For Immediate Release         Media Contact:  Pam Jones or Marjorie Beenders
April 13, 2009                                        Phone: 573-636-8282 « Email: pam@tbmg.net

Spring Harbor Hop Means Boating Season Has
Arrived at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks

 Lake of the Ozarks, Mo. – Boaters and their guests are getting set to “hop up” to springtime at the 12th annual Harbor Hop, the fun on-the-water poker run that signals the official start of boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks. This year’s event will take place Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Approximately 1,500 “hoppers” are expected to cruise among approximately 40 checkpoints, drawing cards for a winning poker hand. For a $15 donation, participants will draw a card and start their run at any of the sponsors’ checkpoints--lakeside restaurants, bars and marinas along the Lake’s Main Channel and Big Niangua and Gravois arms. Six additional cards will be drawn as boaters “hop” to six more checkpoints, for a total of seven cards. Players will turn in their hand(s) where they draw the seventh and final card. All hands must be turned in before 7 p.m., Saturday, May 2. 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. 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 13mm; Section IV—begins at 28.5mm). 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 absolutely worst hands. 

The Spring Harbor Hop was inspired by the equally popular Fall Harbor Hop, which will celebrate its 24th anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 10. 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 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. 

A good time is guaranteed at the Spring Harbor Hop—but not good weather. However, “rain or shine, ‘hoppers’ will hop,” says Frank Shock, director of marketing for the Lake of the Ozarks CVB. “The Spring Harbor Hop always is highly anticipated. It’s a great way to get the Lake boating season off to an early start.”

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