OSAGE BEACH, Mo. (KMOX) - The owner of the Lake of the Ozarks business featured in many viral photos and videos over Memorial Day Weekend is standing by his decision to be open and says they didn't break any laws.
Backwater Jacks Bar and Grill owner Gary Prewitt posted a response letter on Facebook Tuesday evening.
He also stressed the name of the event – "No Ducks Given" – had nothing to do with the current global coronavirus pandemic. He says it's an annual event that took place on Memorial Day Weekend for the third year in a row.
No covid concerns at the lake of the ozarks-- #loto pic.twitter.com/Yrb4UNM64u
— Scott Pasmore (@scottpasmoretv)
May 24, 2020 "Our business is seasonal and nearly a third of our season has already been lost. The initial shut down has already had a tremendous impact on many of our staff and their families," the letter states.
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Tuesday called the parties that didn't practice safe social distancing a "poor decision" and mentioned the dangerous situation it creates for the home communities that people who were at those parties will return to.

Parson said did he witness some safe social distancing at his granddaughter's high school graduation at Sparta High School.
You can listen to more from Parson, here.
© 2020 KMOX (Entercom). All rights reserved