The 2^nd Annual 2 Dam Days paddle marathon will be taking place on September 24 – 25 in Lake of the Ozarks. This exciting event combines three races with plenty of prizes on offer, but it is definitely not for the faint hearted as you will have to paddle more than 100 miles and contend with waves and other lake traffic!

The 2 Dam Days is a paddle race over two days. The event begins at Warsaw and continues along the Osage stretch of Lake of the Ozarks, all the way to the Bagnell Dam. A shuttle will take racers from the finish point, all the way back to Warsaw at the end of the race. In the fun races, all types of boats and floating contraptions are welcome, as long as they do not have a motor. In fact, the more bizarre the better!

In order to provide something for everyone, the organizers are including three separate main races:

The Unlimited – this is the big prize race with a guaranteed purse of $13,500 in prizes to be won.

The Master’s UL- entrants must be aged 50 and older

The 3×27 Rule – entrants will compete against other 3×27 rule class boats

There are loads of prizes to be won over this fun two day event. The fastest contender in each category will take home a $1,000 prize—last year’s grand winner walked away with $2,400! There are also prizes for women to ensure nobody leaves the event empty-handed: in the 2DDUL race, there is an equal prize purse for the ladies on offer.

As well as the main races, there are other “fun” races for the less adventurous paddle racers. Prizes are smaller due to the shorter race distances, but you can have just as much fun taking part!

Refreshments, drinks, and lots of live entertainment will be provided by Captain Ron’s.

Learning about history is really important, but we all understand for it to be engaging for some, there needs to be something more than just your standard affair. The Camden County Museum has long been considered to be one of the best vehicles to make learning fun, and Living History Weekend is set to be just that. From September 23, 2011 to September 24, 2011, there’s a good chance that you will absolutely love to be a part of the festivities, which is definitely going to be something that the town will be talking about for quite some time, much as they have in the past.

The subject matter here is easily the most important and fascinating things about the whole exhibit. Children and adults will be informed as to how people lived in the 1800’s, from wood working, soap making, and even fur trapping. The exhibit even goes back further than that, including some really good information regarding how Native Americans lived before the 1800’s. But, what would the event be without re-enactors. Those that come to the event will see a small contingent of the 4^th Missouri Calvary, who will teach your children about what the soldiers were like and how they lived during the times of the civil War. And there will also be talk about our county’s own history on the Linn Creek School stage.

You will also find that food will be readily available, including some very tasty Sarsaparilla floats, as well as some other goodies. But, even outside of these amazing floats, the best thing is the admission which is totally free. And that’s the best thing about this, as you don’t have to worry about finding something that kids will not only enjoy, but also something that doesn’t require a monetary investment, which is definitely a good idea for parents and children who want to learn about the state’s history, something that’s vitally important.

The weekend has all of the makings to be especially impressive for parents with children with especially inquiring minds, and we think that every child and parent will have an incredible time seeing this. It all happens at 9 AM on September 23 and September 24, starting at 9 AM on Saturday and 10 AM on Sunday. If you want to learn more about what goes on, as well as some assorted information, be sure to call 573-346-7191.

There’s nothing better than being creative – especially when you’re working with kids. Kids Harbor has worked closely with kids for quite some time now, and their Kids Harbor Boat & Swim Race is one more thing that is great about the organization. It’s something that can really bring the whole family together, and if you have aspirations to make a pretty good craft, it’s even better that you can get children involved. And that’s what it’s all about, and the Boat & Swim race is a fantastic way to get them excited about life on the Lake of the Ozarks!

The rules and criteria for the craft are what one would expect, and has a lot of different ways to receive some accolades. For one, the boats can be powered by wind or air and the capacity has a limit from 1 to 4 people. There are three different categories that will make a successful entry. The first is the creativity of the boat, the second being the fastest and the three would have to be the boat that raised the most money for Kid’s Harbor. This allows for just about every entry to have something to target and hopefully win in, giving a lot of leeway for people who may not be master craftsmen.

But, it’s not just about building a boat here, as there are litanies of other things that make this a spectacular event for the whole family. In addition to the amazing swim race, there is also some other great things as far as entertainment goes. Things such as drawings, prizes, food, live music, and other activities are generally enough for a lot of people to get into. So, in short, there’s a good chance that you will really appreciate something that the event has to offer, whether you’re an amateur boating enthusiast or not.

