For those who would love to spend a fun filled weekend at Lake of the Ozarks while doing what they can in return for the community, the Kiwanis – Run for the Beach 5K event offers the perfect opportunity. Organized by the Kiwanis Club each year, this is a fundraiser even to generate funds to help the lesser privileged children in this region. The Kiwanis Club is a worldwide organization that is committed towards changing the world for better by helping underprivileged children and communities.

The Run for the Beach is an annual event that is held by the Kiwanis Club in the Ozarks to raise funds for underprivileged children and people in this region. The funds that are generated as a part of this run are used for a local cause to provide better living facilities to these people. The sixth edition of this run which was held in 2011 witnessed participation by over 150 walkers and runners for the 5K and 1K events and generated up to $7000 for this club. While those with high fitness levels can opt for the 5K walk or run, the 1K run is for families and others who cannot walk or run long distances.  The funds that are raised as a part of this event are also used for various local projects such as Osage High School’s Key Club, Mills Elementary School’s Terrific Kids Program and Builders Club, in addition to 4 annual college scholarships worth $1500 each.

The Mills Elementary School serves as the starting as well as the finishing point of the The Kiwanis Run for the Beach event. Participants can walk, run or just stroll along the course during this event. The pre-registration amount for the event is $15 per person. The registration on the day of the event will cost $20. If you are interested in being a part of this community fundraiser program, you can fill up the application form that you can find at www.ozarkcoastkiwanis.org.

To be a part of this noble event, make sure you are present at the Mills Elementary School in the Lake of the Ozarks at 8am which is when the race commences. For further information about the event and sponsorship programs you can either send an email to the Chairperson of the event Ann Brown at ambrown@4seasonsresort.com or call on 573-365-8498.

Every year, Captain Rons plays host to thousands of anglers from various parts of the state who come here to participate in this tournament and reach out for the priceless glory. Throughout the day, there are various fishing events held not just for adults, but children as well. If you are wondering if you will not fit in here because you are still an amateur angler, here is some good news for you. Numerous amateurs from the state arrive here to put their skills to test and also attend an exclusive fishing seminar which is a highlight of this event. Therefore, in addition to enjoying, you can also pick up key tips right from the expert anglers. Three top performing teams in this tournament will get an opportunity to participate in the National Championship which will be held in October this year in Columbus, Massachusetts’ Tennessee Tombigbee waterway.

There is a kids fishing rodeo that is organized as well for children to participate in. Parents, along with their children, can participate in this event and teach their little ones the joys of fishing and hone their skills. And as for the recreation and refreshments, you need not have second thoughts because Captain Rons will leave no stone unturned to ensure guests and participants have everything they need handy.

If you want to indulge in uninhibited fun this weekend, head to Captain Rons (Lake Road 5-50, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079) at Lake of the Ozarks for the Crappie Masters State Tournament. This event starts at 7am and there are weigh-ins that take place at regular intervals during the day. For more information about this event and to make your reservations in advance, please call 573-374-5852.

There can be no better time than Easter to take your little ones to Lake of the Ozarks. The Hillbilly Fairgrounds in the City of Laurie is all set to play host to the eagerly awaited Easter Egg Hunt, exclusively held for children. The vast area of 24 acres is going to come to life with the loud gurgling and guffaws of children from all age groups ranging from infants to adolescents.

Over 10,000 will be hidden in various parts of this expansive ground for children to unearth. Children will be divided into four different groups. The egg hunt for children between 0 and 3 years starts at 2pm, while the event for children between 4 and 6 years starts at 2.05pm. Children between 7 and 9 years will start their egg hunt at 2.10pm and the egg hunt for children between 10 and 12 years starts at 2.15pm. Though the winners do get to take home some fabulous gifts, there are presents given out for every child that participates in the egg hunt.

As parents, you need not worry about the hunger pangs and cravings of your little ones since there will be a wide range of refreshments on hand. The celebrations do not stop with the egg hunt alone. The entry of the Easter Bunny will keep the spirit of the celebrations alive, in addition to many other competitions for the little ones.

