Wake Surfing

Up-and-coming sport making a splash on Neely Henry and Logan Martin lakes

Story and Photos by Graham Hadley

Want to catch the perfect wave, but don’t have time to go to a beach with decent breaks?

Look no farther than the Coosa River.

For the past few years, surfing enthusiasts have been taking to the water behind specially designed ski boats that allow them to literally surf on the lakes.

Gadsden City High School student Jackson Sparks says different boards ride differently.

This is not the old tow-behind surfing from the 1970s and 80s – there is no towing involved.

The boats are built so they throw enormous wakes, similar to the waves you see at the ocean. Some boats achieve this through filling special tanks in the hull with water. Others have large, heavy water bags put in the back.

This causes the boat to “plough” through the water instead of riding up on plane and making those wave-like wakes.

Unlike regular tow-behind water sports like skiing or wake boarding, once a surfer gets up out of the water and starts carving the wake – usually only feet from the back of the boat, they drop the rope and are moving along solely by riding the wave, just like in the ocean.

The boards look something like a cross between a wake board and a scaled-down traditional surf board and are light and easy to handle.

Because of the shape of the board and the dynamics of riding the wake, it is much easier to get up and going on a wake surfer than on skis or wake boards, said David Partridge, one of the owners of Ski World in Gadsden.

He was also quick to point out that wake surfing is much easier on the body that some of the other tow-behind water sports largely because the boat is going so slow, maybe 9 mph, ploughing through the water to generate the wave.

“We get people out here of all ages, teens all the way up to older people. It is really easy to do and a lot of fun,” he said. “Wake surfing is an all-age thing.”

You start out in the water a couple of yards behind the tow boat with a short but otherwise traditional ski rope, laying back in the water with the board sideways and your feet braced on the pad. As the boat starts, you literally pop out of the water and immediately try to find the sweet spot on the wake.

As the boat speeds up, the wake becomes much more wave like. The rider starts letting the momentum riding down the face of the wake carry them along, just like a traditional wave at the beach. Once they hit that spot, they drop the rope and are surfing the perfect wave. And unlike the beach, where the waves eventually peter out – you can ride a boat-generated wave as long as you can stay up.

Ski World co-owner David Partridge talks to boat driver Austin Young about how the boat rides to create the wavelike wake.

You don’t ever have to have surfed a real wave to take up wake surfing – it has an easy learning curve, Partridge said. The big trick to getting up on the board and staying on the board – there are no bindings like with skis or wakeboards – is not to drag your rear-end in the water.

Dragging in the water like that is a “hard no” said Austin Young, who was driving the boat for the wake surfing demonstration, with Jackson Sparks showing off his skills on two different boards, one designed more for speed and the other with mobility in mind (like regular surfboards, the number of fins and length have a lot to do with that).

Young’s boat used the internal ballast system, pumping in water from the lake to make the boat heavy enough to generate a wave. He was also quick to show off his Star Trek looking gauges at the helm, which gave him every piece of information he needed to run the boat and give his rider a great wave to surf.

Wipeout: All good rides must come to an end.

Partridge, whose shop sells ski supplies but not boats, said watercraft like that can easily top $200,000, though less expensive options are available that use the heavy external ballast bags you lay down in the aft boat cabin instead of internal systems.

Partridge, Young and Sparks agreed that while wake surfing is easy and a great water sport for all ages, safety is still paramount. You need a proper boat rigged with the right gear, safety ski vests, enough people to drive and spot, and to follow not only lake boating laws, but to show common courtesy to other boaters and property owners – especially since the surf boats are throwing wakes with heights measured in feet.

Check out our story from Discover The Essence of St. Clair about the wakeboarding judge and his wife on Logan Martin, complete with video.

First voyage a success because of you

Carol Pappas, editor and publisher

When we launched the maiden voyage of LakeLife 24/7® Magazine, it was as if we were one of thousands up and down the shorelines of Logan Martin and Neely Henry greeted by a sign or a flag with those ever-familiar words: Welcome to Our Lake House.

After all, that’s what we do. We visit your homes, your businesses, your favorite spots. We step inside your kitchens to see what’s cooking or step back in time and ask you to ‘remember when.’ And we bring a host of readers – thousands of them – along with us.

As any gracious host or hostess would do, you’ve welcomed us like an old friend, letting us in and allowing us to share your stories. We sincerely thank you while making a commitment. Like that old friend, we will return the favor by dedicating our magazine to content you’ll enjoy, stories you’ll savor, information that helps you plan your weekend and memories that spark a smile.

That’s our commitment to you. This is your magazine, and we’ll do our best to find a way to say ‘yes.’ Our inbox is always open at info@lakelife247magazine.com. Your call will always be answered at 205-335-0281.  Just like that sign, we welcome you to our house with suggestions, comments, feedback, events to publicize and story ideas you want to share.

Edition after edition, we want to bring you content that matters, content that engages and entertains our audience, and we will strive to meet those goals.

In this, our second edition, we will take you inside the kitchen of Denise and Kenny Robison’s spectacular home on Neely Henry in Canoe Harbor. There, we’ll get a glimpse of their view of lake life and as a bonus, a recipe or two from Denise’s collection.

We’ll ride the surf along with a lake wakesurfer, a sport growing in popularity across the country.

Step back in time before there was a Logan Martin and relive the memories of Avondale Lake, a spring-fed body of water on the Coosa where families flocked for weekends and holidays for fun in the sun.

Get a glimpse of yesteryear with a group of vintage boat enthusiasts or see how a couple of Neely Henry restauranteurs rose above the tragedy of fire and brought back Little Bridge Marina and Barbecue bigger and better than ever.

You don’t have to be a fishing fan to see the impact fishing has on our lakes. We’ll take you behind the scenes at the Bassmaster Elite Series, a first for Neely Henry, and reveal just how much the sport means to the region’s economy.

But if you are a fishing fan, we have a regular feature designed just for you: Catching the Coosa. Ride along with Bass Pro Circuit angler and seasoned fishing guide Zeke Gossett as he shares tips, tricks and takeaways from Logan Martin and Neely Henry to help you catch the Coosa, too. 

As usual, we’ll ‘Take 5’ with a comprehensive calendar of events throughout the region over the next two months until our next edition appears.

But there’s more. Turn the page and discover it all with us.

Catching the Coosa

By Zeke Gossett

On Logan Martin

Getting into the dead heat of summer can cause some challenges when it comes to trying to catch a bass on Logan Martin Lake.

During the month of July, you can still find some bass out deep, but as we move into the month of August, do not look over the shallow bite.

As we move through the month of July and into August the water can be its hottest it has been all year. This is when the transition starts from fish moving from out deep back to the shallows due to lack of oxygen.

To start out in the mornings, I will generally use a squarebill crank bait around docks and rip rap. I’m generally trying to cause a reaction strike from fish that might not want to eat, and a squarebill does a good job at this.

