September 2026 – LakeLife 24/7 Magazine

Buoy, oh buoy

LMLPA hits milestone with 100th buoy

Story by Roxanne Edsall
Photos courtesy of LMLPA

A new sentinel stands watch over the waters of Logan Martin Lake. Weighing in at just over 100 pounds, this guardian of the waters illuminates a danger lurking below the surface, a danger that could put lives and property at risk.

This new harbinger of hazards is the 100^th lighted buoy installed by members of Logan Martin Lake Protection Association (LMLPA).

In a 2024 report, the most recent statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard show collision with a fixed object, above or below the surface of the water was the number one reason for boating accidents nationwide, with grounding being third on the list.

Buoy 100 is marked July 7, 2026 with all the signatures underneath that

The report showed there were 17 incidents of collision with a fixed object and 12 grounding incidents in Alabama. Because of statistics like these and wanting to make every effort to increase safety on Logan Martin, members of LMLPA began working on a project to replace old safety buoys with lighted ones that could be seen both day and night.

The project began in 2019 as members began raising money to purchase the buoys, solar light kits, cables, hardware and cement anchors. Their goal was to raise enough cash to install 100 lighted buoys. The process has been lengthy, and the costs have risen each year. It costs LMLPA almost $800 per buoy installed.

“We have been fortunate to have a lot of these buoys sponsored by individuals, groups, or grants to help us cover the cost,” said LMLPA President Neal Stephenson. “People can sponsor a buoy online at www.lmlpa.org. Click on the dropdown ‘What We Do’ tab and go to buoy installation to donate.”

This is the third year in partnership with Boo Bash on Logan Martin. Since 2024, the organizers of Boo Bash have made LMLPA the beneficiary of the sponsorship funds that exceeded the cost of putting on Boo Bash, giving the lake protection association a much-needed financial shot in the arm.

“Our partnership with Boo Bash has been a great experience, and it provides an opportunity to support our programs at LMLPA while having fun trick-or-treating on the lake,” said Stephenson. “The event has sponsored thousands of dollars for the buoy program.”

Dee Parsons and David Carboni were on the crew to set buoy number one and again on number 100. Carboni believes it’s the most instrumental thing being done for lake safety. “Before this, people were just dropping pins and sharing locations of dangerous places on the lake,” said Carboni. “Now we have these lighted safety buoys with GPS locations.”

Parsons echoes the appreciation for GPS locating, as it makes the buoys easier to reposition when they drift away from the hazard they were intended to mark. He’s grateful to have been a part of the process from the beginning. “It makes me happy to have been involved in all 100,” said Parsons. “It has boosted morale [for LMLPA] because members are excited about what’s going on.”

Randy Sparks is the buoy boat captain and oversees the program for LMLPA. He describes the process involved in getting new buoys ready to launch. “All have to be drilled and fitted for lights. We add the lights and get them on the boat and take them to the predetermined place,” Sparks said. “Then we measure the depth of the water there and cut a piece of stainless-steel cable to fit that depth with a foot extra for each end and an extra five feet of cable to make sure it doesn’t float off.

“We attach it to a five-gallon bucket of concrete provided by Alabama Power with a stainless-steel eye bolt,” he added. “Then we drop the buoy and anchor bucket together off the side of the boat. We get the GPS coordinates, so we know exactly where it is located, and we log them into Navionics, and we let the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) know where they are.”

For hazard buoy locations, the LMLPA team identifies a hazard using personal experiences, feedback from boaters and property owners, and direction from ALEA. Those hazards could be old roadbeds, subsurface rocks, boulders or shallow places or points that come out into the lake. “When we identify these,” explained Stephenson, “we drop those buoys to let boaters know of the hazard, so they won’t get hurt or damage their boats.”

They put out both hazard buoys and no-wake buoys, but the second type is strictly regulated by ALEA. “We always have everyone wanting us to put no-wake buoys out, but we can’t do that unless ALEA directs that,” Sparks noted. Those wanting no-wake buoys need to contact ALEA to get that approval. If approved, LMLPA can put that location on the list for future buoy placement.

Sparks also explained why having launched 100 buoys, there are actually fewer than that in the water right now. “Some of the older ones have had to be pulled out because they are no longer functioning. Sometimes they float off or get damaged.

“We just ask that people be respectful of the buoys,” he added. “We’re a nonprofit, and we’re trying to make the money raised go as far as possible. We have a phone number on each buoy, so if something happens to damage it and someone finds it, they can call us and we can get it back. Then we evaluate it to see if we can fix it or reuse it or if it just needs to be replaced.”

Bud Kitchin is a former LMLPA president and has been involved in the buoy project since its inception. “The thing I’ve learned since starting this project,” said Kitchin, “is that the lifespan of a buoy is not five years like we originally thought. It’s more like two to three years. LMLPA will always be raising funds to support this program and keep Logan Martin Lake safe.”

Bridge marker project underway, too

In addition to replacing buoys and adding new ones, LMLPA has added another safety-inspired project this year. They are installing reflective bridge caution signs on the pilings for all the bridges that go over Logan Martin Lake. Their goal is to get signs on all of the bridge pilings in the next couple of years, a goal that will require them to purchase and install 100 signs.

In 2017, two people were seriously injured when their boat struck the piling of Riverside’s railroad bridge in the dark of night. Protecting boaters from just such nighttime dangers is the reason LMLPA is making the bridge safety sign project a priority. “Safety is our primary mission,” Stephenson said. “These signs are fluorescent yellow and are reflective in low-light conditions. We want to make the lake safer for all.”

