Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Set for a “Robust” Tourism Season

First posted on 03-19-2007

Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks is set to kick off the 2007 tourism season. “After a challenging winter throughout the Midwest, all the businesses at the Lake of the Ozarks are eagerly anticipating warmer weather and looking forward to a robust tourism season,” says Jim Divincen, executive director of the Tri-County Lodging Association. “We are ready to greet boaters, fishermen, water sports enthusiasts, families and other visitors to our beautiful Lake.”

“We want to clear up any misconceptions that part or all of the Lake is restricted,” Divincen says. “We have been and continue to be open for business.” Adds Lt. Nick Humphrey, public information officer with the Missouri State Water Patrol, “The damage that resulted from the winter storms has been repaired and there is nothing that should keep boaters from enjoying the Lake of the Ozarks this year.”

The Lake of the Ozarks has hosted several fishing tournaments in the past 60 days and several more are scheduled now through late fall, Divincen says, including the 12th annual Early Bird Buddy Bass Tournament on April 1 and the IFBBA Crappie Back2Back Tournament on April 28. The popular Free Fishing Days event at Lake of the Ozarks State Park is set for June 9-10.

Additionally, numerous water-related festivities are scheduled, starting with the 26th annual Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers In-Water Boat Show, April 19. The traditional kick-off of the Lake boating season, the Spring Harbor Hop, will take place on May 5. Professional and amateur wakeboarders will compete and demonstrate their extreme sport at the fourth annual Midwestcoast™ Summerfest, July 14-15. And two breathtaking speedboat races will captivate the crowds: the Lake Rescue Shoot-Out on Aug. 25-26 and the Offshore Super Series Boat Race National Finals on Sept. 28-30.

For more information about boating, fishing and water sports at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, as well as lodging, dining, shopping, attractions and events, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit http://www.funlake.com.