Cannonball Run Lake of the Ozarks Makes a Big Splash in Its Inaugural Year

SUNRISE BEACH, MO — The first-ever Cannonball Run Lake of the Ozarks, held this past summer, has officially crossed the finish line — bringing together participants, sponsors, and community members for a week filled with excitement and local impact.
In its inaugural year, the event drew an impressive 793 poker hands and generated more than $544,000 in local spending during the week — money that stayed right here at the Lake of the Ozarks to support area businesses and strengthen the community.
Founded and chaired by Ron Duggan, owner of Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill, the Cannonball Run was created with the heart of giving back.
“When I took over the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout 17 years ago, my first year we were able to raise $42,000 for local charities,” said Duggan. “I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished in just six months to make the inaugural Cannonball Run a success. Being able to give over $88,000 to organizations and local charities in our very first year is an incredible accomplishment — and it’s only the beginning.”
This year, Cannonball Run also teamed up with Supercat Fest LOTO, participating in the Supercat Fest 4 Kids Auction, which helped add even more funds to be distributed to local organizations, schools, and areas of need in the community.
“Our partnership with Supercat Fest has been a great thing for the first year of Cannonball Run — and an even greater thing for this community,” added Duggan.
Funds raised from the 2025 Cannonball Run were donated to a variety of local charities and organizations, including:
 
  • Central Ozarks Medical Center (COMC)
  • Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADV)
  • Dream Factory
  • Lake of the Ozarks Watershed Alliance (LOWA)
  • Lake West Chamber of Commerce
  • Laurie Elks Lodge
  • Laurie/Sunrise Beach Rotary Club
  • Laker Baseball
  • Livabilities
  • Mariah Walter Scholarship Fund
  • Sharing and Caring Foundation
 
The event’s success was made possible thanks to the support of more than 65 sponsors, along with a dedicated committee of volunteers, community partners, and local businesses who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Their shared mission — to create an event that celebrates the Lake while supporting those who call it home — was fully realized.
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Cannonball Run, promising to be even bigger, better, and faster than before. For updates, announcements, and next year’s event details, follow Cannonball Run Lake of the Ozarks on Facebook.

This high-energy, community-driven event offers participants the chance to win up to $50,000 in cash while enjoying a packed week of live entertainment, contests, and local experiences—all while supporting Lake-area businesses and charities.
The concept is simple: shop local, win big.

Every dollar spent at Lake-area businesses during the week could help participants cash in.

Saturday, August 16, 2025
Begin saving receipts on money spent at the Lake of the Ozarks to make yourself eligible for additional poker hands.

Register

Registration is $250 and includes one poker hand, entry into the prize drawings, and a raffle ticket. From August 16 to 23, registered participants collect receipts from any Lake-area business—gas stations, restaurants, retail stores, hotels, marinas, and more. For every $500 spent, another poker hand is earned (up to 20 total). Sponsor business purchases count double.

Win

Poker drawings take place on August 22 and 23, with one $25,000 prize awarded each night. The two winners will be celebrated together Saturday night with a combined $50,000 grand prize presentation. There’s also a bonus raffle, with prizes donated by event sponsors.

Party

Party with a Purpose! Beyond the chance to win, the Cannonball Run is a full-on summer bash, with live music, a car show, a scavenger hunt, speedway thrills, fireworks, and family-friendly fun. All proceeds after prize payouts will be donated to local charities.

Calendar of Events

**Parking available all week at Scallywags RV Park**

Saturday, August 16, 2025
Begin savings receipts on money spent at the Lake of the Ozarks to make yourself eligible for additional poker hands.

Wednesday, August 20

8 AM–5 PM: Vendor Village Set Up at Captain Ron’s

Noon–4 PM: Registration opens at Captain Ron’s and Camden on the Lake

Thursday, August 21

8 AM–Noon: Vendor Village & Car Show setup

9 AM–1 PM: Speedway Skill Challenge @ Ozarks International Speedway

Noon–5 PM: Vendor Village & Car Show open

Noon–4 PM: Registration

2 PM–4 PM: Meet & Greet (free appetizers for vendors, guests & registrants)

6 PM–10 PM: Live Entertainment

Friday, August 22

9 AM–5 PM: Vendor Village, Car Show & Registration

9 AM–11 AM: Breakfast

9 AM–4 PM: Scavenger Hunt

Noon–4 PM: Registration

1 PM–5 PM: Live Entertainment

4 PM–6 PM: Receipt Collection & Poker Drawing

7 PM: $25,000 Winner Announced

7 PM–11 PM: Live Entertainment

9 PM: Fireworks

Saturday, August 23

9 AM–5 PM: Vendor Village, Car Show & Registration

9 AM–11 AM: Breakfast

10 AM–Noon: Sandcastle Contest (Cash Prizes)

1 PM–5 PM: Live Entertainment

4 PM–6 PM: Receipt Collection & Poker Drawing

7 PM: $25,000 Winner Announced

8 PM: Grand Prize Presentation ($50,000)

Sunday, August 24

9 AM–1 PM: Vendor Village

1 PM–4 PM: Surprise Event Announcement