Photo by Dominik Scythe on Unsplash

The Community Christian Church in Camdenton will be a busy place Saturday as woodworkers from around the lake area, and beyond, gather for the 5th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Woodcarvers Show.

Doug Bibles, from the local woodcarvers club, says that there will be over 50 artisans on hand competing, mainly, for some bragging rights…

Admission to the woodcarvers show is free of charge and will include door prizes and a chance to win a carving.

The show will run from 8:30-3:30.

Another football homecoming week is in the archives for the Camdenton Lakers.

Varsity head coach Jeff Shore says the annual parade set the stage for another great week to be a Laker “It’s one of the best things we do as a school…all those little kids you know…getting that Laker Pride going. And all our sports teams and different clubs and things are represented in it…and that was really fun, that’s great for school spirit.”

In addition to the parade, the Laker marching band and the halftime homecoming ceremony also added to the excitement of the week.

And, oh, by the way, the Lakers also earned victory #5 in six tries with a win over the visiting Hillcrest Hornets.

The weather’s starting to cool down, and they’re getting set for the holidays at the Lake West Chamber.

“We’re working on our annual Christmas Parade, our 21st annual lighted Christmas Parade….it will be the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th” says Paul Hooper with the Lake West Chamber.

He says this year’s parade will include special guests who couldn’t make it last year “We’ll have Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus this year, we couldn’t have them there last year due to COVID…so, kiddos can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus…have some hot chocolate, get some candy canes and tell Santa Claus what they want for Christmas.”

The theme for this year’s Lake West Chamber Christmas Parade is Magical Lake Christmas and registration for the parade is open to everyone.

You can contact the Lake West Chamber for details.

Hooper was interviewed by Guy Wehman on The Ozarks This Morning.

American Ethanol

American Ethanol takes the Top Gun once again at the annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.

Driver Tony Battiato and throttleman John Cosker made 5 attempts on the new shortened course, coming out with a top speed of 193 MPH.

Pontoon racer Todd Rowland set a new record on the new course as well, running 113 MPH and taking home a trophy for his division.

In the V-Bottom class it was Jim Schultz who outperformed everyone with a 161 MPH run.

And in the new electric motor class, team Vision Marine Technologies hit a new record with a 49 MPH.

Officials with the Shootout estimate the crowd was larger than it was during the 2020 edition of the race.

The City of Warsaw is moving forward on it’s plans for a state-of-the-art playground at Drake Harbor.

Officials say it replaces the old playground that had run its course.

The new “Super playground” will have features that makes it “stand-out” and match the history of the harbor, with steamboat wheels and fun designs for children ages 3 to 12 to play on.

This year the City was able to match funds with a $68,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Land, Water and Conservation Fund in order to construct the new playground.

The playground’s theme reflects the history of Steamboat Landing with 20 different play areas on a matted surface resembling the waterfront.

***KRMS has reached out to the City for a photo of the new playground and will replace the image of Drake Harbor above when said photo is available.

The Osage Beach Fishing Derby is coming up Tuesday, August 3^rd at the city park fishing pond.

It’s free to fish at the pond from 5 pm until 8 pm, and if you need equipment they’ll have some for you to use.

The fishing pond was re-opened to the public in June 2019 after having closed down in 2013 due to flood damage.

Catfish, bluegill and largemouth bass have been added to the pond over the last few years under the direction of the Missouri Department of conservation.

***More info:

Summer’s about halfway through in the Lake Area, but the Captain of the Lake of the Ozarks Captain’s Association is talking about boater education to help stop accidents and deaths on Missouri waters.

“Lake of the Ozarks contributes to 50% of all the incidents that occur, that’s everything from boat crashes and boat related injuries, to boat fatalities” says Captain Doug Beck is also on the LOZ Water Safety Council.

He tells KRMS News the public needs more awareness “people do not have boater education. 86% of the people who get into boating accidents, do not have boating education.”

Beck says everyone could use more education on the water, including locals who own boats and those who come to the lake to rent one.

Back was interviewed by Guy Wehman on The Ozarks This Morning.

They’re adding a new event to Pumkin Chunkin Palooza later this year.