It all takes place on September 11, 2011 at Linn Creek Cove MM 31 from 2 PM to 5 PM, and is all set to be a lot of fun for the whole family. If you’re looking for something to do that day, it’s a good idea for you to check out this event. If you need some more information, be sure to check out the website at www.kidsharbormissouri.org, call 573-348-6886, or send an email to janalee@khabor.org, as all three of these avenues are destined to bring about the results that you’re looking for.

The Willmore Lodge is a venue that really doesn’t need much introducing. Just about everyone has been there once and twice and has really been captivated by the sight and various events that have been held there. You’ll find that this is something that is perfect for any night that they’re doing an event. But, on September 13, 2011 at 6:30, it really may be one of the best events that they’ve had in quite some time. This event brings together an amazing dining experience along with a guest keynote speaker that comes with a lot of distinction from the various respectable organizations that he has worked with.

This time around, you will enjoy the keynote speaker that is retired NASA and USAF Colonel John E. Blaha. He’s a man that comes with a lot of distinctions and honors, including more than 10 from NASA, as well as some from the time that he has spent in the Air Force. He has plenty of stories to tell about his time in both organizations, which is especially important, as there are very few people who possess a first-hand experience with NASA, especially a person that comes as highly-regarded as Mr. Blaha.

And after the dinner, the Camden County Astronomy Club will provide some scopes for you to look through the solar system. This in-depth analysis will really inspire and awe people who even have a pretty sufficient understanding of the subject, but not in a way that’s not completely engaging. So, even if you’re not particularly knowledgeable about the subject, you’ll still find that it is laid out in a way that you can understand and appreciate, despite being an expert in the solar system, as the club will really present it in a great way.

The cost isn’t too bad, either. It’s $25 per person, with a $10 discount for couples, at $40. And you can also be happy to know that the proceeds are going to a very good cause, as the money will go to the Lake Area Teachers Scholarship Fund. Be sure that you need to have your RSVP by September 9^th, 2011. If you need any additional information, be sure to check out the Wilmore website, or give a call to 573-964-1008. And if you’re not particularly sure, the address is 1 Willmore Lane in Lake Ozark, MO 65049. And lastly, the show starts promptly at 6:30 PM.

The Lake of the Ozarks is especially impressive for people who like to ride bikes, as it is home of some of the most scenic rides in the whole country. It’s also something impressive because of the bike culture that resides here, making this something that should always be considered if you’re coming from locations abroad, as there’s really a lot here to be taken into account. And as far as Bikefest goes, Osage Beach has been home of Bikefest for 4 years now, and the 5^th annual is shaping up to be the biggest and best one yet. This year, there is the hope to bring together the ultimate biker experience, complete with quite a lot of biker-friendly events.

The entertainment factor is easily the biggest draw during Bikefest, which lasts from September 15, 2011 to September 17, 2011. With the bike culture being so prevalent here, you’ll find that over 200 different bars, restaurants, and complexes that are here, making this a destination that is widely considered to be the premier bike event of the month! But, it’s not just the bars that make people happy here, there’s much more. For those people who like a little more action in their events, such as Extreme Freestyle Motocross stunt riders, Rat Rod Contest, Mechanical Bull Riding, Cage Fighting, as well as some top bike builders who will be on display.

But, there are some other things that set this apart from a lot of the other bike events in the area. The creativity and interaction of the bike festival makes this stand apart. This year, they have a bike giveaway to one very lucky soul. The Full Throttle Passport Run is the name of the game. If your passports are stamped with the 24 different stamps, you’re then eligible to win a new bike. But it’s not just any bike; it’s the 2011 Custom Electra Glide FLHTP, one of the most sought after bikes, supplied by Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson.

The 5^th Annual Bikefest in Osage Beach will really be something that you have to see to believe. If you’re a biker, there’s a chance that you will really love it, and that’s even if you’re not a biker! So, come out and see what’s going on to see what’s going down, as there is nothing like it. Who knows, you may even be a new convert to the culture, as it is really that strong during Bikefest!

The Annual Hillbilly fair has long been an institution around the Lake of the Ozarks, bringing thousands of people out to check out the two day affair. Every year, Laurie Fairgrounds has brought together some really eccentric people, as well as some normal people who just like to see all of the events that they have. The 42^nd year running – you can really expect something that was even better than last year. Even if you don’t call yourself a hillbilly, you’ll still find something that you and the whole family can do.

