Lake of the Ozarks, MO - The rumble of rolling thunder in mid-September can mean only one thing at the Lake of the Ozarks - Bikefest.  Now in its seventh year, Bikefest 2013, Sept. 12-15, is expected to bring more bikers, more vendors and more events and concerts to the Lake. 

When asked what draws people to Bikefest, Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau Executive Director Tim Jacobsen immediately said, "The rides.  They show riders the scenic beauty of the Lake of the Ozarks."

Bikefest offers three different scenic routes that showcase the beauty of the Lake area.

Bikefest's official website - LakeBikefest.com - offers participants printable maps of three recommended rides.  An 84-mile ride showcases the beauty of Bennett Spring and Ha Ha Tonka state parks and takes less than two hours.  Roads that are part of historic Route 66 are included in the three-hour, 115-mile ride that includes a stop at Devil's Elbow.  A 96-mile ride around the Lake of the Ozarks takes a bit over two hours and shows riders a number of beautiful vistas around the Lake.

"Motorcycling is about the joy of riding," Jack Fleming of Lake of the Ozarks Harley Davidson said, noting the hills and curves of the roads around the Lake are enjoyable for riders.  Fleming and other organizers of Bikefest know riders who come to the Lake of the Ozarks are certain to spread the word that the Lake is, in Fleming's words, "a great destination for motorcycle riding year-round."

The historic Bagnell Dam "strip" will be abuzz with bikes and bikers during Bikefest.

However, there are plenty of other reasons approximately 10,000 people travel to the Lake for Bikefest each year.  "The Lake is tailor-made for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts," Jacobsen said.  "With more than 200 bars and restaurants, plus vendors, events and activities brought in just for Bikefest, the Lake gives attendees just what they are looking for."

This year's Bikefest will feature five vendor villages - at Dog Days Bar & Grill, Camden on the Lake, Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson, Dam Bait Shop, and on the historic Bagnell Dam Strip - as well as two bike giveaways, a bike auction, more than 50 live concerts, extreme motocross events and more.  More details and a complete schedule can be found at the Bikefest website.

Choppers, bobbers, cruisers and other custom creations will be on display throughout the weekend.

The vendor villages feature all types of vendors, though Fleming notes most everything is motorcycle-related.  Visitors can expect to see leathers, custom painting, lights and even bike-builders.  The vendor village at Camden on the Lake will play host to well-known bike builders Strip Club Choppers, Silver Wraiths Choppers, Billy the Kid Custom Cycles and Schaaf's Cycle Garage, plus Curry's Hot Rods.

Hells Bells, a highly acclaimed AC/DC tribute band, will play Saturday, Sept. 14 at H. Toad's.

Along with the vendor villages, Rhonda Martin from Camden on the Lake credits the weekend's music for drawing people to Bikefest.  "They (attendees) are here to have fun," she said, "and the music is a part of that."  Evening concerts around the Lake will feature tribute bands including: "Dead or Alive," a Bon Jovi tribute; "Silver Bullet," a Bob Seger tribute; "Paradise City," a tribute to Guns and Roses; AC/DC tribute band "Hells Bells"; and "Special Forces," a tribute to 38 Special.  Though she expects the lots around her property will be filled with motorcycles, Martin says there will be overflow parking and shuttle service. "Everybody, and I mean everybody, should feel free to come down (for Bikefest)," she said.

Betsey Browning of The Dam Bait Shop said the village at her location will feature music all day, every day.  Her plans include showcasing "garage bands" of young musicians, giving them the opportunity to play in front of live audiences during the day before bigger name bands take the stage at night. 

Visitors to the Lake, including Bikefest attendees, are invited to join in a special Harvest Meal, served by the Harper Chapel United Methodist Church at 5 p.m. on Sept. 14.  The meal, which will be served outdoors if weather permits, will feature the fresh and delicious fruits of the harvest from the church's community garden, along with oven-roasted chicken and venison.  "We are happy to be able to have the Harvest Meal on Bikefest weekend," said Diane Williams, one of the organizers of the Community Garden, "so those from other communities can see how successful a community garden project like this can be." Proceeds from the tickets -- $10 for adults and $5 for children - benefit local charities. Tickets for the Harvest Meal must be purchased in advance.  Ticket information is available at harperumc.org/.

There are plenty of accommodations available around the Lake, from campsites to condominiums to resorts.  Find out more by going to FunLake.com.