If you want to plan a family trip to Lake of the Ozarks, head to the Ozarks for Easter celebrations. While you and your partner can enjoy the various activities this place has on offer, the children can have their share of fun by participating in the Easter Egg Hunt.

For more information about the Easter Egg Hunt at the Hillbilly Fairgrounds on 8^th April 2012, you can either visit the website http://www.cityoflaurie.com or call on 573-374-8776.

If you are looking for livestock for your farm or you want to trade your existing livestock for other small animals and birds, Jacob’s Cave Swapping will not be a letdown. People not just from Missouri, but other neighboring states as well attend this event to buy small animals and birds or exchange their animals for something new. In addition to livestock, you can also find a wide range of crafts and collectables on sale. You can buy some of the best handicrafts made by local people at prices that are worth a steal. However, there are a few ground rules you need to adhere to.

Camping overnight at the venue costs $5 per night. Whether you are hungry or thirsty, you can find various types of refreshments at the venue itself. You can bring pigeons, small animals and poultry to the event for selling or trading. However, swine, cattle and horses are prohibited. All animals that are put up for sale or trade should be adequately contained and free of diseases.

In addition to buying, selling and trading livestock and various items, visitors can also tour the region at discounted prices when the event is on. If you are on a limited budget, but want to explore this region, there can be no better opportunity. Vehicles entering the venue will have to pay $5 per day.

If you would like to get good value for your money and also enjoy a fun-filled trip to the Ozarks, make a beeline to Jacob’s Cave Meadowlands which is situated between Gravois Mills and Versailles, off Missouri HWY5 between 5^th April and 8^th April, 2012.

For more information about the Jacob’s Cave Swapping Days, you can either send an email to jacobscave@earthlink.net or call Jacob’s Cave on 573-378-4374.

This Easter it is time for you to search for the Golden Easter Egg (literally!) to hit the jackpot of $1000. Every colored egg found entitles you to enticing gifts, some of which are the membership to the Dogwood Hills Golf Resort and exciting gift baskets loaded with goodies that adults cannot get enough of! As is the tradition of every event at Lake of the Ozarks, the Adult Easter Egg Hunt competition will be followed by excellent music and mouth watering food.

Any person over the age of 21 can be a part of the Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Buy tickets in advance and save more. Early bird tickets cost $8 while it is $10 for those registering at the venue on the day of the event. Tickets for this event are available at Dogwood Hills Golf Shop, Central Bank branches in Lake of the Ozarks and the Tailgate Party. The registrations at the venue start at 3pm and the hunt commences at 4.30pm.

If you want to be a part of this exciting event, then ensure your presence at the Dogwood Hills Golf Resort, 1252 State Highway KK, Osage Beach. You can also call them on 573-384-1735 for more information.

Are you aware of the various leading contractors, designers, architects, plumbers, roofing contractors and other service providers in this region? Do you know the prices for these services? What are the various options you have in case you want to invest in any property in this region? If your answer is ‘yes’ to even one of these questions, then the Home, Garden and Lifestyle Expo is the event you should attend. This event is the one stop shop for all your requirements pertaining to landscaping, construction, home improvements and repair services. Leading service providers for heating solutions, cooling solutions, air conditioning, painting, sunroom and windows come together during this exposition to showcase their presence and offer their services to thousands of visitors who arrive here.

The Home, Garden and Lifestyle Expo is one of the eagerly awaited events that appeals not just to consumers, but developers in and around Missouri. In addition to businesses that offer home construction and renovation services, even those that offer travel and lifestyle related products also set up booths here to showcase their businesses and strengthen their market presence. If you intend to start a business that falls under any of these categories, there can be no better platform than this event to herald your presence.

The highlight of this exposition is the number of ‘green’ businesses that set up their booths. For consumers who intend to build properties that reduce the carbon footprint and utilize the natural resources available for functioning efficiently, you can find the architects and designers who harness the potential of renewable sources of energy to construct your property.

The admission to the 11^th Home, Garden and Lifestyle Expo is free and the first hundred entrants will also receive Dogwood seedling free of charge. If you want to be one among the thousands to benefit from this expo, ensure you are present at the Country Club Resorts & Spa in the Ozarks on 31^st March and 1^st April, 2012. On Saturday, the expo starts at 9am and ends at 5pm. On Sunday, the doors are open from 10am to 3pm. For more information about the event, including setting up the booth, you can visit www.lakeareachamber.com or call them on 573-964-1008.

