16 Halloween Trivia Questions

Halloween is just a few days away!  As your putting your finishing touches on your costumes, do you ever think about how the holiday began and how it was celebrated in the past?  There are a lot of myths and silly superstitions associated with the holiday.  Mission Bay is here to share with you some of those interesting Halloween facts and test your knowledge about this spooky holiday!

1. What vegetable was traditionally carved before the pumpkin? 

A. Beetroot
B. Melon
C. Turnip
D. Rutabaga

2. How long does it take the average pumpkin to grow? 

A. 30-60 days
B. 40-80 days
C. 60-90 days
D. 90-120 days

3. Halloween is the 3rd largest party day of the year in the US.  Which holiday is the 2nd largest? 

A. Christmas Day
B. Super Bowl Sunday 
C. Thanksgiving
D. New Year's Eve

4. Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday after what? 

A. Easter
B. New Year's
C. Christmas 
D. Thanksgiving

5. Barnbrack is a traditional Halloween food, but what is it exactly? 

A. A fruit cake
B. A meat dish
C. A pumpkin punch
D. A special bread

6. How many witches were burned at the stake in the Salem Witch Trials? 

A. 12
B. 20
C. 33
D. None

7. Originally, what was the trick in "trick or treat?"

A. Knock on the door and then run away
B. Throw water at the person opening the door
C. Sing a song to the person giving you candy
D. Put a spell on the person opening the door

8. What is the reason for wearing masks on Halloween? 

A. To protect our faces in case spirits attack
B. To keep spirits from recognizing the living
C. To protect spirits from seeing us happy
D. To stop spirits from touching our faces

9. What is the reason for ringing a bell on Halloween? 

A. To welcome the spirits
B. To scare away the spirits 
C. To dance away the spirits
D. To comfort the spirits

10. According to superstition, if you stare into a mirror at midnight on Halloween, what will you see? 

A. Bloody Mary
B. Your future spouse
C. Your death
D. Dead Ancestors

11. According to legend, a unibrow, tattoos and a long middle finger are all signs of what Halloween creature?

A. A werewolf 
B. A vampire
C. A witch
D. A golem

12. According to superstition, on Halloween night, owls would swoop down and feast on the souls of the dying.  How could you protect yourself from hungry owls? 

A. Turn your pockets out and leave them hanging 
B. Sew a penny in your sleeve
C. Walk around your house 3 times backwards
D. All of the above

13. A person born on Halloween is said to have what special ability? 

A. They can tell the future
B. They can see and talk to spirits 
C. They can predict death
D. They will be unlucky

14. It was believed that on Halloween, spirits and other evil creatures roamed the Earth.  How could you protect yourself from evil? 

A. Sacrifice an animal
B. Bury animal bones in your front yard
C. Host a "dumb supper"
D. All of the above

15. According to superstition, what does it mean if you see a spider on Halloween? 

A. A dead relative is watching over you 
B. Death will come to you in the next year
C. You will marry within the year
D. You house needs cleaning

16. If you want to see a witch on Halloween, what should you do? 

A. Light a fire at crossroads at midnight
B. Carry a lamp to a spring of water
C. Put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards 
D. Go out on that blind date with your sister's "really nice" friend

**Answers:

1. C - Turnip
2. D - 90-120 days
3. B - Super Bowl Sunday
4. C - Christmas
5. A - A fruit cake
6. D - None
7. C - Sing a song to the person giving you candy
8. B - To keep spirits from recognizing the living
9. B - To scare away the spirits
10. B - Your future spouse
11. A - A werewolf
12. A - Turn your pockets out and leave them hanging
13. B - They can see and talk to spirits
14. B - Bury animal bones in your front yard
15. A - A dead relative is watching over you
16. C - Put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards

Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, and picnic areas, as well as 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks. Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5.

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

5 Fall Decorating Ideas

Fall is a beautiful time of year at the Lake of the Ozarks! The trees are changing color, brightening the already gorgeous scenery the Lake area has to offer. Why not bring some of that beauty into your home at the Lake of the Ozarks?  Check out these fun Fall decorating ideas below:

1. Door Wreaths 

Fall door wreaths can be made out of many different materials.  From colorful leaves and flowers to pumpkins and Indian corn, you can make wreaths out of just about anything!  Pick your items, hot glue them together, maybe add a ribbon bow and voila, you have a wreath!

2. Paint Gourds

Instead of setting out a bowl of fresh fruit, consider using dried gourds.  Get the gourds in various sizes and then paint them to give them some color.  Dip one end into the paint and then turn it over to let the paint run down the other end for a dripping effect.