As the day progresses, I will look for shade. This shade can be either from docks or overhanging trees. Usually around the docks, I prefer some type of finesse jig or shaky head.

For the overhanging trees I go with a hollow body frog. This time of year, some fish can be sitting a lot shallower than you think. It will be tough but when you get a bite, it’ll be more than likely a better fish.

On Neely Henry

Neely Henry is going to fish similararly to Logan Martin this time of year. One main difference is that I would target more water willows in the morning with the frog.

Sometimes, this bite can last all day if the conditions are right. The squarebill can still come in handy when passing by some riprap or an isolated stump in the water.

Once the sun comes up, I like to target shallow brush in and around piers with the finesse jig and shaky head. These fish can be sitting anywhere between a foot to seven-feet deep.

Lastly, keep an eye out for schooling fish this time of year. A lot of bait balls will start cruising the surface of the water column, and you can pick these fish off with a small swimbait. I like to keep this swimbait on a spinning rod with small braid in order to make a long cast to fish that might come up way out from the boat.

Keeping it simple is important to having success this time of year. It will be tough, but try some of these techniques and you will find some success.

Christmas in July at Pier 59

Reviving the spirit of giving

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos submitted

L ooking back at the genesis of what happens in July at Logan Martin’s Pier 59, it could easily be seen as the tipping point – that moment when an idea catches fire and spreads.

The spark in this case is Janet Swann, who was moved to do what she could to provide Christmas for children with special needs. The ensuing flame came from an army of volunteers and supporters who have since provided Christmas to 350 students at Alabama School for the Blind, Helen Keller School of Alabama and Alabama School for the Deaf. And it’s still spreading.

“There should be no child without Christmas,” Swann said of the motivation that seems to grow stronger every year.

It all began 12 years ago when Swann, who had been collecting toys for Christmas for children at Coosa Valley Academy, where her grandson attended, determined there was a real need at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. So, she set the wheels in motion with an event called Christmas in July.

From her vantage point on the lake, she reasoned that more people flock in that direction during the summer, and a July effort would appeal to a larger audience. 

She was right. That first summer raised $1,200, selling barbecue plates, holding a poker run and recruiting four sponsors. In 2019, the effort emanating from that small restaurant produced $40,000 to provide a brighter Christmas for children across Alabama.

Even in the year of a pandemic, they raised thousands from an online silent auction that lasted the whole month of July. “In a pandemic, it speaks to the hard work of everyone,” said Marquitta Riggins, assistant director of Development for AIDB.

Tim Chiasson, who has been working with the effort since the early days, recalled the low expectations the group had for the pandemic year. But, like a tradition that can’t help but carry on, “generosity showed up,” he said.

A core group of volunteers gets started in January and by the time of the event on July 24 this year, there will likely be 45 to 50. “Volunteers,” Swann said, “that’s how we make Santa Claus happen.”

A small band of planners, who gathered around a table in the restaurant in May, discussed the event’s history, but more important, its future.

Partnering with AIDB and its development resources has made all the difference. This year, they’re even giving away a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the Christmas in July drawing. They stressed that all proceeds generated – from food sales to the poker run to t-shirt sales to cornhole and weightlifting competitions to a live auction – go to the kids.

Volunteers and donations – they are the engine that makes Christmas in July run. Without them, none of it is possible, Swann and Chiasson agreed. They pointed out that even the grand prize from the giveaway – the Harley Davidson motorcycle – was a donation.

The children themselves, as well as Industries for
the Blind, are involved as well. Artwork, crafts and woodworking they create are on sale throughout the event. “It has brought our entire AIDB family together,” Riggins said.

In its 12-year history, “This event has brought in nearly a quarter million dollars,” she noted. When talk turns to partnerships, Riggins is reminded of AIDB’s belief that the possibilities for deaf and blind students knows no bounds. “Together, we are limitless. When these children wake up on Christmas Day, they have a feeling that they are loved, and they have hope. That’s what this group brings to our children.”

Motioning around the table to the volunteers eager to make 2021 bigger and better than ever before, Riggins said, “This is their event. They make it possible.”

Area Events

Compiled by Jackie Romine Walburn

Submit events to: cpappas@partnersmultimedia.com

SEPTEMBER

Who: Local farmers
What: Pell City Farmers’ Market
When: Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., through Sept. 28.
Where: Pell City Lakeside Park
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer

Who: Local farmers
What: Moody Farmers’ Market
When: Fridays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., through Sept. 30
Where: 701 Park Avenue, Moody
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer

Who: Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts
What: ROCK ‘N DOCK
When: Sunday, Sept. 1, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Pell City Lakeside Park
Why: Free event featuring live music, food trucks and Cornhole competition. Performers include Andrew Carpenter, Aslen Weaver and the Southern Crossroad Band and the Coosa Phat Katz

Who: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library
What: Time to Read Book Club
When: First Wednesday of each month, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Leeds Library, 8104 Parkway Drive
Why: Join moderator Mondretta Williams for a lively discussion of this month’s Time To Read book club reading challenge on the first Wednesday of each month. All are welcome to attend. Bring a snack to share.

Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce
What: Pell City Lunch and Learn
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, noon to 1 p.m.
Where: Pell City Municipal Complex
Why: Seminar relevant to starting, managing and growing members’ businesses. Free to Chamber members and $10 for non-members. More at www.pellcitychamber.com

Who: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: Annual Salute to Industry Golf Outing
When: Friday, Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Anniston County Club, 601 Highland Avenue, Anniston
Why: Golf! Email savannad@calhounchamber.com

Who: The Cozy Nest
What: Rustik Bucket Vintage Market
When: Sept. 6-7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: St. Clair County Arena and Event Center, Odenville
Why: 60+ vendors, art, boutique clothing and jewelry, wood and metal work, seasonal, pottery, home decor, antiques, furniture, tasty treats, and so much more!! RAIN OR SHINE. $5 daily admission

Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597
What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night
When: First and third Fridays, Sept. 6 and 20; 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m., and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase.
Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive
Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information

Who: United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Alabama
What: Telethon to benefit local United Cerebral Palsy, serving Calhoun, Cleburne, Randolph, Talladega and Clay counties.
When: Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford
Why: Fundraising event on air on TV and social media; entertainment and auction. 93 cents of every dollar raised stays in the community

Who: Agape Nation
What: Silent Auction and Comedy Show
When: Saturday, Sept 7, 5:30 to 9:15 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Benefitting Agape Nation, a non-profit seeking to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Etowah County. Guest comedian Jonnie W; auction items include a stay in the Bahamas, a flight on a personal plane, a firearms training course, a free, 4-hour house cleaning and gift certificates from local stores and restaurants. Buy $40 tickets at agapenation.org/silent-auction-comedy-show/

Who: Coosa River Team Trail and Neely Henry Bass Foundation
What: Neely Henry Bass Foundation Tournament
When: Sunday, Sept. 7, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Calling on clubs and local angers to join this tournament to raise funds to restock Neely Henry Lake. $100 entry fee, $25 per person for total of $150 per boat

Who: Sweet Southern Sass
What: Miss Coosa River Scholarship and Big Crown Pageant
When: Sunday, Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Crowns for every contestant and more than $1,400 cash prizes. $35 deposit. Email beckyfromal@bellsouth.net for entry form and details

Who: Kings of Swing
What: Free concert
When: Tuesday, Sept, 10, 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Why: Swing music from local musicians. Free; coolers welcome

Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center, Talladega
What: Watercolor Workshops
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Heritage Hall Museum, 200 South Street East, Talladega
Why: Workshops to perfect your watercolor art. www.heritagehallmuseum.org or call 256-761-1364

Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Thursday Sept. 12, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: The Ritz Theater, Talladega
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.