The Main Street Music Hall in Central Missouri is all set to play host to The Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing. This is an annual event that brings together the best in the field of Christian music for a three day musical extravaganza. Every year, some of the best bands in the field of Southern Gospel Music, arrive at the Ozarks to enthrall the audience with their soulful music and magical voices. The lineup for this musical extravaganza this year as well will not be a letdown for visitors who come here with the sole intention of listening to music that can transport them to a world away from the stress and din of daily life. The Dove Brothers, The Perrys, Higher Power Quartet, Legacy Five, The Lesters, Karen Peck and New River and The Booth Brothers are the prominent bands that will entertain the audience over three days when this musical fest in on.

The Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing will start off with the performances by The Berrys and The Dove Brothers on 29^th March 2012 at 7pm. The Booth Brothers will enthrall the audience on the 30^th of March at 7pm. The performances by the High Power Quartet and Karen Peck and New River are scheduled for the 31^st of March at 1pm. This three day musical fest will come to an end with the performances by The Lesters and Legacy Five at 7pm on the 31^st of March.

If you are planning to be a part of this great musical event, it is time to book your tickets now. The Gold Package which includes the cost for performances by all teams on all three days and the Artist Circle costs $75. The Silver Package which only includes the prices for the concerts costs $60. The cost of other tickets is $17 when booked prior to 28^th March after which the cost is $19. The cost of the tickets is $13 per person for groups of 15 or more. Children aged 11 and below are allowed entry free of charge provided they are accompanied by adults. Once you book your tickets, there are no refunds offered. If you want to purchase the tickets for this event, you can either call 573-348-3028 or 888-285-7464. You can also send an email to lakegospelsing@gmail.com.

If you want to be a part of the Great Lake of the Ozarks Gospel Sing 2012, make sure you are present in the Ozarks between the 29^th and 31^st of March.

The Annual Early Bird Open Buddy Bass Tournament is attended by not just people interested in fishing, but also by those who would like to enjoy a refreshing spring break, away from the stress of daily life. During this weekend, Lake of the Ozarks plays home to thousands of visitors, with most of them coming here with the goal of participating in the fishing tournament and netting a price catch that can qualify them for some interesting prices.

Though the lake here is a man-made lake, it is also home to various types of fish. The arrival of spring heralds the spawning season for bass and it is not uncommon for anglers to catch large fish weighing seven pounds and more. The good news is that you need not be a pro at fishing to be a part of this competition. Even if you are an amateur at fishing and want to put your skills to test, there can be nothing more fun than participating in this event along with hundreds of other amateurs who come here just to enjoy this event.

Most people who come here just to witness the tournament end up wanting to participate and experience the joy firsthand. If you are one of them and do not have any fishing equipment handy, fret not! There are a number of stores in this region that offer fishing equipment on hire. So you can find everything ranging from angles to fishing rods and baits and even boats easily. All you need to have is the spirit to soak in fresh air and indulge in some uninhibited fun.

Fishing pros and amateurs interested in being a part of this tournament can register their names well in advance by paying a fee of $100. In case you did not register in advance, you can always register at the venue, albeit at an extra charge. The tournament starts at 7am on 24^th March (Saturday) and goes up to 4pm which is when the weigh in for the day takes place. On 25^th March (Sunday), the competition starts at 7am and goes on up to 2pm which is when the anglers bring in their catch for the weigh in. The winners of the tournament will be announced after the weigh in on Sunday. Winners get to take home cash prizes, in addition to the priceless memories of the tournament.

If you want to be a part of all this fun and enjoyment, make sure you are at the Alhonna Resorts (677, Outer Drive, Lake Ozark, MO 65049) in Lake of the Ozarks on 24^th and 25^th March 2012. If you want more information about the event and for registration details, you can either visit www.alhonna.com or call them on 573-365-2634.

