It was just last season when our long-awaited, brand spanking new tritoon boat arrived. There was no band playing or crowd there to herald it, but make no mistake, it was quite the celebration.
It had been 20 years since we bought a new boat. And I have to say ole Betsy served us well through two decades of lake seasons. But this season was a special one indeed.
We’re no different than hundreds of people up and down Logan Martin and Neely Henry each year who celebrate just like we did as we welcomed our band new addition to the family. It’s much the same feeling you get when you open the door to a new car and take in the intoxicating aroma of that ‘new car smell.’ Only better.
For lake people and their friends and family (When you have a new boat, the size of that circle seems to grow a bit), a new boat means new adventures around every bend, making new memories to last through all the seasons to come. They call it ‘new boat fever’ and once you catch it, you’re never quite the same.
That feeling is what makes our January edition of the magazine so special. It’s page after page of new boats, new features and new adventures imagined in our annual LakeLife 24/7® Boat Show Edition. Can’t make it to the actual boat show or need a sneak peek before you head that way? Our local boat dealers show off their floating fare with all the accessories and options that are guaranteed to spark the fever.
It’s one of our most widely read sections, and it’s not just in print. It’s online, too, with added features of photos and videos to capture the essence of the boating world for 2023. Hop aboard! We think you’ll love it.
Of course, that’s not all we hope attracts your attention in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Our stories are as varied as the buffet of options our boat dealers are serving – something for everyone. Just like our adventures on the boat, we’ll take you to all sorts of places in this edition. Step inside the spectacular Logan Martin home of Gib and Lori Johnson, and you’ll see lake life at its best – in the kitchen and around the whole house.
Gone fishing? Don’t head that way until you read all about the Alabama Fishing Show & Expo coming to The Venue at Coosa Landing in Gadsden in March. It’s an incredible show with vendors from all over the country introducing you to the latest in fishing. Pro or novice or in between – you don’t want to miss this impressive show.And you really don’t want to head out fishing until you have had time to peruse the tips and trends from pro angler Zeke Gossett for January and February on Logan Martin and Neely Henry. He’ll tell you where to fish when and what lure to use to ensure you catch the big one. The feature is called Catchin’ the Coosa, and Zeke usually does!
Like history? You’ll love our Remember When piece on relics of the past revealing the importance of the Coosa River to the storied history of Ten Islands, Fort Strother and Janney Furnace. Or how about a look inside Museum of Pell City opening soon. It’s been years in the making, blending state and local history through stunning displays and programs for the community to treasure for a long time to come. We know Halloween has passed us, but people around these parts are still talking about the highly successful inaugural Boo Bash – pier-to-pier trick or treating on Logan Martin – and they’re already planning the next one.
Looking for a festive February? Downtown Gadsden has its gigantic taste test to see who makes the best chili in its Annual Chili Cookoff. Come join in the fun on the first Saturday in February at noon – just in time for lunch.
It’s all here and more in this edition of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Turn the page and discover it all with us.
Carol Pappas, Editor and Publisher