For example, everyone likes carnivals. At the Hillbilly festival, you’ll find this, in addition to a parade, craft and vendor booths, demonstrations, as well as a plethora of games that you may appreciate. In addition to games that have a hillbilly feel, there are also those that are pretty traditional, with games such as bingo. It’s for this reason that it’s quite popular with people in the area, as well as those who live in some of the outlying areas. Also, there is music from bands that are playing throughout the weekend, enticing even more people who are looking for something to do on the weekend.

And if that doesn’t pique your interest, maybe you’d like the beer garden that’s quite popular with the residents of Laurie. At the Hillbilly Fair, you will find that there are quite a few beers on tap, which definitely could be a catalyst that makes you really appreciate the events that much more. In fact, maybe that will give you a little more courage for two of the fair’s most exciting events – the tractor pull and the karaoke at Hillbilly Fair. Many a fair-goer has fell victim to the beer garden and started doing some things that they have normally wouldn’t, and we promise that there will be even more this year!

The Hillbilly Fair is something that has become a staple in Laurie, and you can really expect them to go above and beyond the call of duty for this year. With this event being over 40 years old, we promise that you will have a great time. If you’re looking for some more information regarding the Hillbilly Fair, be sure to contact them at laurieevents@aol.com via email, 573-374-8776 via phone, or go to the city’s website at www.cityoflaurie.com. We promise that this won’t be a lull of an event, as it certainly hasn’t in the past!

The Lake of the Ozarks has been home to many different boat shows in the past, and the organizers who put some on really do know how to set up a great show, and this year doesn’t seem to be an exception to the level in quality that they have exhibited in the past. The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Fall Boat Show at Captain Ron’s is primed to be one of the best ones yet! Sponsored by the Marine Dealers Association, the fall in-water Boat Show is pleased to bring over 100 boats to the event for sale.

Not only will there be a great selection of pre-owned boats to choose from, but there will also be some new cruisers, performance boats, runabouts, and personal watercraft that is available. And one of the best things about this event is the amount of dealers that are attending. With over 50 different marine dealers from around the area showing off some of their wares, there’s a good chance that you will that your options aren’t limited, and those who are appreciative of the dealers in the area will be happy to know that there’s a fantastic chance that your favorites will be well-represented here.

And as far as the specifics go, the show starts on September 16 through the 18^th, 2011 At Captain Ron’s in Sunrise Beach. Friday, the festivities start at 1 PM and go all the way to 7 PM. The following days start at 10 AM and end at the same time as Friday, with the exception of Sunday, where the event ends at 4 PM. Admission to the event is $6 for adults and children 12 and under will enter the boat show for absolutely free. Also, every $1 per ticket will be donated to the Kids Harbor Child Advocacy Center.

If you happen to be on the market for a new boat, or just want something to do on these days, it’s not a bad idea to check out the boat show. It’s definitely one of the more picturesque events happening at the time, and if you have small children, it’s not a very expensive thing for you and the whole family to do. Also, if you’re looking for more information regarding this event, be sure to give a call to 573-374-5872 or go to lomdaboats.com; either of these resources will provide a wealth of information.

We all feel amazing about a good cause, and the 2^nd Annual lake Area Crop Hunger Walk could assuredly be that cause. The Hunger Walk, September 17 at Ruthie D’s restaurant at has all of the makings for something impressive, with a lot of people shaping up to help in any way that they can. The event is sponsored by the Church World Service, in hopes that they can reduce global hunger and poverty. The second year, much like the first, is primed to be very successful, all in hopes of drawing in thousands of people to donate and support the people who are involved with the service.

If you’re looking to participate, there are some particulars that you need to know beforehand. Area churches, businesses, and organizations sign on to be recruiters. The job of the recruiters is to find people who are willing to be a member of their CROP walk teams from within their organizations. From there, members of the walk team are supposed to obtain pledges from people in the community, including friends, family, as well as co-workers who are looking to get in on the act. 75% of the proceeds of this service and 20% of the proceeds are going to the HOPE House Food Bank at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The length of the walk is pretty much what one can generally expect out of this sort of things, with a total length of exactly 5 kilometers. People who are planning to walk will need to be there at 9:30 AM for registration, clad in a pair of their most comfortable walking shoes and smiling faces.  The 3 mile walk will be from the Ruthie D’s parking lot all the way along the north side of the horseshoe Bend Parkway west to Outer Drive.

