FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 8, 2016
-- MEDIA ALERT -- MEDIA ALERT --
WHAT66TH ANNUAL DOGWOOD FESTIVAL 

WHEN:  APRIL 14 - 16

WHERE: CAMDENTON, MO

CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY OF SPRING AT THE 66TH ANNUAL DOGWOOD FESTIVAL 

dogwoods
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. - Celebrate the spring season - and Missouri's state tree, the Flowering Dogwood - at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Many visitors make a trip to the Lake to take advantage of the warmer weather, the fantastic fishing, or to leisurely drive the scenic roads or cruise the waters to admire the beautiful scenery and budding flora as the hills and woods around the Lake are ripe with dogwoods and redbuds this time of year.

One of the highlights of the season is the Lake area's oldest spring celebration, the annual Dogwood Festival, April 14-16, in Camdenton.
   
What started as a local Camdenton-based event 66 years ago, has blossomed into a regional springtime tradition, regularly attracting crowds of between 8,000-10,000 people from around the Midwest each year. 

This charming down-home festival takes place throughout the city of Camdenton during the peak season of blooming dogwoods and redbuds, and, aside from the magnificent scenery, offers many different activities that appeal to the entire family.

The carnival rides open Thursday evening and run through Saturday night.
The beautiful flowering trees are a major draw for people outside of the state, but they are not the only highlight of this fest. 

The Dogwood Festival is a great way to celebrate the season and the culture and history of the community. The festival's appeal transcends ages and interests. Whether visitors come for the flowers, carnival rides and fun contests, or to learn about the history of an area, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Homemade Shoe Box Floats will be on display on Friday evening at the Camdenton Middle School.
The Dogwood Festival officially kicks off Thursday, April 14 with the opening of the carnival area at the Camdenton Middle School at 5 p.m. On Friday morning, the festival shifts into full gear with an array of activities taking place at various locations around the city and continues through Saturday evening. 

The Camden County Museum will be open all weekend for tours and will also host a dinner theater production of the melodrama, "No Mother to Guide Her." A spaghetti dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m., on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets for the dinner and play are $15 per person and reservations are suggested as seats are limited.

Festival attendees can enjoy performances by local 
dance troupes.
The Camdenton Middle School will be abuzz with activity all weekend long. On Friday, there will be a fish fry from 4-8 p.m.,
along with live musical entertainment from 6-9 p.m. and carnival rides from 5-10 p.m. On Saturday, the carnival rides run from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. with dance performances and live music slated from noon until 7 p.m. Vendor booths will be set up all weekend selling locally-made arts and crafts, as well as an assortment of delicious food and refreshment options, including typical carnival fare and a whole lot more.  

Elsewhere on Saturday, there will be a pancake breakfast from 7-9:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, followed by the annual Dogwood Festival spring parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Camdenton.

For more information on the Dogwood Festival, including a schedule of activities, locations of events and complete list of booths and vendors, visit the chamber's website at www.camdentonchamber.com

Fishing and boating are two of the most popular springtime activities at the Lake. They also offer a great opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery.
There are many lodging options available for those looking to plan a spring getaway to the Lake of the Ozarks. Whether an ideal getaway involves boating, fishing, hiking in the two state parks, playing a few rounds of golf, or taking in the Dogwood Festival, there are properties that will fit every adventure and budget.
 From full-service resorts to smaller, family-owned resorts, quaint bed and breakfasts to rustic cabins and comfortable campgrounds and more, visitors have no shortage of lodging choices. For a complete listing of lodging options available around the Lake area, visit the accommodations page at www.FunLake.com.

For more information on other spring events, attractions and dining options 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.

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For media assistance or high-resolution photography, please call The Beenders-Walker Group toll-free at 1-800-544-8474 or email Marjorie BeendersJo Duncan, or Kyle Stewart.

Lake Logo

LAKE OF THE OZARKS TRI-COUNTY LODGING ASSOCIATION 

& CONVENTION AND VISITOR BUREAU

Phone: 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253) Fax: 573-348-2293  

P.O. Box 1498  Osage Beach, MO 65065

Website: www.FunLake.com  Email: [email protected]