Thursday, August 27, 2015

The History of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout started back in 1988 as the Lake Rescue Shootout. It was an event in which many local boats participated simply to establish who had the fastest boat, but eventually turned into an event that also helped supplement the Lake Area Fire Departments water rescue efforts. Each year since, the event has grown bigger and bigger. Today there are over 100 racers, with over 100,000 spectators. Let's take a look back at show the event has changed over the years!

1988

Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach and Lake Ozark Fire Districts participated in the first Shootout event.

1991

The Shootout Guide book started as a 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" format.

1993

At this time, the event became known as "The Shooters Shootout" or "Natoli's Shooters 21 Benefit Shootout." Carmelo Natoli was Chairman of the Shootout board at the time. The Shootout Guide became the 8 1/2" x 11" format that it is today. However, the book has continually grown each year as more businesses participated.

1995

The event became known as "Caleco's Shooters 21 Benefit Shootout." The Chairman at that time was Mark Michael.

1996

The Gravois and Mid-County Fire Districts joined in on the event along with the Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach and Lake Ozark Fire Districts.

Photo From: LakeoftheOzarksShootout.org

1997

The event became officially known as the "Lake Rescue Fire Shootout." The number of participating boats continued to grow each year.

2000

On that Sunday, 80 boats ran, making 128 passes through the course that day! Boats over 22 feet in length were allowed to run that year and the classes were divided by length, hull design, size of motors and number of motors.

2002 

The Lake Rescue Shootout was proud to bring on POWERBOAT Magazine, Charter Communications and Tan-Tar-A Resort as sponsors of the event.

2005

Jack Miller Marine and Velocity Powerboats joined as sponsors of the event.

2006

This year brought on Extreme Power Sports from here at the Lake and a new course record set by Dave Callan and John Cosker of 208 mph.

2007 

The event turned into 2 days of racing and Lucas Oil on the Edge on Speed TV was on location filming the event. John Cosker breaks his own record with an amazing 209 mph run.

2008

The 20th Anniversary Shootout brought a whole new atmosphere for the first time in 20 years. The Shootout was held at a new location, Captain Ron's Bar & Grill. The new site was chosen following the demolition of Shooters 21. With teh new location & renewed excitement, over 60,000 fans watched the 2 day races. Dave Scott reclaimed the TOP GUN with a 178 mph run.

2009

New records were set all over the place as David Scott set a new course record at 196 mph and record attendance was estimated at over 70,000 spectators.

2010

David Scott and John Tomlinson took first place for the 3rd year in a row with a blistering run of 208 mph. With the addition of 6 new events to complete a week long schedule of activities, the committee set a new record by donating $70,000 to 20 different charitable organizations. The added events included a Treasure Hunt, a Mini Shootout, a Meet & Greet with the racers during the Shootout on the Strip, Puttin' on the Wish Rides, a fantastic Fireworks display and an additional concert featuring David Ball on Monday night that provided much needed food items to a local food pantry.

2011

For the first time in 3 years, a new champion was crowned: Canadion Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe driving a sleek turbine powered Mystic named "My Way" ran 8 times and tied the course record of 208 mph on 3 different runs. A record 100,000+ fans witnessed the record setting week as $70,570 was donated to 20 different charities. Another record of 493 volunteers donated 5727 hours to make this event the largest community event of its kind.

2012

Thanks to all of the sponsors, participants, vendors and the public, the committee achieved their 5 year goal of being able to donate $100,000 to 22 different organizations. This year, there were 569 volunteers donating a total of 6,425 hours, making it the most successful event in the history of the Shootout! In the 5 years since the Shootout was moved to it's new location, the Shootout organization has donated over $322,000 to Lake Area charities and continues to grow each and every year.

Photo From: LakeoftheOzarksShootout.org

2013

The 25th Anniversary of the Shootout was nothing short of amazing. The Street Party became known as the Shootout in the Park and was a tremendous success with over 8,000 people eating, drinking and conversing with all the race teams at the Laurie City Park. The new Shootout Hall of Fame had 10 new inductees from the past 25 years and the new Bob Morgan Memorial was unveiled at Captain Ron's, complete with a flyover in the missing man formation as America the Beautiful was sung. Racers set new records: Joe Sgro at 152 mph as top V, Dan O'Keefe at 95 mph as top PWC and Brad Rowland  at an amazing 114 mph as top Pontoon. The second run of the day on Sunday brought a new Shootout record of 224 mph by Bill Tomlinson and Ken Kehoe in My Way. The Shootout Committee set another record by handing out $115,000 in checks to 22 different charities and fire departments.

