Lake Shootout events begin this weekend

Largest unsanctioned boat race in the country closes activities



Rows of competitor powerboats were on display last year during the first Shootout Meet and Greet on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Shootout events begin this weekend and continue until Aug. 28.
Rows of competitor powerboats were on display last year during the first Shootout Meet and Greet on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Shootout events begin this weekend and continue until Aug. 28.

With this year's Lake of the Ozarks Shootout expected to draw even more attendees than the 75,000 who showed up last year, it's no wonder "Powerboat Magazine called the event one of the nation's "must-see" boating events.

The annual event, which benefits area fire departments, will be held at Captain Ron's on the Lake's Westside, with various other events held at various venues around the Lake.

The fun begins this year with the Great Shootout Treasure Hunt on Sunday and includes two free concerts featuring The Brandon Rush Band and Shaman's Harvest on Monday and Aug. 27, respectively; the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Poker Run on Aug. 26; the PWC Dam Run on Aug. 27; a boat parade and street party on the Bagnell Dam Strip on Aug. 24; and climaxes with the powerboat race itself beginning Aug. 27 and continuing through Aug. 28.

In the Shootout, each competitor races individually against the clock rather than other boats. The Shootout races are free to the public, with parking for vehicles at $10 per day and docking for boats also at $10 per day.

Fans can watch the races from the shoreline at Captain Ron's, from a private boat or on a luxurious Celebration Cruises yacht at the finish line.

For more information about the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, log onto www.funlake.com or www.lakeoftheozarkshootout.org.