CVB Travel: Springfield, Ozarks swell with summer visitors

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Thousands of people are visiting the Ozarks in July and August to participate in a variety of events.|ret||ret||tab|

The United States Tennis Association's 2002 U.S. vs. Israel Fed Cup World Group playoff at Cooper Tennis Complex was in Springfield for the first time July 20-21. The event brought in visitors from all over the world.|ret||ret||tab|

The Fed Cup was followed by the 13th Annual Price Cutter Charity Champion-ship golf tournament, formerly the Ozarks Open, at Highland Springs Country Club July 21-28.|ret||ret||tab|

At the same time the golf tournament was taking place, the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education, the city's largest annual conference, took place July 22-25. |ret||ret||tab|

The association has met in Springfield since 1988 and about 3,300 people attend each year.|ret||ret||tab|

Right on the heels of the MACTE con-frerence was Camp Jeep, an event that brought about 8,000 people to a ranch near Highlandville July 25-27. This was the first time Camp Jeep, a customer appreciation event for Jeep owners sponsored by DaimlerChrylser, was held in the Ozarks.|ret||ret||tab|

"I'm sure they liked the area and will return in the future," said CVB Executive Director Tracy Kimberlin. "With Branson, Bass Pro, Wonders of Wildlife and other outdoor-related attractions, this area is perfect for Jeep enthusiasts."|ret||ret||tab|

Besides thousands of Jeeps rolling along area streets and roads, the National Hillbilly Model T Tour is bringing about 200 people and their antique cars to Springfield July 26-Aug. 3. |ret||ret||tab|

Though it's a small group, it will be noticeable. Participants will make Springfield their home base and will be spending their days driving to area sites such as Bennett Springs, Stockton Lake, Forsyth, Roaring River State Park and Table Rock Lake.|ret||ret||tab|

"It will be quite a sight to see those old cars on the highways," said CVB Sales Manager Larry Krauck, who works to bring sports-related groups and events to the city.|ret||ret||tab|

Those Model T aficionados also could spend some time at the Ozark Empire Fair July 26-Aug. 4, an event that annually draws about 225,000 people to the fairgrounds.|ret||ret||tab|

The summer crowds won't end with the fair because about 4,000 motorcycle riders are expected to buzz into town for the Ozark Motorcycle Jubilee Aug. 30-Sept. 1. This will mark the third year for the all-bike rally featuring up to 15 drill teams competing in precision riding events.|ret||ret||tab|

Several other events are planned for the summer including the Amateur Softball Association Girls Nationals July 29-Aug. 4 with about 600 attending, and the National Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War Annual Convention Aug. 8-12 with about 120 attendees. |ret||ret||tab|

The Tracker Marine Convention Aug. 22-25 will bring in about 700, and the New South Women's Nationals Softball tournament Aug. 30-Sept. 1 about 125 people.|ret||ret||tab|

Services by the CVB include providing information about the area, maps, coupon books, media contacts, name badges, plastic tote bags, information tables, registration assistance and more. Housing and shuttle assistance also is provided for qualified groups.|ret||ret||tab|

"This is a busy summer for the CVB staff," Kimberlin said. "Once the new expo center opens next fall in Jordan Valley Park, Springfield will begin seeing even more visitors."|ret||ret||tab|

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