So, if you’re looking to make a difference in the life of someone who really needs it, we suggest that you get down to the hunger walk. It’s got to be a lot of fun, and you can feel good about doing something that will significantly impact the lives of those that are much less fortunate. Considering that it is the second event, there’s really a substantial need for new people to get involved. In the event that you would like some more information, we implore you to either visit lakeoftheozarkscropwalk.org or give a call to 573-365-7805 and ask for Bette Taylor.

Who doesn’t love a little booty shaking? All over the country, you can generally find some kind of contest that’s happening, and that’s definitely a great thing – as this is the kind of thing that men (and some women) really love. If you find yourself to be one of those people, you’ll be happy to know that the Dam Bait Shop has something that you will genuinely appreciate. But, of course, it probably won’t take too much, as you only care about a couple of things when you’re considering a successful t-shirt and booty shaking contest, right?

At 7PM on September 17, you can be enticed by some of the finest looking ladies in the area, shaking what their momma gave them, located at Below Bagnell Dam, 70 Legion Road in Lake Ozark, MO, 65049. You won’t find a place hotter in Lake Ozark, the area’s ladies will be clad in next to nothing, giving people just what they want. At Below Bagnell Dam, you’ll be entertained with hours of some of the best possible entertainment that there is – something that really titillates the senses. It’s something that people in the area come to look forward to, and we promise that this will not be a night that you soon forget.

If you’re looking to be one of the lucky ladies, there are a couple of things that you should know. First and foremost, it’s important for you to be at least 18 or older with a valid state ID if you’d like to participate – there will definitely not be any exceptions to the rule. Once you get the all-clear, you’ll be pitted up against some other very talented ladies with, shall we say, enticing assets? Women who stand out the most will receive cash and/or trophy prizes, provided that you have the moves and the natural (or not) assets that appeal the judges.

All of these events are a part of Bike Fest, an event that’s going on from September 15 through September 18, 2011. Are you looking to participate in the debauchery? If so, you’ll need to contact the Dam Bait Shop by phone, 573-365-9135 or send them an email at thedambaitshop@aol.com. Also, if you’d like some more information for this event or the Bike Fest, visit their website at www.dambait.com, as it should have all of the details that you need to get yourself ready for the 3-day festivities.

The Annual Turkey Festival in Eldon is definitely one of the biggest events in the town, with thousands of people taking part in the festival. For over two and a half decades, this has been an institution in the town, starting with its all you can eat sausage and pancake breakfast hosted by the local Kiwanis club. If anything, this is generally reason enough for a person to take part of, as this goes on from 6 AM to 10 AM, September 24, 2011. But, that’s definitely not the only thing that’s impressive about the Turkey Festival, as it’s got something for just about everyone. Including car shows, parades, food, and just about everything else is here at the 26th Annual Turkey Festival hosted in Eldon.

And not only do you have something impressive as far as food goes, as the arts and entertainment is a pretty big thing for the festival. It draws artists and craftsmen to show and sell some of their products, from quilts to other crafts. And in addition to that, there are also pretty impressive farming and industrial equipment at the Old-Time Machinery Show. This has become a very important reason for consumers to come and buy something that they really appreciate, whether it’s functionality or just something nice that catches a person’s eye.

But the arts don’t stop there. Music has been very important to the success of the Annual Turkey Festival, with a plethora of bands playing. On average, every 30 minutes a new band plays at various venues taking part in the festival. It starts early in the morning, continuing through the length of the festival. This makes it perfect for people who aren’t particularly keen on some of the items, as it gives them reason to walk throughout and see what kind of music is playing, and fortunately enough, there seems to be something playing that anyone will come to appreciate.

But, what’s a turkey festival without turkey? You won’t find a shortage of turkey dishes here. As the name implies, the event started 26 years ago to celebrate Miller Country as a top-producing area in the industry. And to keep to the spirit of the industry, you’ll find that a good amount of dishes and delicacies dedicated to the bird. So, if you’re a fan of turkey (and who isn’t?) you won’t find that this is something that’s lacking. If you want more information, go to eldonchamber.com or call 573-392-3525.