Who: City of Oxford
What: Second Friday on Main
When: Friday, Sept, 13, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Explore all Historic Oxford offers in this monthly event. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

Who: Downtown Talladega
What: Second Saturday
When: Saturday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Talladega Bottling Works
Why: Music and more each Second Saturday

Who: Gadsden Fire Department
What: 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Gadsden City High School
Why: A benefit for Toys from Santa Program, the stair climb and walk pays tribute to fire fighters by climbing or walking the equivalent to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center. $35 entry fee includes a T-shirt, accountability tag and challenge coin

Who: Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity
What: 1st Annual Duck Race on the Coosa
When: Saturday, Sept. 14, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing
Why: Rubber ducks will race from the Memorial Burdge to the House Party behind Chilis. Ducks are $5 and sold online at www.gadsdenduckrace.com and in person. Live DJ, splash pad, food trucks, karaoke contest and a Duck Pluck

Who: Longleaf Botanical Gardens and Alabama Extension
What: Herbs and Spices Sample Social
When: Sunday, Sept. 15, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Event Center at Anniston Museum and Gardens
Why: Master gardener Jan Morris will share tips on harvesting, preserving and using herbs from your garden. Guests can sample homemade goods featuring fresh herbs. Registration required; cost $15; $10 for AM&G members

Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center
What: Watercolor Society of Alabama – Alabama Members Showcase 2024
When: Sept. 15- October 26
Where: Heritage Hall, 200 South Street East, Talladega
Why: The works of watercolor artists from across the state. More information at www.heritagehallmuseum.org or call 256-761-1364

Who: Leeds Arts Council
What: Open Mic Night Competition, hosted by Mandi Rae Trott.
When: Third Sunday of each month, Sept. 15, 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Leeds Arts Council, 8140 Parkway Drive
Why: $5 for both performers and spectators. Each month’s winner receives 50 percent of the door money as a cash prize based on a vote at show’s end. Sign up in person beginning at 6:30 p.m. or email mandiraemusic@gmail.com to get on the list

Who: Local Restaurants
What: 2nd Annual Taste of Northeast Alabama
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Portion of each $20 ticket will benefit Altrusa of Gadsden. Call 256-549-4730 for tickets and information

Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What: Third Thursday Plant Sale
When: Thursday, Sept.17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouse and Nursery
Why: Support LBG by purchasing plants, including a variety of trees, shrubs, native and tropical

Who: Pell City Chamber
What: Third Thursdays in Downtown Pell City
When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Pell City
Why: Look for specials, sales and fun

Who: Civil War reenactors
What: The Raid on Little General’s Farm Civil War Reenactment
When: Sept. 20-22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 5535 Old Gallant Road, Gallant
Why: In memory of Maggie Sue Haessly and Miss Emma Samsom, the reenactment benefits historical projects and events. $5 Spectator fee. More at www.MaggieRaid.com

Who: Barbecue cooks and cornhole players
What: Smoke In the Park Backyard BBQ Competition
When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 20-21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: E.C. Wilson Park, 313 Nancy Carrol Avenue, Gadsden
Why: Barbecue, a duck race, vendors, live music, bounce houses and a cornhole tournament. The fire department will sell hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, chicken nachos and drinks to benefit Christmas for Kids. $20 duck race tickets can be purchased by Hare Wrecker and Glencoe Fire Department

Who: Autism Foundation of Gadsden
What: A Magical Night of Music
When: Friday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing
Why: Musicians TAD of Jazz, an opera performance by Estefania and Eric Wilson accompanied on piano by Dr. Gail Steward, unique percussion performance and the Gadsden State Community College Show Band under the direction of Desmond Mitchell. Tickets from $75 per person, $60 for teachers, $600 for an 8-person table and $300 for half table, 4 people. Contact info@asdofgadsden.org

Who: Greater Gadsden Tourism and Noccalula Falls Park
What: Art on the Rocks, twice annual arts and crafts event
When: Sept. 21-22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden
Why: More than 100 arts and crafts and food vendors. Tickets $8 for adults, $6 for kids, seniors and military. Park season passes accepted. Pets allowed except near animal habitat

Who: City of Oxford
What: Market on Main
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Special shopping and markets in downtown Oxford. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

Who: Paddlers and spectators
What: Great Alabama 650 Watch Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Wild Wings, East Chestnut in Gadsden
Why: Watch the beginnings of the Great Alabama 650, a paddling event Sept. 21 to October 10, from northeast Alabama to the Gulf Coast, the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail network

Who: Five 16 Foundation
What: Annual Lakeside Live Musicfest
When: Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Park, 2800 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City
Why: Musicfest includes a car show, kids’ area, vendors and live music

Who: Blackberry Hill Alpacas
What: 10th Annual National Alpaca Farm Day
When: Monday, September 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Blackberry Hill Alpacas, 6330 Saks Road, Anniston
Why: Meet the alpacas, Genesis the camel, llamas, petting zoo animals and museum creatures, ride a pony and get your face painted at the annual free event. Shop at the Alpaca Product Store, vendor craft booths, food booths and trucks

Who: Pell City Chamber
What: Power Lunch
When: Noon Wednesday, Sept 25, Oct. 23 and Nov. 17, fourth Wednesdays
Where: Fellowship Hall at Eden Westside Baptist Church
Why: Join other leaders in your community for lunch and a boost of encouragement in Leadership at Power Lunch. RSVP at jcimpactminitries@gmail.com

Who: City of Gadsden
What: Dreamers in the Round Songwriters Show, the stories behind the songs
When: Thursday, Sept, 26, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Mort Glosser Amphitheater, 60 Walnut Street, Gadsden
Why: Hear from songwriters Keith Burns, Wil Nance, Karen Stanley and Chasity Bowden. Ticket $20 and $30 for meet and greet available at www.cityofgadsden.com

Who: Ritz Theatre of Gadsden
What: BEEHIVE, a musical
When: Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 7 p.m.
Where: Ritz Theater, 300 Wall Street, Gadsden
Why: BEEHIVE celebrates the powerful female voices of the 1960s with hits including My Boyfriend’s Back, Be My Baby, Son of a Preacher Man and Me and Bobby McGee, told from perspective of six young women. Tickets at www.theatreofgadsden.org

