Lake of the Ozarks, MO – The 2024 edition of Super Cat Fest at Lake of the Ozarks (LOTO) concluded with a roar of engines and a wave of philanthropy, showcasing not only some of the world’s most luxurious high-performance boats but also a commitment to community welfare. This year’s event, held from August 20th to 25th, was a spectacle of speed, luxury, and generosity, with a particular focus on raising funds for local charities.

Super Cat Fest has become synonymous with high-end marine displays, featuring brands like Skater, DCB, and MTI (Marine Technology Inc.). These boats, often likened to the supercars of the water, draw enthusiasts and spectators from across the globe. The event’s docks were lined with these marvels of engineering, each vessel a testament to innovation, design, and sheer power, with price tags that can easily soar into the millions.

However, beyond the allure of these high-performance catamarans, Super Cat Fest LOTO has carved out a reputation for its charitable endeavors.

The charity auction, a highlight of the event, featured exclusive boat rides, memorabilia, and even a chance to win a day out with one of the boat owners. The funds collected are earmarked for supporting educational programs, sports facilities, and community initiatives for children in the Lake of the Ozarks area, aiming to provide opportunities that foster growth and development.

River Dave Johnson, a key figure in organizing Super Cat Fest West, which shares the spirit of LOTO but occurs in Lake Havasu, Arizona, commented on the event’s dual focus. “Super Cat Fest isn’t just about showcasing the pinnacle of boating technology; it’s about giving back to the community that supports us. We’re thrilled to see the community come together in such a generous way,” Johnson stated during an interview.

The event also included various activities like a fun run, pool parties, and personal photo/video shoots, which not only added to the festive atmosphere but also subtly promoted the charitable cause. Participants and spectators were seen engaging actively in these activities, embodying the spirit of giving back while enjoying the high-octane displays.

Super Cat Fest LOTO 2024 has once again demonstrated that luxury and philanthropy can coexist, setting a benchmark for how high-profile events can contribute positively to their communities. With each passing year, the fest grows not just in its display of high-end boats but also in its heart for charity, making it a unique event in the world of boating and beyond.

The Lake of the Ozarks, already a bustling hub for tourism, sees an annual economic surge like no other during the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and the concurrent Super Cat Fest. This year, as the engines roared and the waters churned with high-speed catamarans and powerboats, the economic impact was palpable, transforming the region into a thriving marketplace of tourism, hospitality, and charity.

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, now in its 36th year, has evolved from a simple boat race among friends into one of the largest unsanctioned charity boat races in the country. This event, alongside Super Cat Fest, which draws the elite of the powerboat world, not only showcases speed and engineering prowess but also significantly boosts the local economy.

The economic narrative of the Shootout isn’t solely about commerce. Both events are deeply rooted in philanthropy. Over the years, the Shootout has donated millions to local charities, with 2024 seeing a record-breaking contribution. This year, through various fundraisers like the live auction, the event not only supported local non-profits, police departments, and fire protection districts but also highlighted the community spirit of giving back. The Super Cat Fest, while less formal, also contributes through its gatherings, which often include charity components.

Beyond the dollars and cents, these events foster a sense of community and pride. They put Lake of the Ozarks on the map as a destination not just for leisure but for high-octane events that require skill, engineering, and community support. The cultural impact of hosting such an event, where the community comes together, volunteers, and celebrates, cannot be understated. It’s a showcase of what the region can achieve when united by a common passion.

The success of the 2024 Lake of the Ozarks Shootout and Super Cat Fest isn’t just a testament to the love for speed and water but also a beacon of economic prosperity for the region. As these events continue to grow, so does the economic footprint they leave behind, promising not just a spectacle of speed but a significant boost to the local economy, ensuring that the legacy of these events is not just in the roar of the engines but in the thriving businesses and communities they support.

This year’s event, with its blend of high-speed thrills and substantial charity, has once again proven that the Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just a lake; it’s an economic engine fueled by passion, community, and the sheer power of high-performance boating.

The Missouri Lady Bears, the women’s basketball team from Missouri State University, are preparing for their postseason journey after an exciting season in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). With a record of 21-8 and a third-place finish in the MVC, the Lady Bears have earned a spot in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).

On March 12, 2024, the Lady Bears announced their non-conference schedule, which includes a challenging lineup of opponents to help them prepare for their postseason opportunity. The team has been working hard in practice and is determined to make a deep run in the WNIT.

The Lady Bears’ first postseason game will be against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on March 14, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska. This will be the first time the two teams have met in the postseason since 2018, when the Lady Bears defeated the Cornhuskers in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Missouri State head coach Beth Cunningham, who was hired in 2021, has been instrumental in leading the Lady Bears to their postseason opportunity. Cunningham previously served as an associate head coach at the University of Notre Dame, where she helped the Fighting Irish win a national championship in 2018.

The Lady Bears have a rich history of success in the postseason, having made 11 NCAA tournament appearances and winning the WNIT in 2005. The team is looking to add to their legacy this year and make a deep run in the WNIT.

The Missouri Lady Bears’ postseason journey is just beginning, and fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s performance in the WNIT. With a talented roster and experienced coaching staff, the Lady Bears have a great opportunity to make a statement in the postseason and continue their tradition of success.