Chicky’s has been serving Lake Ozark for a while now, always trying to come up with some of the best events in the area, something to leave the town talking! They’re always doing something impressive, and the Red, White & Brew Bash is their next event, held on July 2^nd. As the name implies, there will be plenty of drinks to go around, as well as some of the food that the establishment has become known for. But that’s not all, as this is a real event, and there isn’t going to be any skimping on their part.

You can expect a lot of fun out of this one, as they’ll be having karaoke and a special performance by our local girl – Samantha Dawn. She’s been doing some amazing things as of late, including the Missouri State Idol in 2009, and she’s on her way to Nashville to further her already successful singing career. This is a perfect accompaniment and is primed to get everyone excited for the holiday weekend, providing just that spark needed to insure that you celebrate it in the right way! And don’t worry, it’s not going to be an event that’s going to be a strain on your wallet, either.

Chicky’s has been a pillar of the community since its inception, and they have always known how to host an event. They’ll assuredly have you doing the Chicken Dance before it’s over! If you’ve never been to Chicky’s, it’s not too hard to get there. It’s located between Eldon and Lake Ozark on Highway 54, and it’s also known as Meads Flats. Be sure to be there at 7PM, as you definitely don’t want to miss all of the fun, and there’s definitely going to be a lot of that. So come down, eat, drink, and kick off the 4^th of July weekend in the right way!

The Lake of the Ozarks is generally considered one of the best places to be on the 4^th of July. Just about everyone loves the lake when there’s the promise of fireworks, and the always beautiful Lake of the Ozarks attracts thousands of different people from around the state, with plenty of fun things to do for adults and children. And that’s what makes it amazing, as a person can be happy to know that they have quite a few options to have fun! But as you probably know, this is something that happens each and every year.

Enjoy a day on the lake, filled with thousands of other people who will be looking to taste some of the local food, listen to live music, and enjoy some of the carnival rides. Even outside of the carnival rides for the children (and definitely some of their parents), there will be litanies of games for them to enjoy. And for those a person who may not be inclined to jump on some of the carnival rides, there’s also going to be an amazing Beer Garden to enjoy. It’s truly one of those events that will be able to cater to just about any patron, and as always, you can take advantage of just being close to the lake, taking in some beautiful scenery as you enjoy your 4^th!

While all of that’s all well and dandy, we all need to make sure that we’ve got all of our bases covered when we’re celebrating. Fortunately enough, you don’t have to worry about that here. What’s a 4^th of July without fireworks? At dusk, you can expect for there to be nothing short of an amazing display! Every year, there are 6 different celebrations on the lake. This year, you should expect much of the same! So, come down to the Versailles Fairground, as you can expect an all-day event of fun, food, and live music – regardless of your age!

AquaPalooza is shaping up to be even bigger than last year! That’s an incredible feat, especially considering that last year’s event brought in over 90,000 people and 15,000 different boats. If you don’t know anything about it, AquaPalooza is an event that happens every year – the last two weekends in July. And with this being an annual event, you can reasonably expect for it to be a large amount of fun for the whole family! But, the best thing about the event is that it’s completely free to attend! And it’s also an all-day event, starting at 12 to 5 PM, so you can expect there to be many different avenues for entertainment.

It takes place just west of the Grand Glaize Bridge, right in front of the Dog Days Bar & Grill. It was a hit last year, and knowing how well it went over, it only makes sense for the organizers to keep the same venue, all with hopes of generating the same vibe. And just like last year, you can expect to see some really great bands playing the duration of the event, with something appealing for everyone. There is an eclectic mix of bands, with just about every one of them featuring a style that’ll be interesting to the ear, a perfect soundtrack to a great day out in the sun.

It starts with Green Sugar, a Chicago-based band that blends hard blues and rock n’roll in a high energy set. After that, there’s Nic Cowan and his mixture of country, soul, blues, and a dusting of urban groove. This opens up the stage for Matt Stillwell, a country artist who isn’t a stranger to the Country Billboard Chart, especially with his hits Shine, Sweet Sun Angel, and Drunk Enough. And don’t worry – he’s had enough experience in playing in this state. And to close it out, there’s Edge of Forever, which are considered to be one of the premier Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute bands currently playing. You can expect to hear the classics and deep cuts performed, which is definitely the best way for the day to be capped off!

And not only will there be enough by the way of music, you can always expect for there to be some great t-shirt giveaways and contests to be had. It gives just about everyone ample opportunity for family fun, as there are also plenty of fun games to be played. There’s going to be a live radio broadcast, sponsor promotions, and other activities out on the water, so you really wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of the action, as this is quickly shaping up to be an event that you wouldn’t want to miss. And if you register online, you can receive all of information and updates as the come, making your experience that much better.

Squgglefish is one of those bands that barely need an introduction around the Lake of the Ozarks. Hailing from Jefferson City, this is a band that really knows how to put on a show with their seamless mixture of rock, blues, and reggae. There really aren’t many bands that can blend together styles that can, at times, be worlds apart. Squigglefish is a band that knows how to do it, but a lot of that has to do with the talent in every corner of this triangle. They culminate decades of experience between them, with the bravado and attitude to match. The band also has a pretty stellar resume, and that’s even before they got together to form the band.

