For Immediate Release Media Contact: Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
April 16, 2010 Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbwgroup.net
Spring Harbor Hop is a Sure Sign of Boating Season
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – The 13th annual Spring Harbor Hop, set for Saturday, May 1, means spring boating season is beginning at Central Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. This fun poker run takes place on the water and typically attracts about 1,500 “hoppers” who will cruise among 40 checkpoints, drawing cards for a winning poker hand.
Participants may start their run at any of the sponsors’ checkpoints, including waterfront restaurants, bars and marinas along the Lake’s Main Channel and Big Niangua and Gravois arms. For a $15 donation, participants will draw a card and start their run, then “hop” to six other checkpoints and draw six additional cards, for a total of seven cards. An optional eighth Bonus Card may be drawn for an additional $5. “Hoppers” may play an unlimited number of hands, and must turn in all of their hands where they draw the seventh and final card. Hours for the event generally will be 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; however, opening and closing times at individual checkpoint locations may vary. Participants are encouraged to verify the hours at specific checkpoints they plan to visit.
Prizes will be awarded for first through tenth place, based on money raised from entry donations. Prizes also will be given to Hoppers holding the top hand from each of the Lake’s four geographical sections (Section I – Gravois Arm; Section II – begins at Dam; Section III – begins at 13mm; Section IV – begins at 28.5mm). To qualify, a player must draw all seven cards within the same section.
But even “losers” can be winners in the Harbor Hop: Ten individuals who do not hold a winning hand will be eligible for a random drawing, and prizes also will be awarded for the four worst hands. All winners will be notified by mail and receive gift certificates redeemable at Harbor Hop sponsors.
The Spring Harbor Hop was inspired by the equally popular Fall Harbor Hop, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 9. Both events are sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association and waterfront restaurants.
“The Spring Harbor Hop is a wonderful way to open the boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks,” says Tim Jacobsen, executive director, Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau. “People are always amazed at the great variety of Lakefront and Lakeview bars and restaurants we have to offer.” Adds Denise Decker, the CVB’s director of sales and marketing, “At the Harbor Hop, we can guarantee a good time, but we can’t guarantee the weather; however, rain or shine, ‘hoppers’ will hop. We invite everyone to come join the fun and enjoy our beautiful Lake.”
For more information about the Spring Harbor Hop or other events, attractions, lodging, dining and shopping at Central Missouri’s scenic Lake of the Ozarks, visit www.funlake.com or call 1-800-FUN-LAKE.
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Note to News Media: For your convenience, you may download an electronic version of this article. Simply go to www.funlake.com. At the bottom of the home page, click on “Professional Media” to access this article and other Lake of the Ozarks news.