The signs will be placed on the upstream and downstream sides of the Riverside Railroad Bridge, Highway 78 Bridge, Stemley Bridge, Renfroe Road, Choccolocco Creek and Poor House. The cost of $80 per sign takes care of materials needed for installation. The labor is provided by volunteers, who plan installation runs every two weeks.

Installing the bridge signs comes with an interesting challenge, according to Parsons. “The problem is that the current runs. So, on one side, it’s easy. On the other side you’re constantly having to push away from the piling.”

In addition to the lighted buoy and bridge reflector sign programs, LMLPA runs a water testing program to monitor the safety of the lake and runs the annual lake cleanup effort each spring. They also offer educational and community outreach programs.

Membership in the organization helps pay for projects and provides additional hands to manage those projects. For more information, check them out at www.lmlpa.org. l

Lakeside Live Musicfest 2026

A day of fun and entertainment on Logan Martin Lake

When the gates open at Pell City Lakeside Park Sept. 19, Lakeside Live will welcome thousands to a brand new year and a fun-filled, music-packed day on the shores of Logan Martin Lake. It’s actually a host of events all rolled into one special day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

It’s a music festival featuring all genres. It’s a massive car show. It’s rides and games for the kids. And it’s a classic competition pitting police against firefighters in Battle of the Badges. Food trucks and vendors of all types line the grounds of the park offering their specialties for all to take their pick and enjoy.

Lakeside Live has become a Logan Martin tradition created by the Five19 Foundation and presented this year by Union State Bank and dozens of other sponsors.

So, join the fun. It’s free admission and a family friendly day to remember.

Coosa Harbor

Pedestrian bridge and more as work continues on Gadsden’s waterfront project

Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos

Two projects aimed at transforming the Coosa Riverfront and making Etowah County’s largest city into a destination locale are inching closer to completion after clearing regulatory hurdles.

Coosa Harbor, a combination residential and commercial complex being developed by Scottsboro developer Patrick Lawler is awaiting Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approval for the project.

“I know that Patrick is through with the architectural design and almost ready to take it to bid,” Gadsden’s Director of Commercial Development and Community Affairs. “We’ll be pushing hard on FERC. They’re the ones who permit our shorelines on the Coosa River. After that, we’ll be full speed ahead. I foresee that happening in the next couple of months. I think a fall groundbreaking wouldn’t be out of the question.”

The complex includes waterfront condominiums selling for $500,000, which have already garnered interest in the pre-sale phase, city officials said.

Architectural rendering of the new pedestrian bridge across the Coosa River in Gadsden

A second project, a pedestrian bridge that will traverse the Coosa River is also in the permitting phase. Gadsden has received a $690,000 grant from Innovate Alabama that will pay for engineering and design of the pedestrian bridge, Moore said.

“That’s good because once we get the engineering, we’ll be able to pinpoint how much the project is going to cost,” Moore said. “It’s a $690,000 grant, but the (total) cost is probably somewhere north of $1 million.”

The span will link parks, trails and a planned hotel near the Venue at Coosa Landing. The new bridge will be located at the site of the old Gadsden Police station at the corner of Walnut Street and U.S. 411. The bridge – estimated between 700 and 900 feet long – will end on the other side of the Coosa near Buffalo Wild Wings.

“It will give us some more space and an opportunity to grow that area,” Moore said. “We’re going to start working on a concept design.”

Groundbreaking for the bridge is 24 to 36 months away, Moore said. Construction is expected to take a year.

The pedestrian bridge will dovetail with another major development, construction of a Mariott Tribute hotel that the city announced in early July. The hotel is expected to have at least 100 rooms and a rooftop bar and restaurant.

“We think we’ll be in line with what they’re (Mariott) is doing,” Moore said.

The goal of the bridge?

“I think it’s to make the city more walkable, where you can actually be walking downtown and you can go down and go across the bridge and go to something at The Venue,” Moore said. “Or, if you’re in East Gadsden and you can cross and come to downtown. So it really connects east Gadsden more with our downtown. That really helps our shopping and our eating. It gives a whole other economic driver when it comes to our downtown.”

He added, “It’s a complete economic development plan when it comes together. It opens doors and opportunities for the city.”

At their heart, the projects are part of the ongoing effort by the city to make Gadsden a destination point. The projects, combined with hotel and restaurant developments and family friendly events that once required residents to travel to Birmingham, Atlanta, Huntsville or Chattanooga, are the muscle behind the message. And more people are coming to town from locales within a 100-mile radius.

“We want to try to bring more people to Gadsden,” Moore said. “We have found that in looking at other cities, the one thing they can do is they have walkability,” Moore said. “You can go and stroll … and you can walk from one end of the city to the other without having to get into your car. When that happens, people start wanting to stay in those hotels, and you can do what you want to do without having to get into your car and drive.”

Along with the Mariott Tribute, the city is looking at a second as yet unnamed hotel brand for the riverfront.

While pedestrian bridges and multiuse complexes may not have the splash of events like the Lantern Festival at Noccalula Falls, Christmas season ice skating and bashes like Freedom Fest, America’s 250^th birthday celebration, they are just as important, Moore said.

“One thousand percent. At the end of the day, I need Coosa Harbor in Gadsden. I need the condos. I need the hotels. Because at that point, that’s what brings the people to Gadsden. When you have the opportunities and the availability to stay at those hotels and then we build more and more events around that vicinity, that just continues to give people more reasons to come to Gadsden,” Moore said.

City Council President Kent Back agreed.

