Feature

Compiled by Charis Patires

The return of ‘Ozark’

Fans of the Netflix series “Ozark” will get the chance to kick off the final season when it airs later this month at the place where it all began — on the

Bagnell Dam Strip.

To celebrate the final season, the Tri-County Lodging

Association will be hosting an event Jan. 21 at Marty Byrde’s on the Strip. The evening will consist of ‘Ozark’ and Lake of the Ozarks Trivia, starting at 6:45 p.m. with a watch party of the first few episodes of Season 4 following.

“The show has provided national and international recognition for the Lake of the

Ozarks,” Tri-County Lodging

Association executive director

Lagina Fitzpatrick said. “It put us in the mindset of folks who were not familiar or did not know the Lake even existed.

Even though ‘Ozark’ is purely fiction, it is a great series with very intriguing characters.”

It was during the summer Jason Bateman walking in front of businesses on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Filming of 2016 that actor Jason Bateman took place in the summer of 2016. Lake Media photo and a film crew were spotted in the

Lake are, mainly on the Bagnell Dam Strip, filming the pilot episode. Throughout other episodes you can still see some Lake of the Ozarks scenes — aerial views and footage from the area — but what is mostly portrayed as the Lake of the Ozarks is actually Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona in the Atlanta area. Because of tax incentives, filming moved from the Lake to in studio and in Georgia.

The series stars Jason Bateman and Laura Linney as Marty and Wendy Byrde. Although Bateman is most known for his acting roles, he decided to impress with his behind-the camera-skills in directing and serving as executive producer for most of the Ozark episodes.

“We wanted to do something to celebrate the final season,” Fitzpatrick said. “And the fact that that it is being released in the ‘off season’ brings us a good opportunity to bring ‘Ozark’ fans to the Lake during a need period. The Lake is fun to visit this time of year with a lot of excellent shopping options, the show caves are open, live music at venues all across the Lake and great attractions to visit.”

Prizes will be awarded for the winning trivia team. Teams will be in groups of two to 10 people. Participants are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character with many Ruth’s expected to be in attendance. Prizes for best-dressed will also be awarded. Seating in limited so people are encouraged to get there early. Marty Byrde’s has Ozark themed food and drinks available for purchase.

A large prize package will go to someone who is attending from outside the Lake area and staying at one of the Lake’s lodging facilities. They must show their confirmation to be eligible. That packet is worth over $1,200 and includes a two-night stay at Old Kinderhook, four rounds of golf at Old Kinderhook, and gift cards to Captain Ron’s

Malted Monkey, Neon Taco, Tucker’s Shuckers, Bridal Cave, Marty Byrde’s, Margaritaville and Celebration Cruises. Other random prizes will be held during the evening.