2014

The 26th Annual Shootout was one of two completely different emotions. The Spirit of Qatar absolutely smashed the old record that My Way had with an unbelievable run of 244 mph. However, the lowest point of the 26 year history of the Shootout was when Joel Begin's boat, throttled by Mike Fiore, flipped end over end at the finish line. While Joel was able to walk away, the Shootout family and friends will always remember Mike and his contributions not only to the Shootout, but for his value and dedication to all of powerboating.

Join us here at beautiful Lake of the Ozarks this weekend, August 29-30, for another great Shootout! The event will bring the top racers and off shore racing power boats topping 244 mph. All proceeds will benefit the Lake Area Rescue Teams and other local charitable organizations! Summerset Inn Resort wishes you a great shootout weekend! And when you're looking for the perfect family-friendly place to stay, keep our Lake of the Ozarks waterfront resort in mind!


Summerset Inn Resort & Villas
1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetinn.com

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Friday, August 21, 2015

Ultimate Vacation Checklist: Planning, Packing and Preparing

The first step in planning a vacation is picking the destination. We'll make that easy on you, Lake of the Ozarks is obviously the perfect vacation destination in the Midwest! If you don't believe us, just ask USA Today because we were voted the #1 recreational Lake in the Country. So now that you have your destination picked out, it's time to do the rest of the planning and preparation that goes into a vacation. Here's a checklist of things that need to be done (or packed) before you can head out on vacation!

Planning a Vacation 


When it comes to planning a vacation, you'll want to think about all the things you want to do while you're there. The first step should be to plan a budget. If all the things you want to do are free then you'll be in great shape, but those expensive amusement parks and shows can add up. Here are some other items you want to think about when planning for a vacation:
  • Research the location to determine the best time to visit. While summer may seem like the best time to visit Lake of the Ozarks, the fall colors are gorgeous and it's less crowded! 
  • Be sure to request time off work for the dates you're planning to be on vacation. Remember to include days for travel depending on how far you live from the Lake of the Ozarks. 
  • Research accommodations and get them booked, but we've got that taken care of too! Summerset Inn Resort is one of the most family-friendly resorts at the Lake of the Ozarks
  • Schedule tours and excursions if needed and purchase any tickets you can in advance to save time once you've arrived. 
  • Arrange pet care for the time that you'll be away. 
  • Create a travel itinerary that includes an overview of your trip details, as well as a daily plan of attack so you can fit everything in. For ideas on things to do at Lake of the Ozarks, check out some of our previous blogs here: SummersetInn.Blogspot.com
  • Ask a friend or neighbor to get your mail for you while you're away. 
  • Call your bank to let them know you will be traveling and using your card in unfamiliar places so they don't put a hold on your account (unless you live close enough to Missouri that it wouldn't be an issue). 


Packing for Vacation


When you're ready to start packing, be sure to check the weather at your destination so you know what types of things to bring. If you're coming to the Lake during the summer you can expect the weather to be plenty warm, but sometimes it can get chilly by the water at night. Here are some items you should definitely plan on bringing with you:

  • Swimsuit
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug Spray 
  • Beach Towel 
  • Flip-Flops and Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Shorts and Tank Tops
  • a Light Jacket, Hoodie or Cardigan
  • Toiletries, including toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, etc. 
  • Hair and Make-Up Products
  • Medication, any prescriptions and over the counter items such as Tylenol and Tums
  • First Aid Kit
  • Laptop, Camera and Phone, plus chargers for each
  • Wallet, with Money and Drivers License

Preparing to Leave for Vacation

Before you head out the door and jump in the care, there are some last minute things you'll want to make sure you do. Here is a checklist so you (hopefully) don't forget anything:

  • Confirm your Lake of the Ozarks accommodations reservation, as well as the check-in and check-out times. 
  • Withdraw a small amount of cash to have on hand for smaller purchases or places that don't accept cards.
  • Set your work email up with an out of office automatic reply, if needed. 
  • Finish packing any last minute items, such as toiletries.
  • Take out the trash to avoid coming home to a smelly house. 
  • Unplug small appliances so you can be worry-free on vacation. You can also adjust your thermostat (not off) so you're not using more electricity than you need to while you're gone. 
  • Turn off all lights, except maybe one or two to create the illusion that the house isn't sitting empty for a long period of time. 
  • Set your alarm if you have one and lock the doors. 