“What we’re trying to do is to bring things to Gadsden that you normally have to go out of town to experience,” he said. “We want to do things to improve our quality of life in Gadsden and Etowah County. That way, people can stay home and enjoy things that everyone else has enjoyed.”

Across town, the city is building a 200,000 square-foot indoor facility for basketball, volleyball and pickleball. There’s also night golf available in the city, along with the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Coosa Harbor, the pedestrian bridge, hotels, restaurants and a calendar full of events are fueling a Gadsden renaissance – from a city that a few short decades ago was known for closed plants and shuttered downtown buildings.

World Atlas has taken notice, naming Gadsden as one of the best places in the South to retire.

“I think that Gadsden is going to be one of those places you’re going to enjoy coming and visiting,” Moore said. “If you don’t already, you will. Right now, we’ve got so much between the falls and the river and the mountains and the cool downtown, we have so many people coming to Gadsden already,” Moore said.

“But once we complete these projects in the next 24 to 36 months, Gadsden’s not going to be the same place it was. It’s going to be one of those up-and-coming cities you want to be a part of.”

Cleaning up Choccolocco Creek

Coosa Riverkeeper effort targets litter, microplastics across creek watershed

Story by Graham Hadley
Photos courtesy of Coosa Riverkeeper

One man’s trash is still another man’s trash – especially along watersheds.

It moves with the water, collecting along banks, lodging in snags, breaking down in the sun and eventually making its way toward the lakes that define much of the Coosa River system.

That connection is at the heart of a new Coosa Riverkeeper effort focused on Choccolocco Creek in Calhoun and Talladega counties. Working in partnership with Auburn University, the organization has received funding for a three-year litter-cleanup program aimed at reducing trash, studying plastic pollution and engaging the people who spend the most time on the water.

Abby Brown, director of community engagement with Coosa Riverkeeper, said the project is designed to do more than remove visible trash. The work is meant to improve water quality and the appearance of the creek while helping people understand how litter affects streams and lakes and the communities around them.

The traps are a key tool to preserving the creek’s natural beauty

The first stage focused on information gathering. Coosa Riverkeeper and Auburn have surveyed anglers about their knowledge of litter and their habits on the water. Brown said the survey was sent to fishing license holders across Alabama to help establish a better understanding of how people view litter and what might encourage them to change their habits.

The organization also has used drone imagery to identify litter hotspots along the creek, places where trash and debris are already collecting naturally. Those areas may become locations for trash traps once Coosa Riverkeeper is able to work out access with property owners.

At the same time, the group has completed microplastic sampling on Choccolocco Creek to help establish a baseline for plastic pollution in the watershed.

Microplastics are what remain when larger pieces of plastic break down. Brown described the process as similar to what happens with forever chemicals and other persistent pollutants in that the material does not actually biodegrade over time.

“It just kind of gets smaller and smaller and smaller,” she said.

That can include tiny fragments or visible shards from items such as plastic chairs, coolers, floats and other debris left to weather in the sun and water. Once broken apart, the pieces can affect water quality, aquatic life and the overall condition of the creek.

Brown said the sampling will help Coosa Riverkeeper understand how microplastic levels change with the seasons, how much material is carried downstream and whether concentrations differ between rural and developed areas.

The next phase will focus on public engagement. Coosa Riverkeeper plans to host workshops with anglers and other community members to look at ways to reduce litter and improve cleanup efforts. Later, the program will include angler-led cleanups around Choccolocco Creek, especially near litter hotspots and installed trash traps.

Brown said the angling community is a major part of the effort because people who fish are so often the ones who see problems first.

“They really are our eyes and ears,” she said.

Coosa Riverkeeper is working with people who spend time in the watershed and understand what is happening there. Anglers and hunters often are among the first people out in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. They notice illegal dumping, pollution, trash jams and changing conditions.

“I think everyone has a role to play in this,” Brown said.

The trash traps are intended to capture floating litter before it continues downstream. Brown said the design Coosa Riverkeeper expects to use is a floating system shaped like a V, with a crate at the end. The V helps corral floating trash into the collection area.

Coosa Riverkeeper staff and volunteers plan to clean out the traps, likely monthly at first, while monitoring how quickly they fill. Brown said the schedule can be adjusted depending on how much trash is collected.

The traps float on the surface, she said, and are not expected to impede wildlife or recreation.

Property access remains an important part of the project. Coosa Riverkeeper is still looking for homeowners and landowners along Choccolocco Creek who are willing to allow trash traps to be installed where they can do the most good.

The program also is being shaped through conversations with local leaders and stakeholders, working to connect with people who know the watershed and others already involved in creek and conservation work.

For Brown, one of the larger goals is helping people think about the creek and the lakes as one connected system.

“People often see Neely Henry as Neely Henry, Logan Martin as Logan Martin, and the creek beside their property as simply that creek. But water does not recognize those boundaries,” she said.

Coosa Riverkeeper is working to encourage what she called a downstream-neighbor mindset. “We are all downstream neighbors from somebody,” she said.

That idea is especially important on a creek like Choccolocco, which feeds into the larger Coosa system. Trash left along a road, in a ditch or on a creekbank can move downstream during rain and high water events. What starts as a local problem can become a lake problem.

“Our creeks are feeding the lake,” Brown said.

That is why cleanup work on the creeks matters as much as the larger lake cleanups that draw volunteers each year. Removing visible trash before it breaks down is far easier than trying to deal with it later as microplastic pollution.

Brown said the goal is to be proactive, not simply reactive after the damage has already been done.

