LAKE OZARK – Since the Lake Race first returned to Lake of the Ozarks five years ago, organizers each year have tried to broaden the event while adding racing teams.
This year is no exception.
The actual race will feature dozens of powerboats thundering between the zero-mile and four-mile markers on Saturday, June 3. But the Lake Race event will stretch across five days this year, with a new event – “The Paddle Battle” – planned for Wednesday, May 31. The event will feature teams of paddleboard racers competing in the cove outside Frankie and Louie’s beachfront bar and grill in Sunrise Beach.
Lake Race Chairman Mike Shepherd announced the new event Wednesday evening at a social attended by about 75 people at Tucker’s Shuckers on the Strip in Lake Ozark. George Tucker, who owns Tucker’s Shuckers and Frankie and Louie’s is a new sponsor for the Lake Race.
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Last year, Lake Race organizers added the “Festival of Speed” on the Thursday before the race. That event, which is held on Osage Beach Parkway west of the Grand Glaize Bridge in Osage Beach, includes displays of classic cars, motorcycles and race boats, live music and various vendors and family-friendly activities. A crowd favorite last year was the piggy races, which will return this year.
The Paddle Battle this year not only extends Lake Race activities another day, but it expands the activities to the west side of the Lake in Sunrise Beach.
“We’re going to do it in the cove over there at Frankie and Louie’s,” Shepherd said. “It’s really going to be fun. We’re going to set up teams, registrations, and it’ll be just another fun thing to take part in for race week at Lake of the Ozarks.”
Other events scheduled for the Lake Race include:
- On Thursday, June 1, the Festival of Speed returns to Osage Beach Parkway, west of the Grand Glaize Bridge, from 4–9 p.m.
- On Friday, June 2, race fans can get a close-up view of all the powerboats during the Meet & Greet Street Party from 4–11 p.m. on the Bagnell Dam Strip.
- On Saturday, June 3, powerboats will compete all day for their share of prize money.
- On Sunday, June 4, the Lake Race 5K Run will begin at 9 a.m. at Beaver’s at the Dam, and the Props & Hoses Poker Run will start at 10 a.m. at Beaver’s.