Who: Hoke’s Bluff
What: Hoke’s Bluff City Fest and Cruise-In Car Show
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Hoke’s Bluff, 3301 Alford Road, Hoke’s Bluff
Why: Cars and fun in Hoke’s Bluff

Who: City of Glencoe
What: 3rd Annual Touch a Truck
When: Saturday, Sept, 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Wilson Park, Glencoe
Why: Free. Trucks of all types, including food trucks and big equipment

Who: Gadsden City High School and Titan Band
What: 60th Annual Marching Band Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Titan Stadium at Gadsden City High School
Why: See the oldest marching festival in the Southeast with small and large division grand champion awards

Who: A.G. Gun Shows and vendors
What: Gadsden Gun and Knife Show
When: Sept. 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sept, 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Annual gun and knife show. Information at www.aggunshows.com

Who: American Legion, Attala Post 71
What: Dinner and Dance
When: Sept. 14 and 28, second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla
Why: Dinner and dancing fun

Who: Talladega Classic Car Club
What: Classic Car Cruise-In
When: Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega
Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday

Who: Local farmers
What: Hoke’s Bluff Farmers’ Market
When: Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon, through September
Where: 3310 Alford Bend Road, Hoke’s Bluff
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer

Who: Local farmers
What: Attalla Downtown Farmers’ Market
When: Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m., through Sept. 26
Where: 411 3rd Street, Attalla
Why: Fresh, locally grown produce all summer


Who: Local farmers
What: Glencoe Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Sept. 26
Where: Glencoe City Hall
Why: Fresh produce, locally grown

Who: Local farmers
What: Talladega Farmers’ Market
When: Tuesdays, 3 to 6 p.m., through Sept. 30
Where: 210 East Street South, parking lot next to Talladega Chamber
Why: Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables

Who: Local farmers and artists
What: Gadsden Artisan and Farmers Market
When: Every Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: 701 1st Avenue, Gadsden
Why: Vendors selling everything from baked goods to arts and crafts

Who: Gadsden Museum of Art
What: Exhibiting artist Zach Galbreath
When: Throughout September 2024, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden
Why: Visit GMA each month to see exhibits by important artists

OCTOBER

Who: Innovate Alabama and Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: PITCH CONTEST
When: Tuesday, October 1, 11:30 a.m.
Where; Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane
Why: Business Pitch competition for small businesses (profit of $250,000 or less) to win a cash prize to build and grow their business. Six finalists will compete live by making their pitch to the judging panel and the crowd. Email savannahd@calhounchamber.com to enter via a 90 second video. More information at members.calhounchamber.com/events/PITCHCompetition-5117010/details

Who: Regional Medical Center Foundation Golf Classic, Anniston
What: RMC Golf Classic
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, morning tee time, 7:30 a.m. and afternoon tee time at 1 p.m.
Where: Anniston Country Club, 601 Highland Avenue
Why: Shotgun start, four-person scramble golf tournament to benefit the medical center Foundation

Who: Yard sale enthusiasts
What: Highway 411 Yard Sale
When: October 3-5, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Route from Leeds to Newport, Tenn, including Rainbow City
Why: Enjoy the yard sale that stretches through three states, find yard sale treasures and enjoy fall foliage

Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597
What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night
When: First and third Fridays, Oct. 4 and 18; 5 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase.
Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive
Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information

Who: Town of Moody
What: Moody Octoberfest
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Moody City Park, 663 Park Avenue
Why: Arts and crafts festival with live music, performances, amazing vendors and food, petting zoo, kids’ activities, plus the Annual Cruisin’ For A Miracle Car Show with Top 30 awards and a Pin-Up Girl contest

Who: Smith’s Tomato Farm
What: 8th Annual Fall On the Farm
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Smith’s Tomato, LLC, 4575 Loop Road, Steele
Why: Free! Fall decorations, produce, baked goods, jams, honey, pumpkins, mums at 75+ vendors. Free bounce house, live music, face painting and photo props

Who: City of Oxford and the Oxfordfest Committee
What; OxfordFest
When: Saturday, Oct. 5, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Celebrate the season at this downtown festival. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

Who: Hoke’s Bluff
What: Booking It Through the Bend Metric Century Run
When: Saturday, October 5, 8 a.m.
Where: Hoke’s Bluff Community Center, 5981 Gilliand Street
Why: A race with three options for mileage, a 14-mile, 23-mile and a Metric Century road course all starting and ending at the community center, Fees are $20, $30 and $40. Information and to register, www.runsignup.com/race/al/hokesbluff/benditthroughthebend or on race day

Who: Coosa Valley Model Railroad Association
What: Fall Train Show
When: Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Mary G. Hardin Center for the Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Why: Model train enthusiasts unite. Railroad artifacts, model scales, food, door prizes. Contact Big A for information, 256-347-7542

Who: NASCAR
What: Yellawood 500 at Talladega SuperSpeedway
When: Sunday, Oct. 6, 1 to 6 p.m.
Where: Talladega SuperSpeedway, Lincoln
Why: The intensity of the NASCAR Playoffs returns with a crucial middle race as the biggest stars continue their quest for the Bill France Cup. Tickets $65 and up

Who: The Faith Riders
What: Thunder @ the Grove
When: Oct. 10, every second Thursday at 6 p.m.
Where: Cedar Grove Baptist Church. 2001 Cedar Grove Road, Leeds.
Why: Join the Faith Riders every second Thursday March to September for food and fellowship. No bikes required. Come as you are. More information at 205-699-8446

Who: Logan Martin Lake Protection Association
What: Boo Bash
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Logan Martin Lake
Why: It’s Halloween season. More information at www.lmlpa.org

Who: American Legion Attalla Post 71
What: Dinner and Dance
When: Oct. 12 and 26, second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla
Why: Dinner and dancing fun

Who: Anniston Museum and Gardens
What: FALL FEST
When: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: AMG
Why: Annual opportunity to celebrate autumn at the museum and gardens. Details at www.exploreamag.org

Who: Downtown Talladega merchants
What: Second Saturday
When: Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Talladega Bottling Works
Why: Music and more each Second Saturday

Who: Alzheimer’s Association
What: East Central Alabama Walk to End Alzheimer’s
When: Sunday, October 13, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: Jacksonville State University, in front of Theron Montgomery Building
Why: Held annually and is part of the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. No fee to register to walk

Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Tuesday Oct. 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Gadsden Museum of Art, Gadsden
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.

Who: Downtown Gadsden Inc.
What: Sunset Sips
When: Sunday, October 15, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Memorial Bridge, Broad Street, Gadsden
Why: Sunsets and wine

Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History
What: Third Thursday Plant Sale
When: Thursday, October 17, 10 to 5 p.m.
Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens Greenhouse and Nursery
Why: Support LBG by purchasing plants, including a variety of trees, shrubs, native and tropical
Plants. Directions to greenhouse: drive up Museum Drive. Pass the Anniston Museum of Natural History and Berman Museum and turn left at the Monarch butterfly

Who: Pell City Chamber
What: Third Thursdays in Downtown Pell City
When: Thursday, October 17, 11 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Pell City
Why: Look for specials, sales and fun.