The project will continue over the next three years as Coosa Riverkeeper gathers data, installs traps, works with landowners and brings more anglers and residents into the process.

Residents interested in allowing access for a trash trap, joining a cleanup or reporting a problem can find information through Coosa Riverkeeper’s website and social media. Brown said people also can contact the organization if they see a trap that appears full or damaged.

For now, she said, the hope is that the Choccolocco Creek community will connect with the project and help protect a waterway that affects more than one town or county.

The cleaner the creek, the cleaner the water downstream, she said.

Catchin’ the Coosa September 2026

Pro fishing tips on Logan Martin Lake and Neely Henry Lake with Zeke Gossett

Logan Martin

As the weather starts cooling off, and we move into the fall time of year, a lot of changes start to happen on Logan Martin.

One of the main things that happens every year is the fall turnover. This is where the lake begins to lose oxygen out in deeper water. You can even see the thermocline on your 2D sonar and downscan. You will begin to see shad starting their migration to the backs of the creeks and usually the bass will follow.

This happens especially once the nights begin to get cooler. On top of this, the winter draw down begins to happen on Logan Martin. Last year the water level only dropped three feet compared to the usual five in prior years.

This time of the year can be a very tough time to fish, but hopefully these tips can help you kind of get a jump start to find fish quickly. Typically, I fish predominately shallow water. When I say shallow, I mean anywhere from 10 feet or less of water. I’m usually looking for docks, brush and grass for my three main pieces of cover on Logan.

Usually, I will try to start in the grass, especially in the earlier part of September. First rod I’m going to reach for is a frog. The frog, in my opinion, is probably one of the best ways to get your better than average bite this time of year.

Another good option would be a buzz bait. Once the sun starts to get up, I’ll kind of shift my focus to the docks and brush.

There are a couple of rods I reach for this time of year when I fish docks and brush. When the water temp is still in the 75-degree-plus mark, I’m usually reaching for the neko rig. The fish are still usually pretty finicky this time of year. This is a great option for getting these fish to bite when they’re not in the biting mood.

Once that water temp gets under 75, that’s when I’ll reach for the jig. The jig is a very versatile bait this time of year. You can fish it around brush and docks. I might even flip it in grass and lay downs as well.

The early fall time of year can be some of the toughest times to fish on Logan Martin but can be the most rewarding if you figure them out. Keep it simple this time of year, and you will find success.

Neely Henry

September and October can be a very interesting two months on Neely Henry Lake. The fish are starting to feed up for the winter and especially after the first few cool nights we have.

I really like to focus on docks and grass – just like Logan Martin. Typically, I’ll focus on the back half of the creeks this time of year. You also want to make sure there are baitfish in the area. Most of the time, the baitfish will be up near the surface of the water column. So, make sure you keep an eye out for schoolers this time of the year as well.

The fall turnover is usually right around the corner or is already happening at this point. What that means is the oxygen levels in deeper water are beginning to get very low while the shallow water tends to have a lot more bass activity due to food and oxygen levels. This is why the baitfish tend to be near the surface.

When fishing the docks, I will typically start on the shallower docks. When I say shallow docks, I’m talking any docks five feet or less. Don’t be afraid to try deeper docks as well. The deeper docks will sometimes get overlooked by a lot of fishermen.

This allows fish to use every bit of the water column if they choose too. They can either stay shallow or move deeper if they please. A few baits I like to try in these areas are either the neko rig or jig. These two baits give me options throughout about every depth.

If it is cloudy and windy, I tend to reach for the buzzbait and cover a lot of water. If it’s more of a slick calm, sunny day I like to pitch and flip the jig around wood and docks.

Lastly, another great place to try and find a bigger bite is in the grass. The frog early in the morning is great way to get a bigger than average bite. Once the sun gets high, don’t be afraid to flip the jig as well. You will not get many bites typically doing these techniques, but the ones that do bite will be better than average.

One last tip on grass, do not be afraid to fish super shallow this time of year. Sometimes the fish on Neely Henry get so shallow you can almost see their fins, and the bigger fish will sometimes be in just inches of water.

Give these tips a try and keep your fishing simple this time of year. The fall is all about trying to find activity. Fish tend to move around a lot but don’t let that fool you. Keep your bait selection simple and keep covering water and you will find success.

Zeke Gossett of Zeke Gossett Fishing grew up on the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake. He is a former collegiate champion and is now a professional angler on the B.A.S.S. tour circuit and is a fishing guide. Learn more about Zeke at: zekegossettfishing.com.

Coosa River Swim Guide

The Fall fishing season is upon us and Coosa Riverkeeper is here to give all of our anglers the next tips and tricks, so you can catch your next personal best!

In reservoirs, shad and smaller baitfish will shift from our creeks and skinny water into the main lake where water temperatures are more stable from day to day. Chances are, game fish are not far behind!
When the water temperature drops, slow your roll! Since fish are cold blooded, their metabolism slows as the water temperature drops and they move more slowly. Retrieve steady and slow to more accurately mimic small fish and critters!
Consider fishing for different species! During colder seasons, some fish are more dormant while others become more active.
Once the leaves in the water begin to decompose, the water becomes stained by tannins, making it darker. It is typically best to use your darker colors once this process begins. Rootbeer and pumpkinseed green are going to be a hit this time of year. Darker water makes our darker baits more visible!
Suspending jerkbaits and ned rigs are going to be your friend! Lures like these allow you to slow your roll and stop for brief periods of time to tempt slower moving fish.

