OSAGE BEACH, Mo. -- When city officials brought the Osage Beach Fall Festival back to city hall last year, it was nostalgic. Even though Osage Beach City Park construction continues following August 2013 storm damage, Osage Beach city officials were excited for the festival's return to the park.
"It was nostalgic bringing the festival back to city hall; it is has been a few years since we have had it there. However, it is nice to have it back in the park, and we are very excited," said Jeana Woods, Osage Beach assistant city administrator.
An event that typically sees thousands attend throughout its one-day run, the Osage Beach Fall Festival hosted a variety of family-friendly activities all day Saturday.
Guests enjoyed bounce houses and inflatables, games, a petting zoo, Adopt-A-Pet booths, educational booths and displays, health and wellness information, and a variety of craft and arts vendors including the Lake Arts Council, Citizens Against Domestic Violence, University of Missouri Extension Office - Camden County and Tri-County YMCA. The Missouri Department of Conservation also had pellet gun shooting, archery and, new this year, Dutch-oven cooking demonstrations.
The popular Bow Wow Contest returned with 16 participants, and awarded winners and prize packages to "Best Dressed," "Most Beautiful," "Most Handsome," "Best Trick" and "Crowd Pleaser."
Attendees were able to watch a variety of entertainment including performances by LOZ Community Dance, Branson's Heart to Heart, Denim & Lace Band and a new addition to this year's event, an evening free concert from Travis Gibson Band.
"He comes highly recommend and has played at the Lake regularly," Woods said before the concert. "We are excited to have lots of entertainment and bring this new addition with the evening concert to this year's festival."