Who: Golfers who give back
What: Shepherd’s Cove Classic, Fairway to Heaven
When: Friday, Oct. 18, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Twin Bridges Golf Course, Gadsden
Why: In support of the Shepherd’s Cove Hospice Foundation, the tournament is a 4-person scramble, with scholarship available and lunch by Local Joe’s. Entry fee up to $400

Who: Odenville Chamber of Commerce
What: Annual Odenville Car Show
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a,m, to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Clair County High School, 16700 U.S. Highway 411, Odenville
Why: Cars, trucks and bikes, oh my! Food trucks, vendor booths, 50/50 raffle, live and silent auction and best of show awards

Who: City of Attalla
What: Attalla Heritage Day
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Attalla, 4th Street NW
Why: Free celebration including live music, food and craft vendors and a car show

Who: City of Oxford
What: Fall Market on Main and Witches Ride and Walk on Main
When: Saturday, Oct. 19, noon to 6 p.m.; Witches Ride-Walk at 5 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Another opportunity to shop special markets and parade through downtown Oxford. More information at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

Who: Turtle Island Native American Association and Alabama State Council on the Arts
What: 11th Annual Noccalula Falls PowWow
When: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Noccalula Falls Park, Gadsden
Why: Native American songs, dances, food and drumming featuring Lyndon Alec, Alabama Coushatta Hoop dancer, Aztec and Maya dance demos, Candy Dance for children, and handmade Native American crafts for sale. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 6-14 and over 65, $15 for family of 5, and free for military, first responders, nurses and dancers. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and come enjoy the songs of ancestors. No drugs, alcohol, open carry or politics. Call 256-293-6464

Who: Gadsden history enthusiasts
What: 15th Annual A Walk Through Time
When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 p.m. to 4;30 p.m.; rain date Oct. 27
Where: Forrest Cemetery, 700 15th Street, Gadsden; parking at old Gadsden High School, Walnut and South 12th Street
Why: See 60 portrayers dressed in period clothing as they tell the stories of Gadsden’s history and its citizens. No admission fee but donations welcomed. All proceeds go to the preservation of the 1872 cemetery

Who: Leeds Arts Council
What: Open Mic Night Competition, hosted by Mandi Rae Trott.
When: Third Sunday of each month, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Leeds Arts Council, 8140 Parkway Drive
Why: $5 for both performers and spectators. Each month’s winner receives 50 percent of the door money as a cash prize based on a vote at show’s end. Sign up in person beginning at 6:30 p.m. or email mandiraemusic@gmail.com to get on the list

Who: Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce
What: Business Expo
When: Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Anniston City Meeting Center, 1615 Noble Street
Why: Lights, Camera, Business. Learn more and register at www.calhounchamber.com

Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce
What: Business Builder Breakfast
When: Thursday, October 24, 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Pell City Municipal Complex
Why: Networking for your business, door prizes, and special guest speaker. This is event is FREE but seating is limited and registration is required. Email info@pellcitychamber.com

Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Thursday Oct. 24, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Lovelight Farms, Wilsonville
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.

Who: Gadsden and Rainbow City Coin Club
What: The Northeast Alabama Coin Show
When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Coin dealers and collectors gather. 125 dealer tables available

Who: Wills Creek Vineyard and other state wineries
What: 4th Annual Alabama Wine Festival
When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Will’s Creek Vineyard and Winery, Duck Springs near Attalla.
Why: Featuring wines from across the state, the Festival will have local food truck and artisan vendors. $35 admission for person. Adult only event. Wine will be available from each winery for purchase by the bottle or glass. www.willscreekwinery.com

Who: Talladega Classic Car Club
What: Classic Car Cruise-In
When: Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Classic Toys at 515 East Battle Street, Talladega
Why: Classic cars and trucks cruise in every 4th Saturday

Who: Coosa Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance
What: River Reels & Tales
When: Tuesday Oct. 29, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Wetumpka Civic Center, Wetumpka
Why: This exciting series of town hall events will bring the community together for engaging discussions, along with screenings of short films that spotlight the special people, unique history and current issues impacting the Coosa River. Enjoy conversations and connections, with delicious food and drinks.

Who: City of Oxford
What: Trick or Treat on Main
When: October 31, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Treat or treating fun-in downtown. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

NOVEMBER

Who: Horse Pens 40
What: Christmas Craft Fair
When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Horse Pens 40, 3525 St. Clair County Road 42, Steele
Why: Local handmade crafts and holiday shopping for all ages. $10 day fee applies; donate 2 canned goods or 1 new toy for local food pantry and get in at half price, $5. Interested vendors contact Ashley at ashleyhp40@email.com or call 256-538-7439

Who: Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association
What: Patriots Hall of Fame Luncheon and Veterans Parade
When: Wednesday, October 6, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. luncheon; 1 p.m., parade line-up; 2 p.m., parade
Where: Venue at Coosa Landing; parade in downtown Gadsden
Why: Hear from Bg. Gen. (ret.) Jeffrey Newton, assistant commissioner, Alabama Department of Veteran Affairs at the luncheon ($25) and enjoy a Patriot parade in downtown. Also sponsored by Gadsden-Etowah Tourism Board, the city of Gadsden and Etowah County Commission.

Who: City of Gadsden and downtown merchants
What: Mistletoe Market and Christmas Open House
When: Market is Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Downtown Christmas Open House is Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8 and 9
Where: Downtown Civic Center, 623 Broad Street
Why: The city of Gadsden’s Mistletoe Market returns to the civic center, coinciding with the Christmas Open House Friday and Saturday. Contact jtarrance@cityofgadsden.com or vgalbreath@cityofgadsden.com

Who: City of Oxford
What: Main Street Rivalry 5K
When: Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.
Where: Historic Downtown Oxford
Why: Compete in a 3.1-mile race in downtown, More information at www.oxfordmainstreet,com

Who: Anglers and nature lovers
What: Coosa River Team Trail Classic
When: Monday, Nov. 11, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden
Why: Join the Coosa River Team Trail Classic for classic fishing adventures. Impressive catches only rivaled by huge respect for nature, conservation and sustainable fishing practices

Logan Martin LakeFest

Southeast’s largest in-water boat show returns

Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted Photos

With a year off due to COVID, 2021 becomes the 10th anniversary of Logan Martin LakeFest, billed as the Southeast’s largest in-water boat show. At Pell City Lakeside Park May 21-23, LakeFest is making a triumphant return – back bigger and better than ever, organizers say.

And that’s quite a statement. Since its inception in 2010, LakeFest has been the ‘must-go-to’ event of the year. Those early years were spent on the banks of the Horizons development, and it just kept growing from there.