Fishing for more info? Our website features information about fish habits, diet, and more! You can view maps to help you find your next fishing spots, marinas, and places to eat! Check it out at CoosaRiver.org/FishGuide to learn more.

Follow Coosa Riverkeeper on Facebook & Instagram @CoosaRiverkeeper
For more information, swim over to www.CoosaRiver.org.

Freedom Fest

Drawing huge crowds in Gadsden

Story by Paul South
Submitted photos

Had the Founding Fathers been on the banks of the Coosa River July 3 and 4 for Gadsden’s Freedom Fest celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the Republic they created, they would have been blown away.

A flotilla of boats bobbed in the water; their decks filled with happy revelers almost shoulder to shoulder. It was the same story on the riverbank, as the crowd arrived early to get a great view of the fiery illuminations that hours later would light up the nighttime sky.

Conservative estimates put the crowd at 15,000, but that number may have been closer to 20,000.

“It was just crazy,” Gadsden’s Director of Commercial Development and Community Affairs John Moore said.

Not far away, adventurous passengers boarded hot air balloons painted every color of the rainbow, the stars of a Hot Air Balloon Festival. Such modes of transportation weren’t seen in America until January 1793, nearly 17 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

In addition to local audiences, Gadsden’s aerial armada of balloons and the city’s fireworks were seen by the nation, broadcast live on the CBS Evening News. Imagine what American revolutionaries would have pondered about television. But that’s another story.

Folks ate and drank and listened to music from the Black Jacket Symphony, tunes the likes of which John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock and their fellow citizens could never have busted a move to in their time. Yacht Rock, after all, was nothing like Mozart.

Still, it’s a safe bet that the men who pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to the new nation would have loved the scene. After all, fireworks exploding into blossoms of fire and light in the night sky, folks of every faith, color and creed speaking with unabashed freedom and delight, was the spark that ignited the flame of liberty in Philadelphia.

Black Jacket Symphony performs at Freedom Fest

Fast forward to July 25-26 on South Third Street near Riverview Regional Medical Center, that same life, liberty and pursuit of happiness would have been wet and wild at Gadsden’s Slide the City Back to School Bash, an event aimed at giving kids and their families another memory to cherish as summer waned and a new school year approached. A 1,000-foot water slide created a huge splash, with 1,400 hitting the slide, a last bit of fun before summer’s end.

“It was a sellout, “Moore said. “It was a huge success.”

What would the Founders think of all these events, not just on Independence Day, but throughout the year in Gadsden?

“I would hope that they would be proud,” Moore said. “I hope that the Founding Fathers would sit back and look and see how the country has progressed over the years. This is beyond anything they would have ever dreamt of at the end of the day.

“They didn’t think about quality of life, or hot air balloon festivals. I doubt that even crossed their minds at the time,” Moore said.

“To come back years later and to see a foundation of what they built and what came about from those signatures they put on that page that day, I hope they’d be proud of what we’ve done.”

Little Tomatina

Where tomatoes fly and memories grow

Story by Molly Gilbert
Photos by Mackenzie Free

Just before sunset, Neely Henry Lake begins to settle into its evening rhythm. The water grows still. Pontoon boats drift offshore. Music floats across the lake as families unfold lawn chairs and children eagerly wait for the signal that the fun is about to begin.

At the center of the excitement sits an unusual arena built from hay bales and fencing – a playful reminder that this isn’t an ordinary fall festival.

Then the first tomato flies.

Within seconds, bright red tomatoes arc through the air as laughter erupts across Greensport RV Park and Marina. Children dodge behind hay bales. Teenagers launch playful volleys across the arena. Adults discover they’re just as competitive – and just as willing to laugh at themselves – as the kids.

For one evening each fall, Greensport RV Park and Marina transforms into Alabama’s own version of La Tomatina.

Now entering its third year, Alabama’s Little Tomatina has become one of the region’s most distinctive community events, blending local agriculture, lakeside scenery, live music and family fun into an experience that’s uniquely Alabama.

Its story, however, begins long before the first tomato was ever thrown.

Few visitors realize that Greensport RV Park and Marina is just a small part of a much larger farm that has remained in the same family for eight generations – a legacy recognized through its designation as an Alabama Bicentennial Farm. For owners Dave and Stephanie Evans, preserving that heritage has always been just as important as creating memorable events for the community.

Stephanie recalls that the original spark came from a family conversation.

“My sister-in-law, Beth Evans, was talking about having a tomato festival with our neighboring Chandler Mountain community,” she said.

That idea quickly evolved.

“Dave heard that idea and, of course, had to ‘up the ante,’” Stephanie said. “Between Google searches and Dave’s ever-turning mind, he stumbled upon Spain’s Tomatina Festival. He said, ‘That’s it! We are going to do a Tomatina festival – Alabama style.’”

While Spain may have provided the inspiration, everything else reflects the character of northeast Alabama.

Instead of winding city streets, guests gather on Greensport RV Park and Marina’s island overlooking Neely Henry Lake. Instead of centuries-old buildings, the backdrop is rolling mountains, open water, and brilliant Alabama sunsets. Hay bales surround the throwing arena, creating playful obstacles for participants to duck behind between throws.

“It’s all about trying to intertwine unique events with our family and property roots,” Stephanie said.

That philosophy extends beyond the scenery.

For the third consecutive year, Smith Tomato Farm on nearby Chandler Mountain has donated the tomatoes used during the event, creating another meaningful connection between Greensport RV Park and Marina and one of the area’s best-known agricultural communities.

“We are so proud to have Smith Tomato Farm donate all of our throwing tomatoes,” Stephanie said.