Our Lake of the Ozarks waterfront resort is here to make your stay as relaxing or exciting as you'd like. From romantic one bedroom suites to five bedroom condo-style options, Summerset Inn Resort can accommodate any size group. Contact us today at 573-348-5073 to book your reservations!

Summerset Inn Resort & Villas
1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetinn.com

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Friday, August 14, 2015

August is Family Fun Month!

Just because summer is almost over, doesn't mean the fun has to stop. That's why August has been designated a Family Fun Month! What better way to celebrate family fun month than to take a last-minute summer vacation to Lake of the Ozarks? At the Lake, you will find endless opportunities for family-fun! Here are a few great ways to celebrate family fun month at the Lake of the Ozarks:

7 Ways to Celebrate Family Fun Month


1. Visit a Waterpark. 


If you're looking for some fun that the entire family can enjoy, why not go to an amusement park or waterpark? There are activities and rides fun for all ages. Big Surf Waterpark at Lake of the Ozarks offers relaxation in the lazy river or steep slides for those thrill seekers in the family.

2. Have a Cookout. 


Who doesn't love a good old fashioned BBQ? If the kids are old enough, have them each create their very own dish to share with the family. Stay at Summerset Inn and enjoy your meal outdoors, in our BBQ grill area overlooking the Lake!

3. Play Mini Golf. 


The Lake of the Ozarks is known for some of the best golf in the Midwest, and that includes mini golf! We have several different courses with various obstacles to keep you and your family entertained. Mini Golf is a great activity for family bonding!

4. Go to an Arcade. 


From skeeball to pinball, an arcade is great place to spend some time with the family. Be sure to check out Miner Mikes while you're here at the Lake of the Ozarks. In addition to the arcade games, this family-fun zone offers tubes and a ball pit, plus some kiddie rides for the little ones!



5. Go for a Boat Ride. 


A Lake of the Ozarks vacation wouldn't be complete without getting out on the water. If you don't have a boat of your own, don't worry, you can rent one! There are plenty of places offering boat rentals and other water activities. Plus you can go fishing and swimming right here at Summerset!

6. Take a Hike. 


Going for a hike is a great way to spend time with the family, away from electronics, just enjoying the great outdoors! The Lake of the Ozarks State Park has many hiking trails for you to try out or visit the historic castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka!

7. Organize a Family Photo. 


What better way to remember all the fun you had with your family this month, than with a family photo. Put a fun twist on it and get an old time photo taken on the Bagnell Dam Strip. You'll have so much fun choosing outfits and dressing up for a unique photo that you'll be able to cherish forever.

You can do all of these family-fun activities when you stay at Summerset Inn Resort. Our central location puts you just minutes from all the fun that the Lake are has to offer. From dining to shopping, our waterfront resort at the Lake of the Ozarks is just a hop, skip and jump from whatever you could want to do while you're here. Contact us today at 573-348-5073 to book your reservations!


Summerset Inn Resort & Villas
1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetinn.com

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Thursday, August 6, 2015

The Midwest Wine & Brew Festival is this Weekend!


The Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its Annual Midwest Wine & Brew Festival this Saturday, August 8 at the Country Club Hotel and Spa from 2-6 PM. Admission is $15 in advance or $20 at the door, and includes a complimentary tasting glass. Live Entertainment will be provided by Shawn C. You must be 21 or older to attend. Come on out and enjoy a fun-filled day with us!



Wineries

Photo Courtesy of FunLake.com
  • Adam Puchta Winery
  • Baltimore Bend Vineyard
  • Bommarito Estate Almond Tree Winery
  • Peaceful Bend Vineyard
  • St. Aubert Hills Vineyard
  • Wenwood Farm Winery

Breweries

  • Bur Oak Brewing Company
  • Leaky Roof Meadery 
  • Ozark Distillery
  • Piney River Brewing
  • Springfield Brewing Co
  • Urban Chestnut Brewing

Vendor Booths

  • Bob's No Wake Zone
  • Kettle Corn Kids
  • Mid-Missouri Credit Union
  • Team Cocktail
  • Yankee Candle
  • And more...

For more information about the Midwest Wine and Brew Festival, call the Lake Area Chamber at 573-964-1008. If you need a place to stay while you're in town this weekend, give Summerset Inn Resort a call. From one bedroom to five bedroom units, our waterfront resort at Lake of the Ozarks has rooms to meet the needs of any size group. Contact us today at 573-348-5073 to book your reservation!

Summerset Inn Resort & Villas
1165 Jeffries Road Osage Beach, MO  65065
573-348-5073
Email:info@summersetinn.com

Keep up with local news, events and product information by Following us!!