Organizers say Pumkin Chunkin Palooza’s Got Talent will now be a part of one of the Lake Area’s biggest fall festivals.

The talent competition will begin at 6 o’clock, Saturday night September 25^th of the Ozarks Amphitheater.

The first place winner will pocket $5-thousand dollars and entries are being accepted now through August 20^th.

The attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest boat parade falls short Saturday at the Lake of the Ozarks.

The number to beat was 1,180 boats set in Malaysia in 2014, however the Lake Area only came up with 612 boats in total.

Out of those, only 505 boats were counted because some boats did not finish the full parade, while others did not have the required flag displayed properly.

On social media, many residents say they were either not aware of the event or the $50 cost and the expect large amount of boats deterred them from participating.

Officials say they learned from the event and are already planning to try again.

****From the Best Dam Facebook Page:

The racers are in town for Lake Race on Saturday, and they’re not only watching the water as they get prepared.

“We feel like meterologists….constantly watching the weather, the waves. There are apps out there like “wind finder” and things like that, which will tell you the amount of seconds in-between each wave and how big they are” says Myrick Coil with Performance Boat Center in Osage Beach, which races in the Super Stock class on Saturday.

He tells  KRMS News he’s familiar with the competition he’ll be facing “STR Racing is really good. CR Racing is really good. I feel that we are really good. You know the boats, you know the crews.”

Coil says the water conditions will determine how he sets up his power boat Saturday….he also says he prefers racing in freshwater as opposed to saltwater.

Additionally, a new class of smaller, quicker Formula One powerboats will be racing in between the bigger Offshore Powerboats Saturday.

“What we wanted to do is inject the Formula one and the tri-halls into the program, and we can race in-between the downtimes of the offshore boats…so when a fan comes in now, they’re going to see action from 11 in the morning until 5 o’clock at night” says Tim Seebold with NGK Spark Plugs F 1 Powerboat Championship Series.

He tells KRMS News the Formula One boats can go zero to 100 miles an hour in 5 seconds “top speed is about 120, and they’ll pull anywhere from 5 to 6 G’s in an 180 degree corner.”

You can catch live coverage of Lake Race on News / Talk KRMS AM 1150, 97.5 and 103.3 FM and also streaming online at KRMS-Radio-dot-com.

KRMS TV will be televising the races Saturday.

If you plan on boating this weekend on the lake, you might have to make some adjustments with Lake Race happening Saturday.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Division says boating traffic will be restricted to no wake and idle speed from Bagnell Dam to the 4-mile marker of the main channel.

The restrictions will be in place from one hour before the event and they’ll continue for up to an hour after the final race.

Powerboat testing will start at 9 o’clock Saturday morning and then racing follows at 11.

****Additional Details….

EMPHASIS: Powerboat Race At Lake Of The Ozarks

Captain Corey J. Schoeneberg, commanding officer of Troop F, would like to inform boaters of an offshore boat race event. The race will take place on June 5, 2021, near Bagnell Dam on Lake of the Ozarks. Powerboat testing will begin at 9 a.m. and the event will start at 10 a.m. Boating traffic will be restricted to no wake and idle speed from the dam to approximately the 4-mile marker of the main channel. The no wake, idle speed restriction will be enforced approximately one hour prior to the event start time and will continue to be enforced up to one hour after the last race.

Every attempt will be made to minimize inconvenience to boaters navigating near the race, but boaters should expect congestion in the area. Troopers, as well as event volunteers, will be located around the course and will assist boaters in locating the designated areas for spectator anchoring. Spectators wishing to anchor should anticipate needing enough anchor line for water depth in excess of 100 feet.

Captain Schoeneberg urges boaters to use heightened caution while exiting the area following the event due to conditions caused by the heavy boat traffic and to report ALL impaired operators to Troop F at 573-751-1000 or by dialing *55 on a cellular phone.

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!! Follow Troop F on Twitter for the most current news @MSHPTrooperF.

Bagnell Dam is ready for Lake Race 2021, with the host location at the brand new Neon Taco on The Strip.

The event starts at 5PM and it is open to the public on the boardwalk below.

Numerous racers will be on hand and you’ll have a chance to participate in 1 of the 2 Lake Race Auctions during the event.