Even after the event ends, the tomatoes continue serving a purpose. Those still suitable for cooking are offered to anyone interested in canning or preparing meals. The rest are enjoyed by Greensport RV Park and Marina’s petting zoo animals and local wildlife.

For visitors attending their first Little Tomatina, Ashley Rogers, Greensport RV Park and Marina’s director of public relations, offers one important piece of advice.

“The first thing that newcomers need to expect is that they will get messy!”

Comfortable clothing is encouraged because the evening involves much more than simply tossing tomatoes. Guests can expect running, slipping, sliding, dancing, and plenty of laughter as the tomato battle unfolds.

The festivities begin with live music by Gadsden favorite, Parris, while food trucks provide plenty of opportunities to grab dinner before or during the event. Guests purchase wristbands at the gate – or in advance online – and can also order commemorative event T-shirts before arriving.

When it’s time for the main attraction, participants enter one of three age divisions: children ages 10 and under, teens ages 11 through 17, or adults.

Throwers purchase bags of tomatoes before stepping into the arena.

The rules are intentionally simple.

Tomatoes should be smashed before they’re thrown, making every hit more messy than painful. Some participants wear disposable ponchos or protective eyewear, while others proudly embrace the full experience.

And if someone finishes the evening covered head to toe in tomato juice?

“The lake is always there,” Ashley said, noting that guests are welcome to rinse off before heading home.

Not everyone participates inside the arena, however.

Many visitors simply enjoy watching the action unfold while relaxing beside the lake. Others come primarily for the music, food and festive atmosphere. Like many successful lake events, Little Tomatina offers something for everyone, whether they’re throwing tomatoes or cheering from the sidelines.

One of the evening’s biggest crowd-pleasers doesn’t involve the arena at all.

“My favorite moment would have to be allowing attendees to pie us in the face with tomato pies,” Stephanie said. “I get the most enjoyment out of seeing other people participate and have fun with their family and friends. This has truly been the most unique and most fun event we put on each year.”

Dave sees something even deeper in the tradition.

“I think my favorite part of the event is knowing the connection to the ag-related fields that we are rooted in,” he said. “I also love seeing the enjoyment people have just from something as simple as throwing a tomato. As a child, we would always throw rotten vegetables at each other and have the most fun. To see others love recreating something similar brings me joy.”

That sense of shared joy appears to resonate with visitors as well.

“Last year’s Tomatina at Greensport was a very entertaining event,” said attendee Owen Whisenant of Blount County. “I enjoyed just being part of the fun and the community.”

As the event enters its third year, the Evans family remains committed to making each festival a little better than the last.

“For us, the most important thing is to continuously improve in every way we can,” Stephanie said. “We want the event to be better and more entertaining each year. Listening to customer feedback and implementing those changes is very important to us. We want to keep it family friendly and affordable for everyone.”

That commitment may explain why Little Tomatina feels less like a novelty and more like a tradition in the making.

It’s an evening where local agriculture meets lake life. Where live music mixes with laughter. Where neighbors become teammates – or friendly targets – for a few unforgettable moments. And where one simple idea has grown into another reason for families to gather along the shores of Neely Henry Lake.

As the last tomatoes are thrown and the music continues into the evening, the mess quickly washes away. The memories, however, have a way of sticking around long after the stains are gone.

Hokes Bluff CityFest

Free family fun, live music, rides and much more

Story by Paul South
Submitted photos

It began in 2014 as what could be called a 30-day miracle, a community party that went from dream to reality in a month.

That miracle, known as Hokes Bluff CityFest, celebrates its 12^th anniversary Sept. 26. The free, family-friendly festival features hot music, classic cars, great food, arts and crafts, rides for the kids and more. The festival skipped 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event culminates with fireworks illuminating the night sky above Etowah County’s easternmost incorporated city. Some 3,000 people packed last year’s event.

A brief history

In 2014, Hokes Bluff Mayor Scott Reeves was a newly appointed member of the city council, filling the seat formerly held by his late father, longtime city leader Gary Reeves. Gadsden had decided to discontinue Riverfest, and John Moore – then on the Hokes Bluff governing board – floated the idea of CityFest to fill the breach.

“We got that thing together 30 days out,” Reeves said. “We got sponsors, got vendors and put that thing together in one month and made it work. It was a heck of a festival.”

He added, “It’s been really nice for our citizens and our surrounding communities to bring the family and have a free day. It’s free, except for what people spend at our vendors. That is because of our sponsors that support it. As long as we can (generate that support), we’re going to keep it free.”

This year’s major sponsors include Glencoe Hokes Bluff Funeral Home, Harmony Hydration, Buffalo Rock, Wiregrass Construction, Greater Gadsden Area Tourism, Peoples Independent Bank, Meridian Waste, Piggly Wiggly, Riverview Regional Medical Center, Ronnie Hopkins Ford, Hokes Bluff Drug Shop and Etowah County Commissioners Johnny Grant and Mike Powell.

“As important as the big sponsors are, every sponsor is as important,” Reeves said. “They help to keep our event free. “The free admission takes on added significance in the current economy.

“ We think that’s a good draw,” Reeves said. “I saw a statistic a while back that a lot of families are living paycheck to paycheck, trying to keep groceries on the table and keep the air conditioner and the heat running. We thought if we could get enough sponsors together for the stage and the kids’ rides, we could keep it free and give families an opportunity to do something like this without having to go into their wallets except to buy something from a vendor.”