Summer and fall at the Lake of the Ozarks are packed with fairs, festivals and fun.  For more information about getaway packages, lodging, dining, shopping, events and attractions throughout the Lake area, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) or visit the website at FunLake.com.

AUG. 31 & SEPT. 1

LABOR DAY FIREWORKS

Summer leaves the Lake of the Ozarks with a "bang," courtesy of Labor Day fireworks displays on Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 at Bear Bottom Resort in Sunrise Beach and on Sept. 1 at The Lodge of Four Seasons in Lake Ozark and Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach.  Fireworks begin at dusk.  See them from the shore or on the water in your own boat or aboard the Tropic Island or Celebration cruises.  Learn more at FunLake.com.

SEPT. 6

HOT SUMMER NIGHTS

Catch the final night of the summer's best cruise event - Hot Summer Nights.  The historic Bagnell Dam Strip is lined with cars, trucks and motorcycles of all makes and models for this monthly cruising event from May to September.  DJ Leo Case "spins tunes" to keep you rockin' through the evening from 6-11 p.m.  See all the event has to offer at CruiseHotSummerNights.com .

SEPT. 7

JIM STAFFORD AT THE MAIN STREET MUSIC HALL

Legendary entertainer Jim Stafford brings his own brand of family entertainment for another performance at the Main Street Music Hall.  Guests will enjoy "two shows for the price of one," as Stafford performs during the Music Hall's "Reelin' in the Years" show, featuring hits from the '60s, '70s and '80s.  For information and tickets, call 573-348-9500, or visit LakeMusicHall.com.

SEPT. 13-15

LAURIE HILLBILLY FAIR

The City of Laurie sponsors its 44th Annual Hillbilly Fair to celebrate the end of summer.  With a parade, carnival rides, demonstrations, crafts and plenty of food, the fair attracts visitors of all ages to enjoy the day at the Laurie Fairgrounds.  For a schedule of all the fair's events and attractions, visit CityofLaurie.com/hillbillyfair .

SEPT. 21

LAKE OF THE OZARKS AIR SHOW

Salute the commitment of our military and veterans and experience the world of aviation at the Lake of the Ozarks Air Show, held at Camdenton Memorial Airport.  This annual event features air show acts, vendor booths, a ping-pong ball drop and plenty of activities for kids and adults alike.  To learn more, go to LakeOfTheOzarksAirShow.com  or call the Camdenton Memorial Airport at 573-346-0300.

SEPT. 28

28th ANNUAL ELDON TURKEY FESTIVAL

The City of Eldon invites you to celebrate all things turkey at their annual festival.  Events include the Turkey Trot & Gobble, Wobble 5K, a parade, car show, demolition derby, figure eight derby, and the crowning of Lil' Mr. and Miss Gobbler.  Vendor booths feature food of all kinds, including turkey legs, of course.  More information is available from the Eldon Chamber of Commerce at EldonChamber.com .

OCT. 5

OLDE TYME APPLE FESTIVAL IN VERSAILLES

Versailles is the home to the festival that has been celebrating apples since 1980.  The event features a parade, sock hop, cruise night, beauty pageants and an arts and crafts fair around the town square.  Food vendors will be selling apple pie and dumplings along with many other yummy apple creations.  Find out more about the festival by visiting the Versailles Chamber of Commerce website or calling the City of Versailles at 573-378-4401.

OCT. 6-13

GOLF WEEK ON THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS GOLF TRAIL

This week of tournaments, clinics, club fittings and more was designed to showcase the courses at one of the nation's premier golf destinations - the Lake of the Ozarks Golf Trail.  Players can come for one event or stay the whole week with stay-and-play packages from the Lake's great lodging properties.  For more information, visit GolfWeekontheTrail.com.

OCT. 11-12

LIVING HISTORY/APPLE BUTTER DAYS

The Camden County Museum plays host to crafters, craft demonstrations, a quilt raffle and more, all centered around two autumn favorites - apple butter and apple pie.  For more information about the festival, call 573-346-7191.

OCT. 12

FALL HARBOR HOP

Draw cards at any of 40 locations around the Lake of the Ozarks to make a winning poker hand in the Fall Harbor Hop.  Enter at any of the Harbor Hop locations and enjoy the stops around the Lake before turning in your hand by 7 p.m.  For more information, visit FunLake.com or call 800-FUN-LAKE.

Note to Media:  The summer and fall seasons are 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 e-mail Deb, Marjorie, Jo or Kyle.