Missourians love lake living. Whether it’s Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, Mark Twain, Taneycomo, or a less big body of water, our state has some stunners. But how can you make the most of lake life? A giant show’s ready to show you!

Photo courtesy of Lake Life, LLC

Join fellow lovers of lake life for southwest Missouri’s biggest watercraft and lake lifestyle event, the Lake Life Expo, Jan. 27-29, at the Springfield Expo Center.

You’ll be gassed about all the fun things on display, filling the more than 100,000-square-foot Expo Center with lake-related products and services. An entire fleet of exhibitors from the Table Rock Lake area will be at this 8th annual show.

You can drool over newer, nicer, 22-footers rigged for fishing and skiing. Putter around checking out golf cars/utility vehicles. Browse comfy, durable outdoor furniture. Even resort to resort wear shopping. Whatever floats your boat. And here’s the kicker: Admission is FREE for everyone on all 3 days. The Expo’s primary sponsor, State Park Marina, is treating all attendees to free tickets with come-and-go privileges for all 3 days!

According to Brian Wright, a managing partner and co-founder of Lake Life Expo, LLC, which puts on the annual event, he and Bob Cox started the Expo nearly 10 years ago “… because there was no large-scale family event like this in the Springfield area.” The goal, he says, “… was a fun, family atmosphere; somewhere to go this time of year when you’re starting to claw at the drapes.”

Brian says this year’s show will feature several million dollars worth of boats on display and will reflect how Lake Life has evolved: This year’s Expo won’t just have power playthings, but also kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, wakeboards, and the like, from businesses including Ozark Mountain Trading Company.

University Plaza Hotel, right near the Expo, will run concession stands with food available for purchase. Attendees can enjoy their meals at an attractive eat-in area with picnic tables, nautical tablecloths, and decorations.

Brian would like to stress that Lake Life, LLC, and the Expo are big on water safety and responsibility. That’s why you’ll be able to meet and greet the State Water Patrol crew and see its boat, plus meet the U.S. Coast Guard auxiliary. About staying safe on the lake while boating, the auxiliary says, “There are no lanes and no brakes. Rule of life on the lake.”

That said, The Expo will have alcohol available for purchase. About the irony of that, Brian laughs, saying, “If you wanna drink beer in front of the Highway Patrol, that’s entirely up to you!”