The event begins at 7 a.m. with an estimated 100 custom street rods and classic cars. In the past, as many as 150 gleaming vehicles have taken part. The Hokes Bluff Lions Club will also host a breakfast at $5 per person.

“Golly bum, it’s a hearty breakfast,” Reeves said. “Bacon, eggs, gravy, you won’t leave hungry.”

Rides and vendors open at 10 a.m. at the city’s softball complex. Some 60 to 70 vendors are expected, selling food, drink, arts and crafts.

It’s a big day,” Reeves said.

Even as a small-town festival, CityFest has managed to draw some big-time entertainment down through the years, including country superstars Lorrie Morgan, Shenandoah, Confederate Railroad and the late Joe Diffie.

Rising country artist Drake White, a Hokes Bluff native, has toured with country star Riley Green and is a past performer at CityFest.

This year, the acts come from closer to home and from all musical genres. For example:

Headliner Lisa Perkins & the E-Lusion Band Motown & Soul Revue brings some Motor City magic to the stage, covering classics from The Temptations, The Four Tops, Smoky Robinson and the Miracles and more. Get ready to move your feet to this great band as they groove to the soul tunes from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.

Women Icons of Rock covers classics from rock legends Heart, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar and other female legends from the 1970s and 80s.

A local favorite returns to Hokes Bluff when Still Broke Band returns to CityFest.

Another local favorite, Albert Simpson, also makes a return appearance. Simpson is a popular performer across the Southeast and is a regular at the Gulf Coast’s iconic Flora-Bama.

Up and coming country artist Jake Steed, who offers a mix of bluegrass and country along with Gospel for audiences across the nation.

And if the music makes you hungry, there’ll be something for every taste.

After an evening of music, the festival closes at 10 p.m., capped off by a fireworks display, a celebration of America’s 250^th birthday.

CityFest is an integral part of the leadership’s vision for Hokes Bluff.

“Hokes Bluff has always been a quiet, family-type city,” Reeves said. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I pretty much know what the citizens want. They don’t want a city that’s bursting at the seams. They like the low-key atmosphere here. Our crime rate is really, really low.”

He added, “ We realize that the city has to have revenue to enable the first responders, police and fire to do their job and keep the infrastructure up. I like to see that our buildings are full right now and people shopping local. We support our schools. It’s just a nice place to call home. It’s a great place.”

He sees CityFest as a reward for the people of Hokes Bluff and surrounding areas that support local businesses. “It allows them to have a day of fun and excitement and enjoy the day together,” Reeves said. “It’s a way to let them know we appreciate their support.”

The festival isn’t all that’s happening in this community. Hokes Bluff has revitalized seven acres of city-owned waterfront property, at the site of the Hokes Bluff ferry. Two new pavilions, electricity, picnic tables, a new pier, LED lighting and a floating dock. The site also features a playground and a paved parking lot.

“We have completely transformed that site,” Reeves said. “It’s really come a long way. It’s really, really nice.”

There’s also a historical marker sharing the ferry’s history,

Reeves’ pride shines through when he talks about his hometown.

“We may not be an Atlanta, Georgia, or a Chattanooga, Tennessee, but we do offer some amenities for our citizens that gives them a good quality of life,” he said. “We want (out of towners) to come give us a visit.”

How would his late father view the festival and the changes in Hokes Bluff like the ferry project? “He would be very pleased,” Reeves said. “Dad (a 1958 graduate of Hokes Bluff High School) was all about Hokes Bluff. He would be very well pleased with the way we’ve progressed and the way we’ve carried on.”

Birmingham Sailing Club

A Logan Martin tradition since the lake began

Story by Paul South
Photos by David Smith
Courtesy of Birmingham Sailing Club

As fall approaches, bringing with it cooler winds sometimes brisk or minutes later a weak whisper, the Birmingham Sailing Club has charted a course for a busy schedule.

And as the days in 2026 dwindle down to a precious few, Logan Martin Lake gives sailors a unique challenge.

“The winds can shift quite a bit,” Birmingham Sailing Club Commodore Richard May said. “They can shift 90 degrees or 180 degrees at times. You can have gusts you have to deal with. The shifting winds and gusting winds are a problem – and sometimes no wind.”

Competition, fun and making a difference

Leading off this fall for the club is September’s Leukemia Cup Regatta. The event actually began on Logan Martin at the old Marina Bay Yacht Club, which later merged with the BSC in the late 1990s. The event is a major fundraiser for leukemia research that blossomed into a national event.

“It started here on our lake and then it became a national event all over the country,” May said. “After COVID hit, a lot of clubs stopped doing it, but we decided to keep doing ours. (Blood Cancer United, the former Leukemia Lymphoma Society) is glad to get the money.”

The fundraiser is fueled by member donations, live and silent auctions.

The regatta began at Marina Bay to honor a member who died from the dreaded disease. This year’s Leukemia Cup Regatta is set for Sept. 12 at the club.

While it just passed, one event that deserves mention, the Rock, Paper Scissors Regatta for youth sailors was held on Aug. 29-30, attracting some 50 sailors and their parents, the club’s future generations. There’s also a post-race rock, paper scissors game.

“It’s truly a nice event,” May said. “The kids have a really good time.”

Here’s a look at other fall and winter events:

Fall Adult Learn to Sail: One of the club’s major initiatives is to grow the sport of sailing through instruction. On Sept. 19-20, adults can learn to sail. The course combines classroom instruction and time on the water. UAB professor Jack Rogers teaches the class.