Just about everyone loves wings! There aren’t too many people who can say something against them, and if you’re a part of this large number – we have just the event for you. Every year, the Lake of the Ozarks sponsors an event called the WING DING, something that has really been a staple of life here, and it assuredly draws a lot of people to the area every year, just one of the reasons why people enjoy lake life so much, as it’s rife with a lot of activity. This time, the activity is wings – and that’s something that’s pretty serious, as people do genuinely love their wings!

On September 29, 2011, Lodge of the Four Season is sponsoring the 10^th Annual WING DING, benefiting the Easter Seals. From 5 PM to 7 PM, at 2107 Bagnell Dam Boulevard will be the place for people who love wings! For just $10, you’ll be able to sample all of the wings that you want. And not only that, you’ll also be able to have 2 drinks available. If you’re a wing lover, this is definitely a very good deal, especially considering the fact that we’ve all paid about $10 for just 10 wings. But not only will you have the chance to sample some really great wings, you’ll be able to sample the options from many different restaurants in the area.

In total, there are 20 different lake area restaurants that are taking part in the festivities. And for these two hours, you’ll be able to find wings of all different flavors that you’ll really appreciate. In short, there is just about something for everyone. And considering that this is the 10^th annual event, it is primed to be nothing short of the biggest and best event yet. One of the best things about the event is the community aspect of the WING DING, as staples in the community and the people who live here are generally have a lot of fun with this, and we’d love for everyone to be a part of it!

So, if you’re looking for something to do on the 29^th of September, we implore you to come down to the event! It’s not very expensive, and you get the opportunity to eat all of the wings that you want. You can also take solace in the fact that you’re providing money for a great cause – the Easter Seals. If you want more information, or would like to contact the organizers, call 573-480-3637, or email info@mallardpoint.com!

Labor Day 2011 in Lake of the Ozarks extends from Friday 2^nd September until Monday 5^th September and heralds the end of another scorching hot summer in the most popular resort in Missouri, but whilst it is almost time to pack away your bikinis and flip flops for another year, it is not too late to say “goodbye” to summer in style and celebrate another fantastic year with an almighty bang!

No matter what kind of fun activities you have in mind for Labor Day, you can be certain of a good time during the holiday weekend in Lake of the Ozarks. Labor Day is a chance to enjoy the last summer weekend holiday before the weather turns cooler and autumn rolls in on a chill breeze across the water. So check out all the fun activities on offer at various locations in and around Lake of the Ozarks and see what suits you and your family.

Located in a prime position on Lake Ozark, the Lodge of the Four Seasons is one of Missouri’s premier resorts. Every year the resort hosts a number of fun family activities during Labor Day weekend, and this year is no exception. The whole family can look forward to lots of great activities, including patriotic nails and tee shirt designs, carnival games in the Atrium Pool, and on the Sunday night, a family BBQ followed by a fireworks display across the lake.

Fireworks displays are also a big feature at other resorts across Lake of the Ozark during the Labor Day holiday weekend celebrations. Guests staying at the Tan Tar A resort on Osage Beach can view the fireworks from the resorts grounds, whilst everyone else can watch for free from the water. Bear Bottom Resort has a traditional end of summer celebration on September 4^th that also features a free fireworks display. Camden on the Lake Resort on Lake Ozark is also holding a free fireworks display.

For an exciting opportunity to enjoy the many fireworks displays across Lake Ozark,  while sailing along on a boat, why not book a Celebration Labor Day Cruise on the lake?  Celebration cruises depart from the west end of the Grand Glaize Bridge at Osage Beach and are the ideal way to be a part of the action on the water during the sights and sounds of Labor Day weekend.

Of course, Labor Day at Lake of the Ozarks is not just for families—it is also the party capital of Missouri and the best place to be if you want to let your hair down on the last official holiday weekend of the summer. So if you want to have some good clean fun, head along to the Rehydrate Pool Party at Lazy Gators, as it promises to be the hottest pool party in the Midwest.

And for those who have spent the Labor Day weekend partying hard with the best of them, you might be pleased to learn that Captain Ron’s will be serving up a Labor Day brunch on September 6^th  between 9am and 1pm, so make sure you are there to enjoy the great food and inimitable atmosphere!