Spring Harbor Hop Signals Start of Boating Season
at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – While many people believe the Lake of the Ozarks boating season begins on Memorial Day, those in the know consider the Spring Harbor Hop the true start of the season. This year the 10th annual Spring Harbor Hop will greet boaters and visitors to the Lake on Saturday, May 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
   
This popular, on-the-water poker run is expected to attract more than 1,600 “hoppers” who will cruise among 50 checkpoints, drawing cards for a (hopefully) winning poker hand.
   
Participants can start their run at any of the sponsors’ checkpoints – waterfront restaurants, bars and marinas along the Lake’s main channel and Big Niangua and Gravois arms – where they will pay an optional $10 donation per seven-card hand and draw their first card.  Six additional cards will be drawn as boaters “hop” to six more checkpoints.  Players will turn in their hand(s) where they draw the seventh and final card.  All hands must be turned in before 7:00 p.m.  Individuals may play an unlimited number of hands.
   
Prizes will be awarded for first through 10th place, based on money raised from entry donations. Winners will receive gift certificates redeemable at Harbor Hop sponsors.  Based on past Hops, the first-place winner could receive as much as $500 in certificates.  In addition, prizes will be awarded to hoppers holding the top hand from each of the Lake’s four geographical sections (Section I – Gravois Arm; Section II – begins at Dam; Section III – begins at mile marker 13; Section IV – begins at mile marker 28.5).  To qualify, a player must draw all seven cards within the same section.
   
Players with a winning poker hand will be notified by mail. But even “losers” can be winners in the Harbor Hop: Ten individuals who do not hold a winning hand will be eligible for a random drawing, and prizes also will be awarded for the four worst hands.
   
The Spring Harbor Hop was inspired by the popular (and older) Fall Harbor Hop, which will celebrate its 22nd anniversary on Oct. 13.  Both events are sponsored by the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau, the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association and waterfront restaurants.
   
“The Spring Harbor Hop is a unique event for the Lake of the Ozarks.  It opens the boating season and gives people a chance to see the amazing variety of the waterfront establishments, as well as what’s new or changed from last year,” says Tim Jacobsen, executive director, Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau.
   
Fun is assured at the Spring Harbor Hop – but fair weather isn’t; however, “rain or shine, hoppers will be hopping,” says Lisa Burton, director of marketing for the Lake of the Ozarks CVB.  “It’s always exciting to greet our Harbor Hoppers once again and get the Lake boating season off to an early start.”
   
For more information about the Harbor Hop or other events, lodging, dining, attractions and shopping at Central Missouri’s famous Lake of the Ozarks, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau’s web site, www.funlake.com.

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