3. Monogram Pumpkins

Pumpkins are used a lot when it comes to Fall decorating.  They make great entry way decorations or even work as a center piece.  You could carve a face in them to make a Jack-O-Lantern, but why not try something that's not just focused around Halloween. Instead, you can monogram them.  Etch your monogram into different sized pumpkins with different fonts and styles.  Then you can paint them to make the letters pop. If you'd rather not etch them, you can just use paint to create the letters.

4. Fill Clear Containers

Clear glass containers are great for decorating any time of the year.  You can switch out the contents to go with the season.  Popcorn kernels, candy corn or fall colored stones are perfect items to fill your clear containers in the Fall.  You could also add a candle to the center to make it glow!

5. Photo Holders

Insert wire into walnuts or mini pumpkins to create fall themed photo holders! You can even add some flair by painting the pumpkins or walnuts and tying a small ribbon onto the wire.

Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, and picnic areas, as well as 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks. Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5.

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

Halloween Events at Lake of the Ozarks

Living at the Lake of the Ozarks has its perks! Just like with any other holiday, Lake of the Ozarks has plenty to do during Halloween. From candy for the kids to costume contests for the adults, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Check out some of these upcoming Halloween Events:

Tunnel Dam Gardens' Haunted Maze & Hayride - Oct. 24 & 25, Oct. 31 & Nov. 1

The Tunnel Dam Gardens Haunted Maze and Hayride is back, and this year you've got a chance to be part of the show!  The "Spookiest Family Plots" contest is giving the area's most maniacal minds an opportunity to unleash their horrific visions and possibly win a few bucks in the process. "Family Plot" displays will be set up along the hay ride route, and voted on by visitors. Cash prizes will be awarded to audience favorites. Admission is $5 per carload.

H. Toad's Halloween Costume Contest - Oct. 25

Dress in your most impressive 80′s outfit to win one of our awesome prizes! There will be great live entertainment courtesy of the rad 80′s cover band Fast Times! All costume participants get a Halloween shot!!!

• First Place: Two 50-yard line club tickets to Chiefs vs. Raiders game on December 14th with room accommodations 
• Second Place: New Year’s Eve package at Camden on the Lake 
• Third Place: $50 H. Toad’s Gift Card

Howl-O-Ween Festival               - Oct. 25

Dogwood Animal Shelter's annual HOWL-O-WEEN Festival sponsored in part by Central Bank of Lake of the Ozarks! Family fun! Contests, food and entertainment! Vendor booths! Lots of smiles!

Halloween On the Strip              - Oct. 25

Trick-or-Treat at the businesses along the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip from 2-4 PM.

Walk on the Rocks Trick-or-Treat - Oct. 31

Children can walk through a maze set up in the parking lot of Hy-Vee and trick-or-treat. There will be a small admission fee for children and all monies raised benefits the Dream Factory.

While you're in town for these great events, be sure to stop by our homes at Mission Bay.  Owning a second home at Lake of the Ozarks allows you to attend as many local events as you want all year round.  We have open houses every Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 3 or you can give us a call at 573-216-5311 for more information.

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

27 Tips for Fire Prevention Week

Did you know that each year more then 2,500 people die and 12,600 are injured in home fires in the United States?  Direct property loss due to home fires is estimated at $7.3 billion annually. Home fires can be prevented though!  Help us celebrate Fire Prevention Week by checking the smoke detectors in your home at the Lake of the Ozarks and using these other fire prevention tips below!

History of Fire Prevention Week 

Fire prevention week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.  This tragic fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres.  The fire began on October 8, but ended up doing most of its damage on October 9.  This is why since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls.

Great Chicago Fire Myth

Photo Courtesy of GreatChicagoFire.org

Legend says that the Great Chicago Fire broke out after Mrs. Catherine O'Leary's cow kicked over a lamp, setting fire to the barn and then spreading throughout the city.  You've probably heard some version of this story as people have been blaming Mrs. O'Leary for more than 130 years. The story does have some truth to it.  The fire did start near the barn where Mrs. O'Leary kept her milking cows.  However, there is no proof that O'Leary was in the barn when it started or that a jumpy cow sparked the flame.

Fire Prevention Tips

Most home fires occur in the kitchen while cooking and are the leading cause of injuries from fire. Other common causes include carelessly discarded cigarettes, sparks from fireplaces without screens or glass doors and heating appliances left too close to furniture or other combustibles.

Cooking

• Stay in the kitchen while cooking.  If you need to leave the room even for a short period of time, turn the stove off.
• Wear short, close-fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. 
• Don't cook if you're sleepy, have been drinking or have taken medication that causes drowsiness. 
• Keep children away from cooking areas. 
• Position BBQ grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings. Also keep them out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

Smoking 

• Smoke outside and put your cigarettes out in a can of sand. 
• Make sure the cigarette is completely stubbed out in an ashtray.
• Soak cigarette butts in water before tossing them out. 
• Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used because it is explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster. 
• Don't smoke in bed. 