If you’re coming to the races Saturday, there will be several ways for you to get close to watch.

“We’re gonna have golf car shuttles, we’re gonna have bus shuttles….shuttling people back and forth to parking lots as try to accommodate as many people as we can” says Lake Race Executive Director Christy Janssen “we’re just super excited about it, having it come back to the strip…it’s going to be a great layout for it!”

She tells KRMS News the race is bringing in racers and spectators from different parts of the country.

Listen for live coverage of Lake Race on News / Talk KRMS, 1150 AM, 103.3 FM and 97.5 FM.

You’ll also be able to see the action on KRMS TV.

Coming up in less than a week, Lake Race 2021 near Bagnell Dam.

“Not having it last year, it’s kind a like starting fresh almost” says Christy Janssen, Executive Director of Lake Race, “we had a lot of little things that needed to be done, so a little bit more work than we originally thought….but things are really falling into place.”

She tells KRMS News the dates are June 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th.

News / Talk KRMS and Viper Communications family of radio stations will be covering the event on the radio and on TV.

We’re learning more details about the Lake of the Ozarks attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the Largest Boat Parade.

“It’s really starting to come together, we have our boat parade….the regatta permit has been issued by the water patrol and we have a lot of volunteers that are going to be helping out in coordinating all the milling areas” says Tom Abbett, who’s handling logistics for the parade, now scheduled for June 12^th.

Abbett says you’ll need to maintain a slow speed as Guinness officials try to count the boats taking part “this is an organized parade, it is a no-wake fast idle speed…it’s not a race, it’s not a contest….it’s something where we need the ability to count all the boats.”

The World Record for the Largest Boat Parade now belongs to Malaysia.

That’s where 11-hundred-80 boats lined up for a festival in 2014.

An 80s icon is performing in Lake of the Ozarks over the weekend.

Tommy Tutone’s playing the Exchange Saturday night starting at 7.

The group’s named after the nickname of the lead vocalist and guitar player Tommy Heath, “I never could pronounce my name, Tommy Heath. I’d always have to go and spell it. I need hard syllables. It’s just a little of each” says Heath.

Tommy Tutone’s  best-known for the hit song 867-5309.

He’ll be playing with local musician Baub Ice, who hosts the ‘Homegrown Show’ on 93.5 Rocks.

Tutone was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

Ozarks Amphitheater’s announcing two new dates for the summer season.

“Mark your calendars because June 11th we’re bringing in ACM winner Lee Bryce and then on June 26th, it’s Styx with Collective Soul” says Mary Kay Von Brendel with the Ozarks Amphitheater.

She tells KRMS News final arrangements are also being made for June 27^th, when the Missouri Symphony Orchestra performs at the Ozarks Amphitheater.

The Camdenton venue has recently announced dates with Shinedown, Aaron Lewis and John Pardi as well as others.

Another Lake Area event gets started on Saturday, but with a twist.

“There’s going to be the first ever, Hot Summer Nights event, held in a spring afternoon” says Harrison Fry with the City of Lake Ozark, he tells KRMS Radio Saturday’s Spring Fling Exotic Car Cruise is the first of several scheduled this year “it has grown so popular that they decided to add in, for this year, a couple of book end events. One in April, another in October. These will be larger events earlier in the day and on Saturday, so the folks can really get out and enjoy the Bagnell Dam strip.”

Five other Friday nights scheduled through the summer, including the Bagnell Dam 90^th Birthday Bash on May 14th and American Hot Rods & Blown Coupes June 11^th.

The Dogwood Festival gets underway Thursday with a new location.

The Ozarks Amphitheater is hosting this year’s event, which means some things will be different.

“The parade route itself is not very long, in fact it’s just a tad shorter than the traditional parade route there in town square” says Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce Director KC Cloke, “the Carnival is getting setup as we speak, I know a lot of the rides was delivered over the past weekend to the Amphitheater…so they’re working very diligently to get everything all set and inspected.”

She tells KRMS News the location had to change this year because the Camdenton R-III School District couldn’t be sure its property would be available as the pandemic continued.

