Rockaway ready for summer

By Joshua Clark
Staff Writer

ROCKAWAY BEACH — With the Memorial Day weekend kicking off the beginning of summer, residents in Rockaway Beach are anxious to get their season off to a start with events the first two weekends in June.

On June 6-7, Rockaway Beach will host its Annual Free Fishing Weekend and Summer Water Safety event on the shores of Lake Taneycomo and the Fishing Island. In addition to the free fishing for everyone who attends, there will be a chance for everyone to learn water safety tips from local experts.

“The event starts as soon as the first fisherman drops a hook in the water,” said Rockaway Beach City Clerk Susan Kettelkamp. “We’ll also have music, food and some special guests.”

Some of those guests will include members from the Lives Under Construction Ranch. Located between Branson and Eureka Springs, Lives Under Construction Ranch, Inc. is a residential treatment home for at-risk boys between the ages of 7-21.

“They will be camping, fishing, boating and enjoying the live music and safety events,” added Kettelkamp. “It will really be a good time for all.”

The following weekend, June 13-14, Rockaway Beach will host the annual Hydroplane Races.

Each year, hundreds of spectators line the shores of Lake Taneycomo to see the drivers race at speeds from 65-95 mph, with relative speeds being two to three times that of land vehicles. The racers also encourage spectators to visit the pits for an up-close view of not only the boats, but the complexity of the sport, as well.

For additional information, call the Rockaway Beach Chamber of Commerce at (417) 561-4280.

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