Paul Blackmore, a compelling force in both vocal and guitar talent, has been playing regionally for over 20 years. But that’s not even the stunning part – Paul’s been playing the guitar since he could walk, first picking it up at the tender age of five. Not to be outdone by Ray Cardwell, a man who was born into the business, starting on his dad’s radio show at 3 years old. Since then, he’s opened up for the likes of Natalie Merchant, 10,000 Maniacs, and the compelling force that is Allison Krauss. He was also nominated SPGMA Music Award’s Male Vocalist of the Year in 1995, held in Nashville, TN. And last but not least, Jason Stegall, who has the aptitude to play the style, but also can easily switch to Funk, Jazz, and Classical without even the slightest of hiccups.

You can catch these guys playing at various locations around Lake of the Ozarks, as well as the surrounding areas. If you’d like to catch them near the lake, be sure to check out some of their favorite spots – Dog Days, Docknockers, Shorty Pants, Horny Toad, Larry’s on the Lake, and Wobbly Boot’s Roadhouse. You’ll know that it’s them by the sound of everyone having the time of their lives.

Everyone has a dream. The Texaco Country Showdown has helped people try and achieve it, often times working pretty well. Entering its 30^th year, the Country Showdown has been committed to finding the next big thing in country music, giving aspiring artists the chance to launch their own careers. Sponsored by country music stations all over the United States, every spring, there are over 400 different contests, all with people vying for the chance to have the world hear their music. It’s perfect for those people who have always knew that they had the talent but didn’t have a grand enough audience. And every week at Dog Days, there’s a chance that you may be in attendance of the next big hit in country music.

Acts compete in the contest to advance to the respective state levels, provided that they have excelled in competing at different fairs and events. Once they have been selected, they compete for the state title, a prize of $1,000, and the opportunity to advance to one of the five regional competitions. From there, it’s only one step away from the show, the nationals, held at Ryman Auditorium. The auditorium is held in the country music capital of the world – Nashville, TN. The regional winners will have the chance to be heard by many industry professionals, and if they win, they’ll receive the Grand Prize of $100,000 and the ability to call themselves a champion!

So, come out to Dog Days every Wednesday night to see if someone from the area will be the next country music star. Who knows, there’s a chance that you may actually pay for one of their concerts one day! Because really, who doesn’t like to say that they were seeing an act before they would even dare charge for a show, right?

For golf lovers all around the world, they should spare some time on July 31, 2011. This is because CADV will be holding its 4^th annual golf classic event. The event will take place at the Old Kinderhook which is a well known golf resort with over 700 acres of land. However, the event may not sound so interesting for those that do not really know about the CADV just yet.

Well, CADV stands for Citizens Against Domestic Violence. As its name implies, this is an organization that provides safe houses for women and children that often become the target of domestic violence. Besides safe houses, the organization also attempts to help people in other ways so that they don’t have to be the victims of domestic violence. For example, the CADV has a sexual assault response team that is ready to support and assist the victims to the necessary extent.

That said, there should be nothing wrong with joining the 4^th annual CADV golf classic celebration. After all, the entry fee is not so expensive, either. With only $125 per person, participants will already be granted access to 18 golf holes, lunch and beverages, cart and even an opportunity to get rewarded with amazing prizes. For the lucky participant, there is a certificate that will grant him or her access to a golf club for free. This is awesome considering it is not usually that easy or cheap to become a golf club member.

For those interested in this event, they can sign themselves up at either cadv-voc.org or oldkinderhook.com. Lunch will be ready at 11:30 a.m. and participants can expect to have a cup of tea at 1 p.m.

So, if you are interested in the event, don’t forget to visit 20 Eagle Ridge Rd on the aforementioned date. The funds collected from this event will be used to support victims of sexual and domestic violence.

Are you looking for something exciting to do on 4^th of July weekend? Get ready for some of the most intense riding action this summer; it’s time for the Missouri Rodeo Cowboy Association Rodeo! Featuring some of the more proficient riders in the area – you won’t want to miss a second. Located at 630 Camping Paradise, Roach, MO, July 1 & 2^nd will definitely be two days to remember, as the Camden County Saddle Club knows exactly how to put on a show without a hitch.

Tickets are really affordable; $10 for adults, $6 for ages 6-12, and absolutely free for children 5 and under! There’s also a military discount package that includes free passes to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf with purchase.  Advanced tickets are currently on sale at Camping Paradise, Big O Tires (Osage Beach or Camdenton), Pirate’s Cove (Osage Beach), Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, and the Camdenton Farm Bureau of Insurance.  Also, if you buy in advance, you’ll be able to save $2 on your purchase!

Of course, considering that the rodeo is 4^th of July weekend, you’ll have to celebrate the spirit of America. With the purchase of the two day pass, you’ll be treated to a free fireworks display on Sunday night! There aren’t too many other things that you can ask for; the always picturesque Lake of the Ozarks, a pulse-pounding rodeo, and a stunning fireworks display to cap off the weekend with a blast.

Directions to the location are easy; take West 54 from Camdenton, 6 miles to J road and ½ mile off of 54. So, come and join us for this two day event that will be nothing short of a hit! Bring the whole family, we promise that you won’t regret it, as we’ll have the town talking for weeks to come. The action starts promptly at 7PM each night.