Moonlight Cruise: On Sept. 26, the club hosts an evening cruise, an event as much social as sailing. The informal cruise, featuring many of the club’s keel boat sailors go out late in the evening and sail together in an unofficial club event.

Great Pumpkin Regatta: Good grief, Charlie Brown! On Oct. 17, Thistle class sailors from across the Southeast and beyond come to the lake to compete in the annual event. A Thistle is a high performance, one-design boat that’s considered “fun, fast and responsive,” according to the Thistle Class Association.

“We have a circuit of all the clubs in the Southeast district, and they’ll travel to the different regattas and compete against each other,” May said. Clubs like the Lake Lanier Sailing Club, the Atlanta Yacht Club and Muscle Shoals Sailing Club are among expected competitors. All are part of the Southeastern Thistle District.

Sailing teams up with succulent culinary delights on Nov. 14 when the club hosts its Oyster Roast-One day Regatta.

The Great Scot Regatta: On Oct. 24-25, the Great Scot Regatta launches its annual race, sanctioned by the Flying Scot Association. The Flying Scot class is a 19-foot, one-design boat designed in 1957. Considered virtually unsinkable, the craft is perfect for novice sailors.

And ending the calendar year with something merry and bright, the club hosts its annual Christmas One-Day Regatta on Dec. 12.

A storied history

As the club notes on its website, before 1960, sailing was a passion for only a handful of enthusiasts from the Birmingham area, willing to travel for hours searching for fair winds

and following waters.

But Alabama Power’s construction of Logan Martin Dam sparked a sea change in sailing’s fortunes in the Birmingham area, thanks to Thistle Class sailors Sam Caldwell and Herb Hagler.

With Alabama Power maps in hand, Caldwell combed St. Clair County’s backroads, searching for a place for the new Birmingham Sailing Club. He found the spot in Vincent near the dam on the St. Clair County side of the lake. The purchase was completed in December, 1962.

The club was incorporated in June, 1963, with 44 charter members. Construction on the clubhouse, ramps and docks began in late 1963, and the club’s first boats launched on July 16, 1964.

Since then, the club has not only been home to recreational and competitive sailing, but its membership has made its mark in regional and national racing.

“All of the current members really appreciate those founding members, the way they set the club up and bought the property outright,” May said. “There’s hardly a year that goes by that people don’t express their gratefulness to those founding members that conceived of the club.”

An annual Spring race – The Caldwell Cup Regatta – is named for Sam Caldwell, who died in 2012.

Fifty-year members

The Caldwell Cup is not the only homage to the club’s founder. His children come to the regatta annually. And in a bit of sailing serendipity, two 50-year members – Stan and Donna Graham – bought Caldwell’s Thistle, keeping it in the family, so to speak.

The couple fell in love with the sport thanks to a Learn-to-Sail class at UAB, and field trips to the Birmingham Sailing Club turned a spark into a flame.

“By the time of the field trips to the club, we had already bought a boat,” Graham said. “It was Sam Caldwell’s Thistle, 2416.”

But the lure of sailing may have been cast by Graham’s father, years before.

“When I was growing up, my Dad told me I needed to find a hobby that I could participate in my whole life. You play football, and then that’s over. You play tennis, and you get old and can’t do that anymore Doggone, this sailing just got me,” Graham said.

The couple, now Flying Scot sailors, would spend Saturdays at the club practicing techniques found in sailing publications.

“We would practice all the time, when it was just me and her,” Graham said. “Not many spouses could get along well enough to be in a small boat and be competitive. Donna and I would get into small skirmishes, but we sailed hard.”

So in love was the couple with sailing that they’d pitch a tent near the clubhouse on weekends and spend the night, readying for Sunday races. And post-race, Graham kept a diary of each race.

The club has a proud tradition of competitive sailing.

“You look back over the (history of) the Southeast District that we were in, a lot of Birmingham sailors were champions of the Southeast District. So when we would go out on Sunday, we were racing against some of the best people in the Southeast. You had to get better, or go home,” Graham said. “And we got better.”

The couple took a few years away from sailing after the birth of their daughter, Laura. Years later, while taking graduate courses at UAB, the daughter took up sailing. So a family tradition continues.

“Laura was like a little bird, came back to the nest, the Birmingham Sailing Club. That brought us back,” Graham said.

A strong bond

The sailing community has a strong sense of camaraderie. This year, Birmingham’s sailing community, as well as the legal community, suffered a terrible loss when past BSC Commodore Bill North, a Jefferson County prosecutor, passed away over the summer.

“He was a great guy,” May said. “We will really miss him. He was a friend. It’s hard to believe (he’s gone), actually.”

With North’s loss, the year’s events take on added significance, May said.

“I think so,” he said. “We had a long-distance race called the Firecracker. There were a lot of people that were there. You could kind of tell there was a little more meaning to the get-together after the race.”

Across the club’s more than 60 years, a common theme rings like a bell down through the years.

“Just how much fun sailing and the camaraderie with other sailors that there is,” May said. “We go out and compete hard against each other and talk about it and have a good time. It’s a nice relationship.”

He added, “Sometimes we’ll be sailing against each other, and then we’ll be sailing with each other.”

For Stan and Donna Graham, it all goes back to their first boat, Sam Caldwell’s Thistle. Graham now finds and repairs old boats to help newcomers bitten by the sailing bug as he and Donna were a half-century ago. It’s an example of how the club warmly welcomes newcomers to the sport.

“If we had not found Sam’s boat, we might have lost interest,” Graham said.

For more information about the Birmingham Sailing Club, visit https://www.birminghamsailingclub.org.