Cloke says the theme of this year’s event is ‘Dogwood Through the Decades’ “we encourage you to have fun with that, you know….you may choose the 60’s decade, or the 70s or the 50s, you know just have fun with it. The festival has been around for a long time, and we’ve seen many different trends in those times so maybe pick a few of those trends and incorporate them into your float.”

Cloke says volunteers are still needed for the 70^th Annual Dogwood Festival, which continues Friday with live entertainment and the parade on Saturday.

Photo by Austin Neill on Unsplash

Boating season’s ramping up in Lake of the Ozarks, and the Captain of the Missouri Highway Patrol Water Division has some tips.

“Obviously plan ahead, get your boat inspected by a Missouri State Trooper. We do courtesy inspections” says Michael Petlansky’s the Captain of the Water Division, “and make sure you have all of your safety equipment on board and wear your life jackets, or at least keep them readily accessible.”

He tells the KRMS Morning Magazine those life jackets present lots of options these days “they’re a lot more comfortable than they were in years past. We just recommend you wear your life jacket and remind you that children under the age of 7 are required to wear one at all times, unless they are enclosed in a cabin.”

Some people in the Lake Area think 2021 could be even busier than last year.

Aquapalooza. Photo Courtesy of FunLake.Com

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Division is denying a Regatta application for Aquapalooza.

The plan was to hold the event at the 6-mile marker …

“There was some public safety concerns with that location, so they came up with an alternative location to hold the event and we agreed to that permit” says Captain Michael Petlansky with the ‘Patrol.

He tells KRMS News the event’s been moved to the area of the 34-and-a-half mile marker.

There’s a party being planned for Lake of the Ozarks.

The State of Missouri is 200 years old And Bagnell Dam is 90 years old.

“So it’s the best Dam Birthday Celebration!” says Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski.

He tells KRMS News he’s looking at two dates coming up this summer “One of them is going to be June 12th, where they’re going to try and set the Guinness World Record for the biggest boat parade ever held.”

Murawski says the boat parade will raise money for the next celebration on August 10^th, which could include numerous fire work displays around Lake of the Ozarks.

Lake Race 2021 is set for June 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th near Bagnell Dam, and there’s a social happening Thursday night.

“It’s going to be 5 o’clock to 7 o’clock at Alley Cats down on the strip” says Tom Abbett with Lake Race.

He tells KRMS News they’re asking for a $10 dollar donation to help local charities like CADV, Kids Harbor, LOWA and the Boy Scouts.

If you’re interested in volunteering to help out at Lake Race you can learn more Thursday night at Alley Cat’s in Lake Ozark.

The annual Easter Egg Hunt in Osage Beach will have a different look this year.

Officials have partnered with the Victory Church to provide eggs that you can hide in your house and hold the “hunt” at home, since the actual event was canceled.

Families will be given 25 eggs per child between ages 0 and 13, but you must register before March 21^st to get them.

-o-

GIVING EASTER EGGS TO FAMILIES IN LIEU OF EASTER EGG HUNT

Osage Beach, MO – In order to keep the community healthy and safe this year’s Easter Egg Hunt has been canceled; however, the City of Osage Beach in conjunction with Victory Church will be providing Easter eggs for families to hide and hunt at their home.

This is not limited to Osage Beach residents, but families must register by March 21, 2021 at http://www.osagebeach.org.

Each registered family will receive 25 eggs per child ages 0 – 13, and these eggs will be available for pick-up March 29 – April 2 at Victory Church, 645 State Hwy 42.

For questions or more information, contact City of Osage Beach Parks & Recreation at 573.302.7460.

Rain or shine, the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Lake Ozark is a go.

“It’s on the Bagnell dam strip. It start’s all the way up there by city hall” says Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski.

He tells KRMS News they stopped registration for floats at 150 earlier this week and he promises you won’t have to look far to find some corned beef and cabbage “Places all up and down the strip have always done the corned beef and cabbage, including Rock Island Line which has used the same recipe for nearly 50 years.”

Murawski says he’s expecting this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade to be the biggest ever in Lake Ozark.

Ozarks Amphitheater is looking ahead to a busy year in 2021.

