Fall Harbor Hop Lends a Late-Season Hand
to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO --Autumn at the Lake of the Ozarks means spectacular fall foliage, smaller crowds, lower rates – and one more trip on the water for the 22nd annual Fall Harbor Hop, Saturday, Oct. 13, from mid-morning until 7:00 p.m.

   More than 2,500 participants are expected for this popular event, says Tim Jacobsen, executive director of the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau.  “We’ve been very lucky weather-wise the past two years so we hope our luck continues for the Fall Harbor Hop which helps extend the boating season and has a positive economic impact for many Lake-area businesses,” Jacobsen says.

   The Harbor Hop poker run is based on participants picking up playing cards at restaurants, bars and marinas along the Lake’s main channel and its Big Niangua and Gravois arms.  The object is to build a winning poker hand and be eligible to win prizes. “Hoppers” can start their run and draw their first card at any of the 45 sponsors’ checkpoints.  There’s no cost to participate but many players make an optional $10 donation per seven-card hand.  Six additional cards are drawn as boaters “hop” to more checkpoints. Players turn in their hand(s) where they draw their seventh and final card.  There’s no limit to the number of hands an individual may play.

   The 10 winners who draw the best poker hands will be notified by mail after the event.  Prizes also will be awarded for the four worst hands and for 10 randomly drawn hands. Donation totals will determine prize amounts.  Prizes will be awarded in the form of gift certificates.

   The Fall Harbor Hop traditionally is held the second weekend of October.  Randy Kelly of Kelly’s Marina created the event on behalf of the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association as a way to attract visitors to the area in the fall. Today the Lake of the Ozarks CVB sponsors the Fall Harbor Hop as well as the Spring Harbor Hop held the first weekend in May to kick off the boating season.  Other sponsors include Lake-area waterfront restaurants and marinas and the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association.

   “We invite everyone to enjoy the Fall Harbor Hop plus the spectacular show Mother Nature puts on for us at the Lake of the Ozarks,” Jacobsen says.  “Fall always is a great time to visit the Lake.”

   For more information about the Harbor Hop, as well as other Lake-area festivals, accommodations, dining, attractions, shopping and more, contact the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau at 800-FUN-LAKE (386-5253), or visit www.funlake.com.