The idea was to create a free event that focused on the lake community, promoted the lake and its lifestyle. From its sponsorships and booth rentals, LakeFest is able to raise money for many a good cause as well as providing improvements to the park, like the Jerry Wood Memorial Pavilion named for one of the event founders, and additional docking for boats.

Bass boats showcased

Today’s LakeFest overlooks Logan Martin from its hillside perch with tent after tent of vendors with all sorts of lake life wares and services, surrounded by the latest in boats and personal watercrafts. A huge outdoor stage featuring virtually non-stop, top entertainment and a couple of comedic emcees giving away prizes and ‘shout outs’ to supporters and businesses stands above.

Handmade outdoor furniture, lake apparel and just about any lake-related product imaginable are scattered under a sea of tents. Realtors, insurance agents, Logan Martin Lake Protection Association members and a host of other services for lake dwellers and visitors alike are a part of the mix, raising awareness and offering an extensive array of giveaways themselves.  

Down by the water, brand new boats and watercrafts ready for a test drive await, luring attendees to see the latest of what’s in store for the water this season. There is even on-the-spot financing from AmFirst for your dream boat.

Woods Surfside Marina, Poor House Branch Marina, Sylacauga Marine and ATV, Trident Marine, Skier’s Marine, Speed Zone Oxford and Rodney’s Marine will have boats from the following manufacturers in the water and ready for qualified buyers to take for a test drive.

  • Avalon Pontoons
  • Boats
  • Berkshire Pontoon Boats
  • Regency Pontoons
  • South Bay Pontoons
  • Silver Wave Pontoons
  • Sun Tracker Pontoons
  • Carolina Skiff Boats
  • Mastercraft Wake Boats
  • Nitro Performance Boats
  • Tahoe Boats
  • Tracker Boats
  • Xpress Boats
  • Yamaha
  • Waverunners

When LakeFest began, it had a set of goals in mind:

  • Celebrate one of the area’s greatest natural resources, Logan Martin Lake.
  • Promote the lake and surrounding areas as a great place to live and do business.
  • Raise money for local causes.
  • Showcase local businesses.
  • Provide LakeFest partners with a captive audience and platform to showcase their products and services.

For 10 years, it has been doing all of the above. So far, its Logan Martin Charity Foundation has awarded $300,000 to local charities, and businesses have seen their sales and profiles head on an upward trajectory.

“We wanted to create an event that really promoted our lake and lake businesses and bring people together for a fun time for the whole
family,” said Eric Housh, one of the organizers. “This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than before.”

Non-stop entertainment, giveaways – even an ATV – vendors of all descriptions, more food choices and games for the kids await.

Admission is free, and hours are from noon to 9 Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 on Sunday.

And, of course, the fireworks show honoring veterans – a LakeFest tradition and the vision of the late Jerry Wood, who was instrumental in creating LakeFest – will be Friday night after sunset.

Musical entertainment takes center stage all weekend

Recording artist Hannah McFarland

Friday,
May 21
Jeremy Owen and Dylan –
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deputy 5 –
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday,
May 22
Matt Bennett –
Noon to 2 p.m.
Hannah McFarland –
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Outshine –
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday,
May 23
Hannah McFarland –
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

In the Kitchen with Lori Junkins

Mother, daughter cook up a family tradition

Story Scotty Vickery
Photos by Kelsey Bain

When Lori and John Junkins made the decision to renovate the kitchen of their A-frame home on Logan Martin Lake nine years ago, it was about much more than gas appliances, glistening granite countertops and creating extra storage. It was about strengthening roots, creating a comfortable space to carry on family traditions and spotlighting the beauty that’s all around them.

Marie Hines with her daughters, Gwen Windle,
Lori Junkins and Teresa McLarty

“It’s so peaceful,” Junkins said of the view from the room’s picture window overlooking the sparkling water. A sugar maple that shades the deck in the summer and creates a dazzling display a few months later provides the finishing touch. “In the fall, it’s a brilliant yellow. Looking at the lake with those yellow leaves trickling down is just amazing,” she said.

It’s almost as wonderful as the aroma coming from her oven one recent morning as a batch of yeast rolls made from her mother’s recipe turned golden brown. “The smell immediately takes me back to my mama’s kitchen,” Junkins said. “It just transports you. So many of the wonderful memories I have from my childhood center around food.”

The kitchen of the Aliceville, Ala., home she grew up in was a gathering spot for the family, and she wanted to create the same feeling in her own home after living with a cramped galley-style kitchen for 12 years. “It was a one-butt kitchen,” Junkins said with a laugh. “You couldn’t slide two people past each other.”

Today, after expanding the kitchen into the former dining room, there’s a large island featuring Bianco Antico granite, a built-in gas convection stove and oven, as well as seating for four. Lee Kerr of Oxford made the custom cabinets, which offset the white subway tile. “He had the idea to build the upper cabinets into the slope of the walls so I could have cabinets in a space where I didn’t think it was possible,” Junkins said.

Factor in the kitchen’s walnut floors, which lead into the family room with its vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling and brick wood-burning fireplace, and the result is a calm, inviting space that Junkins loves. “My goal was for it to be something that would stand the test of time,” she said. “Lake living is a lifestyle. When people come to my home, the thing that makes me feel the best is when they say it’s so peaceful. My house is not stuffy, it’s not pretentious; it’s comfortable. It’s a little like being on vacation all the time.”

Mama’s Cooking

Junkins, who enjoys time at home with John and 17-year-old Amelia, learned everything about making a house comfortable and welcoming from her mother,

Marie Hines. “Hospitality is a gift, and my mama has it,” she said. “She was known all throughout Pickens County for her yeast rolls. I can remember her kitchen being covered in pans of rolls in various stages of the rising and baking process.”

It all comes naturally for Mrs. Hines, who has been cooking for at least 84 of her 90 years. The oldest of nine children, she began cooking meals for the whole family when she was 11, and “I baked my own birthday cake when I was 6 years old,” she said.

Junkins said she and her father, Tom Hines, and her brother and two sisters woke up every morning to a full breakfast of bacon, eggs and biscuits or toast. Each evening, they enjoyed a big supper of meat and vegetables, and holiday meals were absolute feasts.“The kitchen was full of every kind of Southern dish you could imagine,” she remembers. “All of these dishes just magically appeared.”

Mrs. Hines, who went to work part-time when Junkins was in kindergarten and then worked full-time at a bank for 20 years, always enjoyed making magic in the kitchen. Despite having to juggle work and her children’s activities, which included cheerleading, football and band, she considered it a privilege to cook for her husband and kids. “That’s how you showed your love for your family – putting a good meal on the table,” she said.

Like many Southern cooks, most of her recipes are in her head and consist of “a little of this and little of that,” Mrs. Hines said. “I’m a dump cook. I think butter is a magic ingredient, and so is a little bit of sugar.” After reading cookbooks like novels for years, she’s happy to share her secrets with anyone who asks. “If anybody wanted a recipe, I gave it to them,” she said. “I think if the Lord gives you a gift, you need to share it if you can.”

