SPRING LAKE BREAKING NEWSLETTER

Dash and splash into the possibly chilly waters of the Lake of the Ozarks for charity, or just show up and watch all the fun from the shore at the Polar Plunge, Feb. 23, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park's Grand Glaize Beach (Public Beach No. 2) in Osage Beach. Last year's benefit event for the Special Olympics attracted 615 "polar plungers" and raised over $220,000 for Special Olympics athletes. These brave souls who take the plunge each year often come dressed in crazy costumes and some utilize the support of team members to hit the water in the often-frigid temperatures of February. Participants in the Polar Plunge must be at least 10-years old and have raised a minimum of $75 by Feb. 23. This event is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri and is hosted by the Osage Beach Department of Public Safety. Proceeds from this event benefit the Special Olympics program of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. For more information about the Polar Plunge at the Lake of the Ozarks or to find out how you can make a donation to the Special Olympics, please call 573-256-6367 or visit Somo.org on the web. 

The Lake of the Ozarks has two disc golf courses that are fun and challenging for any skill level, from rookies to experts. These courses are an affordable good time; in fact, they are completely free to play. All you need are one to three golf discs or Frisbees and a pair of comfortable hiking shoes. The Dragon Ridge Disc Golf Course at the Camdenton Community Park is a 10-hole course with 10 par 3 holes (some holes are convertible to par 4 recreational holes). The course features long, short and uniquely shaped holes; it eschews the modern open-field design of most courses by trekking through the woods. The Airpark Field in the Eldon Airpark is a nine-hole course with all par 3s. The course is slightly uphill and has a variety of open-field holes, but has a few which trek through woodlands and one that is played over a small creek. Both of these Lake area courses are open from daylight to dusk and take a novice disc golfer about 45 minutes to an hour to play. For more information about other fun activities in the Lake of the Ozarks area, call the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit FunLake.com. 

The Lake of the Ozarks area has two visually stunning and fun state parks for families to visit - the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. In addition to these state parks, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) also has another recreational area to explore at the Lake - the MDC Service Center at Thunder Mountain in Camdenton. This park area is spread over 45.5 beautiful acres of glade, grassland, savanna and woodlands and has many activities for outdoor-loving families. The Service Center features 1.25 miles of hiking trails, an archery range, a picnic area, a fully-staffed office, and an 80-foot public fire tower with a viewing platform for a bird's-eye view of the sprawling Lake of the Ozarks. MDC staff also has seasonal exhibits on display and presents nature demonstrations. For more information, call the Center at 573-346-2210 or visit MDC.Mo.Gov. 

Aeronautic aficionados may have the opportunity to enjoy a flight on a World War II era P-51 Mustang during the 2013 Lake of the Ozarks Air Show on Sept. 20-22 at the Memorial Airport in Camdenton. In order to secure the aircraft, organizers must have a minimum of seven prepaid rides in advance of the event. These rides are scheduled to be 30 minutes in length, allowing passengers to experience the full performance capabilities of this famous WWII fighter plane over the Lake of the Ozarks. The ride also includes extended photo opportunities. Rides cost $1,650 per person in advance and a contract must be signed by March 15 to secure this rare chance at experiencing a piece of aerial history in action. Money will be fully refunded if enough riders are not secured or if weather or other unknown circumstances prevent the aircraft from making an appearance at the Air Show. This fighter is one of a handful remaining in the country that has been restored and licensed for passenger flights. To book your ride on the P-51 Mustang, call the Camdenton Chamber at 573-346-2227 or email info@camdentonchamber.com. 

The spring season is loaded with fun events at the Lake of the Ozarks. For more information about getaway packages, lodging, dining, shopping, events and attractions throughout the Lake area, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Bureau's website, FunLake.com.

 

MARCH 8 & 9

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS CONCERT

For the fifth straight year, the world-famous Beatles tribute band, the Liverpool Legends, will appear at the Main Street Music Hall in Osage Beach. The Liverpool Legends will perform their memorable show each evening (March 8 & 9) at 8 p.m. The band will take their audience on a journey through the Beatles' entire career, as well as the music catalogues of individual Beatles members. Tickets are available from the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. Premium seats are $30 for adults and children; regular reserved seating is $25 for adults and $20 for children. The venue will sell out quickly, so it's recommended that music fans call to get tickets early. For more information, call 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau's website, FunLake.com. 

 

MARCH 23 & 24

BUDDY BASS TOURNAMENT

Fishermen interested in participating in the Buddy Bass Tournament on March 23 and 24 at Alhonna Resort (677 Outer Dr. on land or the 8 Mile Marker on the Lake of the Ozarks) should register now to qualify for an early entry fee. The entry fee is $100 per each two-person team. An additional $10 fee can be paid to participate in the Big Bass Pot for the largest bass caught. This two-day tournament includes a hot breakfast and a 100 percent payout of entry fees. The tournament starts at 7 a.m. each day. Weigh-in times are at 4 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about tournament registration and lodging, call 573-365-2634 or visit Alhonna.com.

Note to Media: The spring season is full of exciting travel stories at the Lake of the Ozarks!  For more information, media assistance or high-resolution photos, please call The Beenders-Walker Group toll-free at 800-544-8474 or email Marjorie, Jo, Gene or Kyle.

LAKE OF THE OZARKS TRI-COUNTY LODGING ASSOCIATION & CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU

Phone: 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) Fax: 573-348-4292 

P.O. Box 1498  Osage Beach, MO 65065

Website: www.FunLake.com  Email: Info@FunLake.com   

FunLake.com

Polar Plunge

Dragon Ridge Disc Golf Course

Airpark Field at Eldon Airpark

MDC Center at Thunder Mountain

Lake of the Ozarks Airshow

Liverpool Legends

Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament

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