Visitors Get a Bang Out of July 4th Festivities
at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. –There's nothing quite like the spectacle of fireworks bursting over water, their colorful reflections rippling over the surface. Visitors can experience this thrill and celebrate the Fourth of July at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks where four fantastic fireworks displays will salute America's birthday with a real bang.

Actually, this year fireworks fans can enjoy dazzling displays on two consecutive nights. On Sunday, July 3, The Lodge of Four Seasons at Lake Ozark will hold its annual "Fireworks on the Water" extravaganza. Dean Chininis, general manager, says The Lodge has been presenting this dazzling show for more
than 20 years. Parking at The Lodge will be $15; receipts may be redeemed for $15 in food and beverages at any Lodge venue, including the lavish holiday buffet on the outdoor patio overlooking the Lake, as well as steaks and more at HK's, The Lodge's signature restaurant (reservations recommended). In addition, cash bars will be open on the patio at the marina. "That's the absolute
best spot in the world to watch the fireworks," Chininis says. He adds a limited number of rooms and special packages still are available.

Fireworks Spectacular of Crestline, Kan., will run the 20-30-minute show. "It's different each year," Chininis says, adding The Lodge also has shorter fireworks shows on Memorial Day and Labor Day. "But for the Fourth of July we go all out," he says. In addition to Lodge guests, the show attracts a large number of boaters. "It's wall-to-wall boats on the Lake, as far as the eye can see," Chininis says.

One of the Lake area's newer fireworks shows, Gravois Mills' annual "Fireworks Over the Water," also will be held on Sunday, July 3, at the Gravois Mills public boat ramp. "We decided to do it Sunday night because more people will be here at the Lake. A lot of them will be going home on the Fourth," says
Mary B. Shipley, Gravois Mills' city clerk for 35 years.

The 30-minute display will be shot off from a barge in the Lake. Mike Backman, a licensed fireworks expert from Laurie will run the show for the first time this year. "We typically have a pretty big crowd," Shipley says. "Considering we haven't been doing it that long I think it's been successful." She
says people usually park along Highway 5 or at the public ramp. A lot of spectators watch the show by boat from the Lake.

On Monday, July 4, Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach will present its huge annual fireworks display, a popular event that's been held for more than 20 years. Hotel guests will enjoy dinner in the Black Bear Lodge or Windrose restaurants before the fireworks and a dance afterward on Arrowhead Deck. A DJ
will provide the party music as well as patriotic tunes that will accompany the fireworks. "It's a great show and a wonderful time," says General Manager Fred Dehner. Guests view the fireworks from their rooms, the Arrowhead Deck or the sand beach. The show also brings out the boaters that fill the Lake's main
channel from end to end, Dehner adds.

The 25-minute fireworks display is run by Pyrotechnico of Newcastle, Pa., which has put on the Tan-Tar-A event for the past 10 years. The resort also presents fireworks on Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving Day.

Also on Independence Day, there will be fireworks starting at sundown at Sunrise Beach, at Hooligan Bay Resort. The "Fireworks on the Water" celebration, now in its 14th year, was conceived by resort owner Betty Sue Davies. "It's one way I show my customer appreciation," she says. "Also I'm very patriotic and I enjoy the Fourth of July."

The event has been growing steadily. "It's a pretty big deal on this side of the Lake. We try to make it a little larger each year," Davies says. The fireworks are managed by licensed expert Mark Hogan, a Hooligan Bay employee. The show lasts about 45 minutes.

Before and after the fireworks, customers can enjoy live blues and rock and roll by Johnny I and the Receders of Kansas City. "According to tradition, immediately before the fireworks the band will play Jimi Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner," Davies says. There will be ample seating for
Hooligan Bay customers.

For more information about lighting up your Fourth of July with fireworks and fun at the Lake of the Ozarks, as well as Lake-area lodging, dining, shopping, golf, attractions, events and more, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE, or visit www.funlake.com.