That’s good news for Junkins, who is on a mission to preserve some family memories, along with her mother’s wonderful recipes. “Another of Mama’s heirloom dishes is her cornbread dressing. She made dressing for our extended family gatherings every year until 2019, when she talked me through every step of making it,” Junkins said. “We figured after 88 years it was time to let her supervise. She had no written recipe and uses no fixed measurements, so I tried to record the directions as closely as I could.”

Most recently, Junkins mastered her mother’s yeast rolls, garlic rolls and cinnamon rolls that start with the same dough. “After years of saying I wanted to learn to make them ‘someday,’ I finally got my lesson,” she said. “The first time I made them, I ate six.”

Junkins said she’s grateful her mother lives nearby so she can spend time in the kitchen with her. After living in Aliceville for decades, her parents moved to Pell City in 2008. Her father, Tom Hines, passed away in 2015, but she still feels connected to him when she’s cooking. “Bonnie Chasteen, a dear friend of my mother’s, made all of us aprons out of Dad’s shirts,” she said.“They’re even more special now because she passed away earlier this year.”

Lake Living

Although Junkins and her husband have been thrilled with the upstairs renovations they made in 2012, just a year after they got married, they toyed with the idea of moving a few years ago. Junkins was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2014, and there were lots of unknowns.

“I didn’t know if I would even be around in five years,” she said. “We wondered for a while if we should get a one-level home, and we even looked at a few. John finally asked me, ‘If you live another 10 to 15 years, and we moved from this house, would you regret it?’ I told him, ‘Probably,’ so he said, “Let’s just re-do this one.”

That’s why, following Junkins’ craniotomy and radiation treatments, the lower level of the house got a makeover in 2016. Although Junkins is doing well and has had no recurrence of cancer, the renovated space can accommodate one-level living if they ever need it. An old galley kitchen, similar to the one that was upstairs, has been opened up and now boasts new countertops and appliances. There are also bedrooms, bathrooms and a living area on that floor.

“I don’t know that I could ever move off the lake,” Junkins said.

Marie Hines’ Icebox Yeast Rolls

Marie Hines’ recipe, as recorded by Lori Hines Junkins

Ingredients:
4 cups (1 qt) sweet milk
4 sticks of butter, divided
1 cup sugar
2 pkgs yeast
10 to 12 cups plain flour, divided
1 Tbsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
garlic salt

Directions:

Heat milk, 2 sticks of butter and 1 cup of sugar in oversized boiler over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat just prior to boiling. While milk mixture cools, dissolve yeast in warm water according to package directions. When milk mixture has reached lukewarm temperature, stir dissolved yeast into lukewarm milk mixture. Add 6 cups of flour and stir until flour is incorporated, forming a thin dough. Cover with a tea towel; place in a warm spot and allow the dough to rise until doubled in size (this may take several hours).

After dough has doubled in size, sift together 2 cups of flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder. Punch down the risen dough and add the seasoned flour mixture to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed. Gradually add in remaining flour (2 to 4 cups, as needed to form relatively stiff dough). Grease an oversized bowl (oil or cooking spray) and place dough in greased bowl. (Note: Dough can be covered and kept refrigerated for
several days before rolling it out if necessary. Dough will likely rise in refrigerator and could “pop the top” – keep an eye on it and keep it covered so it does not dry out. When ready to roll it out, remove from refrigerator and allow it to rest at room temperature for an hour or so before dividing/kneading/rolling as outlined below.)

Prepare baking pans with non-stick spray. Divide into fourths for ease of rolling out. Knead dough gently on floured board. Roll out with rolling pin in a large rectangle to about 3/8” thickness. Melt butter (half a stick at a time, for each section of dough); brush dough with melted butter.

FOR CRESCENT ROLLS
Very lightly sprinkle a bit of sugar across buttered dough. Slice dough into 6-inch widths, then cut into triangles; roll from widest end to point, creating crescent shape. Place rolls in greased pan and brush with melted butter.
Allow to rise for 2+ hours before baking.

FOR CINNAMON ROLLS
Rectangle should be about twice as long as it is wide. Generously sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over buttered dough. Roll jelly- roll style (rolling from widest length); slice into 1-inch slices. Place rolls in greased pan with sides touching, brush with melted butter.
Allow to rise for 3+ hours before baking.
(Cinnamon rolls typically take longer to rise because of the added weight of the sugar and cinnamon mixture.)

FOR POCKETBOOK GARLIC ROLLS
Sprinkle buttered dough generously with garlic salt. Cut with round cookie cutter or biscuit
cutter. Dip (or brush) each round in melted butter and fold over, pressing center edge together lightly to form “pocketbook.”
Allow to rise for 2+ hours before baking.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Place pan of risen rolls on center rack; bake 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.

For cinnamon rolls: While rolls are baking, mix powdered sugar, vanilla and water to form light icing. After removing cinnamon rolls from oven, drizzle icing over warm rolls. (Lori’s suggested variation: incorporate whipped cream cheese to icing before drizzling/spreading over cinnamon rolls.)

* (Note: Dough can be kept refrigerated for several days after it is rolled, shaped and placed in pans. If you plan to refrigerate, cover and place in refrigerator). Before baking, place in a warm spot and allow dough to rise for several hours before baking.)

Mama’s Cornbread Dressing

Marie Hines’ recipe, as recorded by Lori Hines Junkins

Ingredients:
1 large pan of cornbread
4-6 pieces of white bread (stale bread is fine)
Chicken Stock (homemade or use 1-2 cartons)
2-3 onions
5-6 stalks of celery
1-2 stick of butter
6 eggs
Sage or poultry seasoning
Black pepper
Cayenne pepper
Cranberry Jelly (1-2 cans)

Directions:

1.   Bake one large pan of cornbread.  

2.   Cut up and boil a chicken*. Remove chicken and run liquid through a strainer; return stock to boiler.  (Lori’s cheat: Substitute a couple of cartons of chicken broth if you’re short on time.)

3.   Cut up 2 or 3 medium onions and chop in food processor; add diced onion to chicken stock. String and cut up 5-6 stalks of fresh celery and chop in food processor. Add to chicken stock, along with a stick (or 2) of butter. Bring chicken stock to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, allowing onion and celery to cook until translucent, giving flavors time to marry.

4.   While stock is simmering, crumble cornbread and place in oversized bowl. Roughly tear 5 or 6 pieces of white sandwich bread and place in food processor; pulse until bread is crumbly. Add bread crumbs to crumbled cornbread.