The 17^th Annual Trivia and Silent Auction will be held at Tan-Tar-A Resort on the 17^th of March, 2012 and this time to provide assistance to the less privileged children in Camden County. The Camden County Child Advocacy Council is organizing this event which is expected to attract a number of patrons who would like to put their knowledge about Lake of the Ozarks to test. Participants of the trivia challenge will be seated in groups of six. There will be a total of 10 rounds with 8 questions in each round to test the knowledge of the participants in various areas such as the Bagnell Dam, animals, sports and many more. If you thought that this is just another boring quiz competition, here is something that will make a difference. Each round of this trivia contest has a musical question which is bound to get the audience and participants on their feet. Plaques are given out to the winner of the trivia contest.

The Silent Auction follows the fun-filled contest. Participants can bid for a number of beautiful items, which can be taken back home as souvenirs, during the live auction. The proceeds of this auction will be donated to a noble cause.

People participating in the 17^th Annual Trivia and Silent Auction will also be treated to sumptuous, mouth-watering fare during dinner. The dinner, which starts at 6.30pm, includes Caesar salad, pre-carved ham and turkey, Silver dollar rolls, pasta primavera with vegetables, coffee and tea. There is also a bar where alcoholic drinks and soda will be served, albeit at a price.

Pre-registration charges are $20 per person. Participants can also register at the venue, but will have to pay $25 per person. Dinner will be served at 6.30pm and the auction will start at 7pm. If you think you are as lucky as the Irish and as witty as leprechauns, make sure you are present at the Tan-Tar-A Resort at 6pm on 17^th March 2012 for the 17^th Annual Trivia and Silent Auction in your best ‘green’ outfit.

St Patrick’s day celebrations in the Ozarks attracts thousands of tourists each year who arrive not just from various parts of the country, but also the world, to take part in the parades and other festivities and to paint the town green, literally! This is the only place in the United States where St Patrick’s Day parades are held not just on land, but also water. Yes, you read that right! Thousands of boating enthusiasts converge at the Ozarks to participate in this one-of-its-kind water parade, which also heralds the start of the boating season here. The boats are all decorated in green before being taken into the waters of this man-made lake. Those who love to be a part of the parade, minus the boats, can book their seats on the Tropic Island Cruise Boat which forms a part of St Patrick’s Day water parade. Visitors can club their cruise tickets with a sumptuous breakfast buffet before the parade commences. This parade will come to an end with the award distribution ceremony once all the parade boats dock.

If water parade is not something that interests you, then assemble at the Bagnell Dam Strip to witness one of the largest St Patrick’s Day parade in this region. Businesses and individuals who would like to showcase their presence and establish their identity can sponsor floats. The 28^th Annual St Patrick’s Day parade will start off at 1pm. Visitors will not be left disappointed, thanks to the numerous floats that are loaded with goodies such as trinkets, candies and many more for children as well as adults. There are a number of competitions held during the parade for adults and little ones. The winners will get to take home some of the best souvenirs that will last a lifetime.

Not the ones to be left behind are the hotels and restaurants in this region which are offering great discounts on food and beverages all through the event. If you are planning to visit the Ozarks to witness the St Patrick’s Day parade on the water as well as along Bagnell Dam Strip, ensure you book your stay well in advance to avoid being stranded during the weekend. The endless flow of drinks, combined with mouthwatering cuisine including cabbage feasts and corned beef, is bound to leave you asking for more.

This is your chance to go green and participate in one of the most awaited parades at Lake of the Ozarks. Let your hair down and bring out the child in you! If you want to experience a fun-filled weekend in the lap of nature, surrounded by like-minded people, Lake of the Ozarks awaits you.

Participants willing to participate in the 21^st Annual St Patrick’s Day parade should be present at the Ozark Bar B-Que, located at 608 Wings Circle, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079, at 9am which is when the breakfast buffet starts. The water parade and the Tropical Island Cruise Boat will start from 10.5mm at 10.30am and travel up to Gravois Arm. The trip on the cruise along with the buffet costs $30 per person. The 28^th Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade at Bagnell Strip Parade will start at 1pm. Civic entries cost $20 and business entries $25.

For more information, you can either visit www.lakewestchamber.com or call them on 573-374-5500.