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 to be Featured on "FAMILY TRAVEL WITH COLLEEN KELLY"

"Family Travel with Colleen Kelly," a popular National Public Television series, will feature Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, highlighting the outdoor adventure, water activities, shopping, dining and attractions that make the area a great family vacation destination. The Lake of the Ozarks episode will be part of the show's season two lineup and will air at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2 on KMOS - Channel 184 on Charter Communications and also in Springfield on OPT-Create TV Channel 21.3 at 8:30 a.m. on August 2. "We are very excited to see the program air in our geographic area and even more excited about the national coverage the show will bring to the Lake of the Ozarks," says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. The show's host, Colleen Kelly, and the crew spent time throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area in July 2014, shooting segments at Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave and Thunder Mountain Park and Captain Ron's Bar and Grill. They also went fishing, had some fun on the lake with Iguana Watersports, took a flight over the Lake with AirLake Aviation, went on an excursion on the Tom Sawyer Paddlewheeler at Bagnell Dam and shopped at Blair's Landing on Main Street. Kelly says the Lake of the Ozarks was an obvious choice for the show and that she looks forward to introducing viewers to all that the area has to offer. "With the beautiful lake scenery and fun activities for all ages, the Lake of the Ozarks is a perfect fit for our family travel program," she says. "It's already a popular vacation destination for Midwestern families, and we are thinking that people living in other parts of the country will find that it's worth the trip." "Whether you want to do nothing but relax on the water, have an adventure in the great outdoors or take part in the many attractions for people of all ages, this lake vacation has something for everyone," Kelly concludes. "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly," which helps families plan memorable vacations, reaches 90 percent of the country on National Public Television stations and recently was picked up by APT Worldwide for international distribution. Each half-hour episode gives viewers a personalized, behind-the-scenes tour of must-see locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly" is written and produced by Travel Film Productions, LLC, a Chicago-based, multi-media production company. The series originally premiered on National Public Television in October 2013 and is now also running on Create® TV, delivered nationally via 220 public television stations. Check local listings, or visit www.FamilyTravelCK.com to watch complete episodes. About Colleen Kelly: As a family travel expert and modern-day parent, Colleen Kelly isn't afraid to kick back, get a little messy and have fun. In addition to being co-creator, co-executive producer and host of "Family Travel with Colleen Kelly," she was the Emmy-nominated executive producer of NBC's successful show "24/7 Chicago." She is the co-creator of that show and is currently its travel correspondent. Colleen is also a featured travel expert for a top Chicago morning TV show. She frequently speaks at high-profile travel conferences and is often used as an expert source for media stories and interviews regarding travel topics.

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.

AquaPalooza Returns July 18, 2015

AquaPalooza, the Lake's largest family-friendly boating and floating event, returns to Dog Days Bar & Grill at the Lake of the Ozarks on Saturday, July 18, 2015. One of the most popular summertime happenings at the Lake, AquaPalooza,  brings in thousands of people to Dog Days Bar and Grill for a free event, which is equal parts concert-on-the-water and boating party. The festivities run from noon until 5:00 pm and feature live music, games, prizes and much more. The music begins around noon, but on Saturday morning, spectators in boats and floats begin lining the cove outside of Dog Days, which is located at the 19 mile marker by water and 1232 Jefferies Road in Osage Beach by land, creating a colorful and  festive flotilla in front of the waterside stage to get the best vantage point of the live musical entertainment. Dog Days features a swimming area, boat slip rentals, as well as an impressive selection of delicious dining options and frozen concoctions, making it a one-stop-shop for an enjoyable day on and around the water. "There is nothing else like this at the Lake," said Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. "It's a really cool event at a great venue and it's totally free to come watch the different bands. It's awesome to see how many people come out to enjoy AquaPalooza."  Jacobsen credits Dog Days' General Manager Luke Hagedorn, along with local community members, including fire, law enforcement and ambulance services, for coming together to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all attendees.  "Dog Days Bar and Grill always does such a great job to make sure it remains a safe and fun event for everyone," he added. Event organizers always go out of their way to book entertaining and energetic bands to make a fun and memorable day on the water. The 2015 lineup includes several fan favorites from across the state spanning a variety of genres. Members Only (pictured to the right) hails from Springfield, Mo. and plays chart-topping hits from the '80s. State Line Drive is an infectious country-pop band from Kansas City. Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs, also from Kansas City, will keep the crowd in a frenzy with up-tempo, funky disco hits. And, Double Vision, a Foreigner tribute band who also calls Kansas City home, will play all the classic songs from one of the best-selling bands of all time. But, the party doesn't stop there. The live music continues inside on Dog Days' interior stage as Pearl Nation plays from 5:00 -9:00 pm, followed by an unabridged encore performance by Members Only from 10:00 pm until 1:00 am. AquaPalooza is a Benne Media production and this year's title sponsor is Budweiser. Additional sponsors include the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association, Hy-Vee, First State Bank Mortgage and Elite Roofing. As part of the Benne Media group, the Lake's Classic Hits station, Cool 102.7 FM, will broadcast the concerts live on air, in their entirety, and Mix 92.7 FM and KS 95.1 FM will be making live updates throughout the event. For more information about AquaPalooza and to register for a Yamaha VX Deluxe Wave Runner to be given away right before the last band takes the stage, go to the website at www.FunLake.com/AquaPalooza.  For those looking to schedule a full weekend around AquaPalooza, the Lake of the Ozarks offers many different attractions and lodging options to fit all budgets and travel plans. From large, full-service resorts to smaller, family-owned resorts, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and RV parks, to chain hotels and independent motels, the Lake has it all. Many of the Lake's lodging properties also offer different discount packages, "shop and stay" packages as well as "stay and play" packages throughout the summer. For a complete list of lodging options, please visit the lodging page at www.FunLake.com.