“So after announcing Aaron Lewis last week, John Pardi this week, we’re also preparing for next week which will be largest announcement for ANY show we’ve ever had” says Tom Abbett with Ozarks Amphitheater. He tells KRMS News that announcement could come on Tuesday.

Abbett says there is a big difference between this year and last year “We’re doubling down, some of the shows we had planned last year they’re moving over into this year…maybe a few weekends we might have two shows, maybe even three shows.”

He says REO Speedwagon and 3 Dog Night are among other shows happening in 2021 that were postponed in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19 restrictions and concerns.

More floats than ever before are expected in Lake Ozark Saturday for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“We stopped them at a 150…we’d never even thought that was possible” says Mayor Gerry Murawski. He tells KRMS News around 130 floats take part in the parade most years and now Shriners groups are coming from all over the state to be a part of this year’s parade “From St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield, even Mexico, Missouri.”

The parade begins Saturday afternoon at 1 along the Bagnell Dam Strip.

For Immediate Release

3/2/2021

One of the most anticipated events of the year in Lake Ozark and the lake area is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It signals the beginning of the long-awaited season of activities and events.

The parade fell victim to COVID-19 a year ago, but sponsor Bagnell Dam Strip Association is gearing up for a record-setting event this year on Saturday, March 13, on Bagnell Dam Blvd. It begins at 1 p.m.

The board of aldermen approved an event permit for the parade at its regular meeting Feb. 26. Organizer Jeff Carroll told the board there is a record number of entries – at least 140 – this year because of the gradual return to normalcy at the lake and because many other communities have cancelled parades or modified their parades due to COVID-19.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Deck the whole family out in green, grab the lawn chairs and head out to Bagnell Dam Strip for an afternoon of family fun watching the various floats, cars, motorcycles and, yes, even boats as they travel along The Strip.

Anyone interested can download the official entry form and return it to the Bagnell Dam Strip Association no later than March 9.

Plaques will be awarded for first, second and third place in both civic and business categories along with a Grand Champion trophy.

Bagnell Dam Blvd. will shut down from Quality Inn to the new roundabout on Bagnell Dam Blvd. (including Bagnell Dam) at 12:45 p.m. the day of the parade and re-open around 3 p.m. Motorists will be able to enter Horseshoe Bend Parkway (HH) by using Route 242. Horseshoe Bend traffic will be let through at gaps in the parade.

Parade participants are reminded that alcohol in any form cannot be distributed to parade spectators or consumed on floats.

Also, candy can be distributed but should not be thrown from parade entries. Parade entrants are encouraged to hand out candy along the route or have someone walking alongside the vehicle to hand out candy or items.

Safety first

Carroll urges parade participants, residents and visitors to remain vigilant regarding COVID-19. He noted there will be sanitizing stations located throughout the parade route, and he urges everyone to practice social distancing as much as possible.

Of course, masks are encouraged in close contact situations but not required.

For more information call 573-280-5477 or email jcarroll88.jc@gmail.com.

New process

This year’s parade application was the first that went through the newly formed Special Events Review Committee process. The committee was created to help the city coordinate the growing number of events taking place within the city limits. City officials hope the new procedure will improve communications between event coordinators and the city, so events run more smoothly, so the police and public works departments have input and to make sure there are enough volunteers to serve the event.

The committee authorized the parade with the following stipulations:

• Verification from MoDOT and Ameren Missouri regarding Bagnell Dam closure.
• Volunteers will be outfitted with safety-visible vests.
• An insurance policy certificate naming the city as an additional insured entity.

“The committee did a stellar job,” Mayor Gerry Murawski commented. “I’m impressed with what I saw, and this should help coordinate future events as well.”

This Saturday is the annual Eagle Days with Ameren Missouri.

This year’s show is located in two different places, with the World Bird Sanctuary returning to the Osage National Golf Resort with Live Eagle Programs from 9AM to 3pm.

The other event features the Dickerson Park Zoo at the Regalia Hotel and Conference Center with two different live bird programs, one featuring a Bald Eagle and the other featuring Missouri Owls.

Those events will run between 9:30AM and 3:30PM.

Officials stress that space is limited due to COVID 19, therefore reservations are strongly encouraged.

