Midwestcoast™ Summerfest III
Attracts Wakeboarders, Fans
to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO. – With a new sponsor, new location and new events, the Midwestcoast™ Summerfest III presented by MasterCraft is expected to attract up 4,000 spectators and participants to Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks, June 3-4.  The biggest event of its kind in the nation's heartland, Summerfest will feature wakeboard competitions, demonstrations, music, exhibits, food and a lot of fun.

The event will be held at Public Beach #1 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.  Hours will be Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Admission is free for spectators.

“Wakeboarding continues to be the fastest-growing extreme sport in the nation,” says Ben Wiese, president of the Midwestcoast™Association.  “It's a newer sport for the Lake but each year more and more people find out about it and come out to take a look at it.”

The highlight of the Summerfest will be the nation's top 15 to 20 riders competing in the by-invitation-only pro division, including several top names in wakeboarding such as Shaun Murray, Andrew Adkison, Parks and Shane Bonifay, Nick Heaney, Danny Harf, Eric Ruck, Chad Sharpe and Shawn Watson.

In addition, the Maeghan Major Invitational will bring top female riders to the Lake, including Major, Tara Hamilton, Dallas Friday and Laura Lohman.  More than 50 male and female amateur competitors also are expected to compete in divisions for all skill levels, from youngster (12 and under) to outlaw (semi-pro). Registration is $35 prior to the day of the event, $50 the day of the event.
    
Summerfest III Chairman Jonas Farrell notes, “With a new location, MasterCraft on board, a pro invitational and a slew of other changes, we really have a totally new event on hand.  Also, the new location will mean smoother water and no blind spots, which should lead to a more exciting competition.”
    
Exhibitors will include title sponsor MasterCraft, the official boat of Summerfest.  Also, the top wakeboard manufacturers will offer demos and display their newest products.  Ozarks Outdoors will display its latest flatland and mountain bikes and skate gear. Local restaurants will offer food and beverages for sale, including a beer garden for adults.  Children will enjoy face painting, crafts and other special activities.  In addition, a beach volleyball tournament will be held at the Summerfest site and the Oz Epic Mountain Bike Race also will take place in the state park on Sunday.
    
Live bands will perform both days, including Flavor Country Turnpike, A Day Away and Entropy.  DJ TrenRek will be on hand both days.  Several area hotels and resorts will offer discounted Summerfest promotional rates.
    
Shuttle buses will transport visitors between the event site and parking areas inside the park.
    
In addition to the title sponsor, MasterCraft, other Summerfest III sponsors include the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau; Tri-County Lodging Association; Westport Yacht Club; World Wakeboarding Association; Zimmer Radio Group; Tan-Tar-A Resort, Golf Club, Marina & Indoor Waterpark; Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks; Boater's World; Lake Lifestyles Magazine; and Lamar Outdoor Advertising.
    
The three-year-old Midwestcoast™ Association is a group of business professionals age 21 to 45, affiliated with the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau. The group, which meets monthly, helps support and promote the Lake of the Ozarks and provides networking opportunities.  Members also participate in the Spring and Fall Harbor Hops and have “adopted” five miles of shoreline. For information about the Midwestcoast™ Summerfest III, including discount lodging, registration and a full event schedule, visit www.midwestcoastsummerfest.com.  And for complete information about dining, entertainment and attractions at the Lake of the Ozarks, call 800-FUN-LAKE or visit the Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau web site at www.funlake.com.