The Camdenton community is gaining broader recognition for its annual Air Show.
At the 47th Annual Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism held Oct. 14 at the Lodge of Four Seasons, the Camdenton community received the Innovator Award for the Air Show, held annually at the Camdenton Memorial-Lake Regional Airport.
According to Tim Jacobsen, Executive Director for Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau (LOCVB), the award honored the collaborative efforts of the City of Camdenton, the Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, and LOCVB. In announcing the award at the October 20 Board of Alderman meeting, Camdenton Mayor McNabb noted that to his knowledge, Camdenton is the only community to have been so honored.
The 2015 Lake of the Ozarks Air Show was held September 12 and was the 5th show to honor First Responders, especially those who have sacrificed in behalf of the nation. A North American T-6 Texan and World War II-era TBM Avenger were made available on Sept. 11 to thank veterans for their service by giving them a ride. Lake businesses offset the cost of these rides by sponsoring them.
On September 12, VFW Post 5923, the Camdenton Police and Fire departments, emergency personnel, civic groups, and area churches were on hand, distributing information and water. Food vendors provided snack and lunch items for visitors who watched planes take off, land, and perform amazing stunts. The combined efforts drew thousands to the event.
For this event and its success, the Camdenton community was acknowledged for innovation resulting in a good tourism opportunity. Plans are already underway for the 2016 Lake of the Ozarks Air Show. Corey Leuwerke, Airport Operator, reported that participating pilots plan to return next year and participants praised the organization and security at the event.