You can make reservations by visiting www.LakeoftheOzarksEagleDays.com and click on the reservation link near the top of the site, above the schedule.  Or call 573-964-1008 to make your reservations and secure your spot.

-o-

(Lake Ozark, MO). Ameren Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days returns Saturday, March 6^th, 2021, for a day of free fun and learning about creatures that live in your own back yard.  This year will be a one-day event featuring the live bird programs at Osage National Golf Resort and Regalia Hotel & Conference Center.

World Bird Sanctuary will return to Osage National with the Live Eagle Programs, which will feature four different species of eagles including a bald eagle.  Programs will begin on the hour starting at 9 am, with the last show beginning at 3 pm.

Dickerson Park Zoo will be at Regalia Hotel & Conference Center featuring two different live bird programs.  One will feature the Bald Eagle and the other is all about Owls of Missouri including the four native owls to Missouri.  Programs will begin on the half hour starting at 9:30 am, with the last show beginning at 3:30 pm.

Reservations are strongly encouraged for the free event this year.  This way proper seating can be spaced out and will allow for disinfecting of the seating area to happen in between shows.  Space at each show will be limited to accommodate this as well.  The only way to ensure you will be allowed entry to your show of choice, will be by making advanced reservations.

Make reservations by visiting www.LakeoftheOzarksEagleDays.com and click on the reservation link near the top of the site, above the schedule.  Or call 573-964-1008 to make your reservations and secure your spot.

Entries for the coloring contest, ages 2 – 12, can be submitted online or can be dropped off at the event.  However, the on-site coloring opportunities will not exist this year.  The coloring pages can be downloaded from the website.  One winner in each age category will receive Bridal Cave passes.

Entries for the amateur photo contest, ages 13 and up, can be submitted online or dropped off at the event.  Dining certificates to local eateries will be awarded to the top three photos submitted.  Judging will take place following the event and all of the rules and regulations for both contests can be found at www.LakeoftheOzarksEagleDays.com.

No vendors or viewing scopes will be available this year; but we do encourage people to BRING BINOCULARS and drive around the lake and along the Osage River where many wild eagles are frequently spotted.

In addition to disinfecting seating areas in between shows and spacing seating out, additional safety protocols will be in place.  Attendees will be asked to wear masks once entering the waiting area and throughout the duration of their stay.  Additional safety provisions may be put in place as well to help ensure the safety of all attendees and volunteers helping with the event.

The planning committee wishes to thank all of the businesses and organizations, who have once again come together to support this community event!  We hope to see you for Ameren Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days, Saturday March 6, 2021!

The Annual Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl is set to begin Friday.

But given the ongoing pandemic, there are some differences this year.

“We’ve extended it from the traditional one day, to three days this year. We’ll start on Friday and it will run until Sunday” says K.C. Cloke with the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

She tells KRMS News there will be no buses or wristbands this year and she says you should download the LOZ Pub Crawl Passport App to check off each place you visit.

Cloke says there will be 16 venues taking part in the Annual Pub Crawl this year and officials are expecting higher than normal turnouts, as events in New Orleans are canceled or limited.

“We’re at it Again!”

Lake of the Ozarks to host Annual Mardi Gras Pub Crawl event this coming weekend!

Lake Ozark, MO – The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce continues to pivot into the new year proving that many of the annual events celebrated can and will continue on this year starting with the Annual Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl.

“We couldn’t miss out on the chance to host the best Mardi Gras celebration in Missouri again this year, but due to current concerns surrounding the pandemic, the event will look a little different than usual.” stated Chamber Executive Director K.C. Cloke

Although busses and wristbands will not be included with this year’s event, with the help of your personal LOZ Pub Crawl Passport (App downloadable on both Google Play and the Apple Store), you’ll be able to check off each venue visited and be entered to win some amazing prizes at the same time!

The Lake Area Chamber is excited to announce there are 16 participating venues this year which participants are encouraged to visit and check-in at during this 3-day event (February 19^th-21^st, 2021). Many of the venues will be featuring drink and food specials and great entertainment during these three days; visit http://LakePubCrawl.com to check out all the details to plan your three-day visit.

School of the Osage has a new football coach.

