort, located in Camdenton, will be featuring fun and fireworks on July 3 at their fifth annual Fireworks Fun Fest (pictured to the right) from 5-9 p.m.  Activities are free and include bounce houses, face painting, games and live music followed by fireworks at dusk.  There will be concessions and an all-American cookout and pig roast for just $12 per person. For more information, visit OldKinderhook.com or call 573-317-3500. Also on Friday, just down the road from Old Kinderhook, Windermere Baptist Conference Center will host a "Freedom Celebration" from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. This celebration features family-friendly entertainment, old-fashioned games, live music and a barbecue supper. Fireworks will begin around 9 p.m. For complete details, visit WindermereUSA.org or call 573-346-5200. Two of the Lake's largest full-service resorts, The Lodge of Four Seasons and Tan-Tar-A Resort, will host a weekend full of fun for their guests, including two of the area's largest and most impressive fireworks displays. The Lodge of Four Seasons will host a festive weekend for their guests, as well as a barbecue, carnival and major fireworks display on Saturday, July 4.  Visitors who are not overnight guests at the resort can enjoy the fun and fireworks from 6-10 p.m. for $22 for adults and $12 for children over age 5.  Paid visitors must be on the property before 8 p.m.  For reservations and additional information, call 573-365-3000 or visit 4SeasonsResort.com.  Guests of Tan-Tar-A Resort can enjoy a weekend of fun that includes swim-up movies, live music, fun games, a scavenger hunt, mini-golf extravaganza, all-American barbeques and a parent/child golf tournament in addition to a brilliant fireworks display on the Fourth. To make reservations or for more information about the weekend's activities, call 573-348-3131 or visit Tan-Tar-A.com. On Saturday, July 4, two Lake-area communities, Eldon and Versailles, host traditional Fourth of July festivals in their city parks.  Rides, concessions and fireworks at dusk keep the fun going all day long.  For more information on the Eldon festivities, contact the Eldon Area Chamber of Commerce at  EldonChamber.com or call 573-392-2291. For details about the Versailles 4th of July activities, contact the Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce at   VersaillesChamber.com or call 573-378-4401. Other resorts and entities around the Lake area will be lighting up the sky on the Fourth as well. Sonlight Christian Fellowship, Lake Valley Country Club and Captain Ron's Bar and Grill are offering a variety of activities and entertainment, including fireworks, which are open to the public. No advanced reservations are needed. Point Randall Resort, Mother Nature's Riverfront Retreat and Bear Bottom Resort also will host fun activities and fireworks for their guests' enjoyment. Advanced reservations are recommended.  For on-the-water fun, there are three options for a chartered fireworks cruise. The  Tropic Island luxury yacht , which boards at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, is offering a fireworks cruise from 7:30-9:30 p.m. To book a cruise on the Tropic Island, call 573-348-0083 or visit TropicIslandCruises.com. The Celebration luxury yacht will begin boarding its two-and-a-half-hour Fourth of July cruise at 7 p.m. at The Lodge of Four Seasons. To make reservations, call 573-480-3212 or visit CruiseLakeoftheOzarks.com.  Playin' Hooky Water Taxi and Charters, which boards at Millstone Marina in Gravois Mills, is offering a Fourth of July Fireworks cruise from 8:30-10 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations, please call 573-434-2627 or visit PlayinHookyAtTheLake.com. All three cruises fill up fast, so visitors should be sure to call ahead to make reservations. For a complete list of activities and locations of firework displays, please visit www.FunLake.com/independence-day-fireworks-full-list. For those looking to add some live music to their holiday weekend, there will be several live concerts throughout the Lake area. At the newly opened Ozarks Amphitheater, located in Camdenton, the legendary Ozark Mountain Daredevils will perform all their classic hits on Friday, July 3. The great music keeps going further into the weekend with another spectacular show at the amphitheater on Sunday, July 5, showcasing '90s country music heavyweights the Kentucky Headhunters and Confederate Railroad. For more information, or to order tickets for the Ozarks Amphitheater, please visit OzarksAmphitheater.com or call 573-346-0000. On Friday, July 3, Shawnee Bluff Vineyards, located near Eldon, hosts the Steeldrivers from Nashville, Tenn., while the Dog House Daddies entertain the crowds at the Shawnee Bluff Winery, which is located in Lake Ozark. On Saturday, July 4, Shawnee Bluffs Winery will host a double bill featuring Phillip Twitchell from 3-6 p.m. followed by Catfish Willie from 6:45 until 9:45 p.m. The winery is located on a bluff overlooking the Lake and will have a great vantage point of the myriad fireworks displays over the water. For a complete schedule of events, hours of operation and how to purchase tickets for Shawnee Bluff Vineyards and Winery, please visit  ShawneeBluffWinery.com or call 573-365-WINE (9463).   For more information about all the fun activities, events and dining options at the Lake of the Ozarks, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB) at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit the CVB's award-winning website, www.FunLake.com. Stay up-to-date with all the goings-on at the Lake by liking their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/FunLake.