Electrical and Appliances

• Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately because frayed wires can cause fires.  Do not run cords under rugs or furniture. 
• If an appliance has a 3-prong plug, only us it in a 3-slot outlet. 
• Use extension cords wisely by never overloading them or the wall sockets. 
• Immediately shut off and replace light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. 

Portable Heaters

• Keep combustible objects at least 3 feet away from portable heaters. 
• Make sure the heater has a thermostat control mechanism that will shut off automatically if the heater falls over. 
• Never overfill kerosene heaters and use them in a well-ventilated room. 

Fireplaces and Wood Stoves

• Inspect and clean wood stove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. 
• Never burn trash, paper or green wood in your fireplace or stove. 
• Use a fireplace screen large enough to stop rolling logs and large enough to cover the entire opening to catch flying sparks. 
• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 

Other Tips 

• Store matches and lighters out of children's sight and reach. 
• Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for a short time. 
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home. 
• Replace mattresses made before the 2007 Federal Mattress Flammability Standard.
• Keep combustible and flammable liquids away from heat sources. 
• Portable generators should never be used indoors and should only be refueled outdoors or in well ventilated areas.  

Mission Bay offers Lake living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks. The development is beautifully tiered so most lake view homes will always enjoy the stellar lake views. Mission Bay boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, and picnic areas, as well as 1400' seawall and lakefront cart path to provide ease of access to community docks.

Sources:
http://www.firepreventionweek.org
http://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

6 Indoor Projects for a Rainy Day!

The stormy weather has taken over the Lake of the Ozarks today!  As your sitting by the window watching the rain pour, you're probably thinking about what to do inside all day.  Take this time you have stuck in your home at the Lake of the Ozarks to spruce it up a little.  Here are 6 simple projects perfect for a rainy day!

1. Move the furniture around. 

You don't have to go crazy and move every piece of furniture in your house.  However, changing it up a bit by swapping two pieces of furniture can change the feel of a room and open things up. Maybe trade a bookshelf in one room for a buffet in another.  Or move the side table to the other side of the couch.  In addition to spicing up the space, you'll also get some exercise while you're stuck indoors all day!

2. Straighten art work. 

Now is the time to step back and take a look at what you've hung around the house.  Is it straight? Does it look good in that spot?  What could I add to make the room look better?  If you have artwork or pictures that are still sitting around, hang it up now while you have the time!  You'd be amazed at how much one picture can change the look of wall in your home.

3. Have some craft time. 

You would be amazed with what you can do with some old yarn, fabric or paint lying around.  Wrap a lampshade in some twine, yarn or other material and make designs to give it a whole new look. Attach wallpaper to your night stand or dresser to add some color, or give it an accent color with a fresh coat of paint!  Use some fabric scraps to sew designs on your throw pillows or sew some new pillows.  Decorate picture frames with some paint and hang them up.  The possibilities are endless when you use your imagination.

4. Reorganize your kitchen and pantry. 

As you go into the kitchen each day to make your meals, you think about how nice it would be if everything were organized instead of just thrown in a cabinet or on a shelf.  However, with your busy life, you keep putting it off.  Now is your chance to sit down, pull everything out and put everything in it's right place!

5. Clean out your closet. 

Cleaning out your closet isn't just a project reserved for Spring cleaning. In fact, now is the perfect time to go though everything and get rid of what you haven't worn all Summer. You need to start transitioning from your Summer clothes to Fall/Winter clothes anyway.  Use this rainy day to your advantage and get some of these projects you've been putting off done.

6. Sit back and relax.

Pick up that book you've been wanting to read but never had the time.  Make yourself a cup of hot cocoa or hot tea and curl up on the couch to relax.  Many of us are so busy with our day to day lives that we forget to appreciate the beauty of resting on a rainy day.  Take a break and enjoy a lazy day around the house for once!

Mission Bay is a new residential development at the Lake of the Ozarks.  If you're looking to really make a change, like changing the entire house, come take a look at our lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks!  Mission Bay boasts an exquisite clubhouse with heated indoor pool and outdoor pool and hot tub for entertaining family and friends. Residents enjoy multiple common areas, parks, picnic areas and community docks.  Nearby is the new Woods Supermarket, lake front restaurants, and just 6 minutes from Camdenton via the improved Highway 5!

Connect with us for the latest community news!

Like us on Facebook 

Follow us on Twitter 

Connect with us on LinkedIn 

CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020