Superintendent Dr. Laura Nelson tells KRMS Sports that former Coach Shannon Jolley is coming back to School of the Osage, after having coached the Indians from 2000 through 2005.

Coach Jolly returns to the Lake Area with his wife and three daughters.

He’ll replace last year’s head football coach Devin Johnson.

High honors for a Lake of the Ozarks Resident.

Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seeley -“How would you like to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry?”

Rhonda Vincent – “Yes, absolutely, 100%, Oh My Gosh!”

Mandolin picker and singer Rhonda Vincent is being accepted in the Grand Ole Opry.

You can watch it live this Saturday night, with the ceremony beginning at 7 o’clock.

She was originally slated for an induction ceremony on March 28th 2019, but due to COVID restrictions it was postponed.

Vincent is originally from Greentop, a city near Kirksville, but she recently moved to the Lake of the Ozarks.

With Vincent’s induction, there are now 67 living members of the Opry.

You can hear the full audio below:

Audio is courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry.

The annual Christmas on Main Street with the Lighted Christmas Parade will be held this year in Downtown Crocker.

The event kicks off at 5PM and continues until 7PM this evening with the Parade starting at 5:30PM from the parking lot at Crocker School.

Officials say that there will be no other Santa Claus or Mrs. Claus allowed, except the Santa riding in the last parade entry, and the Grinch and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer will also be involved.

There’s also a $50 cash prize being awarded to the best-decorated vehicle.

Christmas caroling will be circling Lake of the Ozarks Saturday.

Mary Kay Von Brendel with the Ozarks Amphitheater is organizing the event.

She tells KRMS News the group of singers from the Main Street Music Hall will hit nursing homes and assisted living facilities from as far south as Camdenton to as far north as Eldon, with other locations included during Saturday’s tour.

The group will meet at Big Surf Water Park at 10 am and then begin the journey.

Learn more about the Circle the Lake event on the Facebook page: Circle The Lake

See more below:

They’re announcing the winning floats from last week’s parade on The Strip.

This year’s Christmas parade in Lake Ozark was called, ‘We Need A Little Christmas,’ and it featured numerous floats.

The 1^st place float was entered by Dam Good slice.

Second place went to Lake of the Ozarks Jeep Club.

The third place winner was American Legion Post 229.

Mike Page with the Bagnell Dam Strip Association gave out the prize money.

It was the 36^th edition of the annual Christmas parade in Lake Ozark, which included appearances by Santa Claus, the Grinch and lots of candy handed out to kids who showed up.

|***PRESS RELEASE****

“We Need A Little Christmas”

Precipitation teased briefly as the Lake of the Ozarks Christmas parade marched to its 36^th edition finish on Saturday afternoon December 12^th on the Bagnell Dam Strip.

“We Need A Little Christmas” was a scaled-down version of the annual parade.

The Marine Corps League Honor Guard led, followed by one of the first Lake Ozark fire trucks, a 1979 model driven by Chief Mark Amsinger, with banners to “Honor 2020’s Essential Workers” as the Grand Marshal(s). The Grand Marshal distinction had intention for each and every person performing work this year essential to community well-being.

To them, another thank you from the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, parade coordinators.

Abundant holiday spirit was displayed in entries and from the sidelines.

The winning parade entries are:

1^st Place -Dam Good Slice

2^nd Place -Lake of the Ozarks Jeep Club

3^rd Place -American Legion Post 229

Thanks to every participant: entries, spectators, sponsors, volunteers, media, organizations, individuals, police and fire departments, elves, horses, Santa and his team!. Happy Holidays from the Bagnell Dam Strip Association.

Santa isn’t giving up on the Christmas spirit this year despite the pandemic.

Officials in Fort Leonard Wood say the annual “Candy Cane Toss” will happen this Friday on the base.

Santa and his elves will arrive at 2PM on a fire truck, then he will blast the sirens letting the children know it’s time to get your candy canes and wave hello as he passes by.

Photo by Marius Ciocirlan on Unsplash

The annual Waynesville Pumpkinfest will go on this year.

Officials say because of COVID concerns, this year’s event will be a contact-less drive-through.

Children will receive sanitized and sealed bagged candy.

The event takes place this Saturday afternoon from 2 to 4PM at the City Park.