Hot Summer Nights event celebrates Route 66

Merry Mary paints a unique design on Gabe Hynson, as his siblings Nate and Lily watch Friday, June 12, 2015, during the Hot Summer Nights celebration in Lake Ozark, Mo.
Merry Mary paints a unique design on Gabe Hynson, as his siblings Nate and Lily watch Friday, June 12, 2015, during the Hot Summer Nights celebration in Lake Ozark, Mo.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- With the season's "Still Cruisin'" theme, Hot Summer Nights 2015 continued on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark Friday night with its "Route 66 Rendezvous at the Lake."

The summer-long festival of monthly events features family-friendly entertainment complete with custom and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. The second of five, June's event was no exception, with a combination of history and patriotism, as Flag Day is honored today.

Hot Summer Nights opened Friday at Luby's stage with a special salute to "Old Glory" followed by the fabulous Main Street Music Hall singers who sang "God Bless the USA" and "Star Spangled Banner."

Guests followed a short trip on Route 66 by frequenting the Route 66 Village, which was set up by Luby's stage throughout the evening. Representatives from the Missouri Route 66 association and Missouri tourism were on hand as well, claiming the state of Missouri, namely Springfield, as the "birthplace of Route 66."

Along with a slew of performers, an assortment of clowns were on hand this month, including Sparkie, Sprinkles and Merry Mary, and the Lake's resident pirate Captain Scalawag. In addition, giveaway raffle packages will be a part of each monthly event.

A fireworks display will take place at each event from about 9:45 to 10 p.m., with the best vantage points being near Beavers at the Dam.

Upcoming Hot Summer Nights dates include "Lost in the '50s" on July 10; "Rods N' Rock N' Roll" on Aug. 14; and "Vettes for Veterans" on Sept. 11.

For sponsorship information, contact Jeff VanDonsel at 573-365-2460 or Bob Schwartz at 573-348-4053. For additional information, visit www.hotsummernightscruise.com or find them on Facebook.