5.   Pour chicken stock over cornbread mixture and mix thoroughly. 

6.   Beat 6 eggs; pour into cornbread mixture. Dressing mixture should be very moist; add more chicken stock as needed to ensure dressing mixture is not too dry. Season with sage (or poultry seasoning), black pepper, and a bit of cayenne pepper, and mix together thoroughly. (Note: If using fresh chicken broth instead of store-bought broth, you will likely need to add salt. Store-bought dressing has a high sodium content, so additional salt may not be needed.) Adjust seasoning to taste. (Optional: add one can of cream of chicken soup.)

7.   Pour dressing into a large, greased casserole dish. If making ahead, cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. (If making further ahead, dressing can be frozen, then thawed the day it is baked.)

8.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove foil; continue baking uncovered until dressing is golden brown on top (about 20-30 more minutes, typically).

9.   Remove cranberry jelly (remove lid, work knife around inside of can to coax jelly out onto serving dish); slice and serve as an accompaniment to dressing. 

*Note: Although we do not add chicken to our dressing for holiday meals where it is served as a side to turkey, if you cooked a chicken in step 2, you can de-bone and shred the chicken and add it to the dressing to serve as a main dish for a great weeknight main dish.

Catching the Coosa

By Zeke Gossett

On Logan Martin

The months of May and June can be some of the most fun on catching numbers of fish on Logan Martin Lake.

The fish are typically coming off bed and are starting their transition to offshore places, such as deep points, brush piles and roadbeds.

Another trophy

Fish tend to school together on these places and can get in bunches of as many as 50 or 60.

My first choice when the fish pull out to deeper water will be a deep-diving crankbait or swimbait. Around the brush piles, I tend to use some type of soft plastic bait such as a Texas rigged worm or a football jig.

Also, in early May, you can catch the tail end of the shad spawn, which is when water temperatures rise into the upper 60s to low 70s and during the full moon in April and May.

The shad spawn is usually best first thing in the morning around seawalls or grass. You will see the shad flicking on top and rolling on the structure they’re around.

My first two baits I will pick up are either a white buzz bait or white spinnerbait with double willow leaf blades. This bite ends very quickly once the sun comes up but can be some of the most fun if the fish are feeding at that time.

On Neely Henry

Neely Henry Lake has a lot shallower water vegetation compared to Logan Martin. In the months of May and June, I tend to fish a lot shallower on this lake. Fish will most likely be off bed by this time and looking for an easy meal.

The shad spawn has a big impact on this lake as well. The shad tend to spawn on the grass in this lake more.

The two baits I use for the shad spawn on Neely Henry will be a white swim jig or white frog. This bite happens quick but can be super productive for a good morning bite.

Once that bite has gone away, I tend to target these same areas where the shad spawn was that morning. I will slow my presentation way down and go more finesse.

If the conditions are slick calm with no wind, I will target docks near to these areas. My first bait of choice will be a wacky rigged stick bait in a green pumpkin color.

If the wind is still blowing or it is cloudy, I will stay with the white swim jig. Once we get later on into June, the better fish still tend to be shallow. I will flip grass with either a jig or a Texas rigged creature bait.

There are some places fish tend to group up offshore, but this bite has a small window. I would target brush piles in front of piers with a shaky head in order to catch the deeper fish.

Editor’s Note:

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.

Dining on the water

Extra benefits of life on Neely Henry and Logan Martin lakes

Story by Elaine Hobson Miller
Photos by Carol Pappas – Submitted photos

Whether you prefer dining inside a restaurant or carrying out your food, you have a lot of choices around Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes that are easily reached by boat. From mom-and-pop diners to national chains, more than a dozen restaurants from Talladega to Gadsden have their own docks or access to one nearby.

This means you can tie up your vessel, be it boat or personal watercraft, and leave it in its slip while you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner. In many cases, you can phone ahead and someone will deliver your meal to your boat. That’s a unique service that takes lake living — and dining — to a whole new level.

The Back Porch Grill, located at 270 Marina Dr., Talladega, in Logan Martin’s Clear Creek Harbor, already had space for 30-40 boats before adding nine new piers. Under construction as of this writing, the additions will more than triple the slip number, according to owner Kristi Fincher. Attendants are available on the dock to pump gas and dock boats.

Back Porch Grill

 “Our staples are seafood, steaks and burgers, but we have changed our menu a lot,” Fincher says. “We’ve added grilled salmon, grilled blackened grouper and a mahi-mahi taco. We also added shrimp and grits, which consists of grilled or blackened shrimp on a bed of gouda cheese grits. Our new shrimp and crab dip, served with baguettes, has become one of our biggest sellers.” Menu specials, such as snow crab legs or scallops, are available on weekends.

Known for its large porch built around a huge willow tree, the Grill recently added an even bigger porch that seats 60 people. “The new porch has a willow planted beside it,” Fincher says. “People like sitting outside, looking over the lake.”

The restaurant has been in business about 10 years, is open year-round, and features the acoustic band Kudzu playing 1980s music every Thursday night on the new porch. Hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Pier 59

Since 1993, Pier 59, 1363 Rivercrest Dr., Vincent, has been across the lake from Coosa Island (Logan Martin). With a pier on either side of the building, it can accommodate a lot of boats. “I’m serving grandkids of people I started out with,” says manager Janet Swann.

Hamburgers, steaks and a variety of seafood are on the menu. “Our crab claws, fried and grilled, are our most popular item,” Swann says. “We also feature Ziggy Salad, a tossed salad topped with steak, shrimp, chicken and French fries. It’s named after our cook.” Wings and chicken fingers are popular, too. “We’re in the process of re-doing our menu, adding alfredo chicken and alfredo shrimp,” Swann says.
A new deck offers outside covered dining.

Open year-round, winter and summer hours vary. Call 205-525-4226 for specific times and days.

Lakeside Grill at Coosa Island

Lakeside Grill, 1095 Coosa Island Rd., Cropwell is a relative newcomer on Logan Martin Lake. This nautical-and-beach-themed establishment opened in June of 2020 at the end of Coosa Island Marina. Its pier can accommodate 30 boats, but new piers will double that number before summer is over, according to manager Tanya Barnett.

While their menu includes a variety of seafood, steaks, burgers, barbecue, salads and desserts, their specialties are Cajun alfredo (chicken or shrimp), hand-cut, 12-ounce ribeyes, loaded barbecue tots (barbecue pork drizzled with barbecue sauce and Ranch dressing, then topped with jalapeño poppers), Cajun-grilled shrimp, Southwestern egg rolls, cheese curds, Cajun barbecue nachos and their signature Philly sandwiches.

“We’re looking to add some summer-friendly dishes, such as fish tacos and a tuna dip,” Barnett says. “We also have homemade peanut butter and Key lime pies for dessert.”

A deck with a bar and a seating capacity of 300, along with live bands on Fridays and Saturdays plus acoustic music on Sundays, make this a lively place to dine. “We also use Jack Rabbit for delivery,” Barnett says. Co-owner (with Nicola Wright) Keith Clements holds degrees in culinary arts and restaurant management and owns Lakeside Boathouse nearby.

Open year-round, Thursdays-Mondays, hours vary from summer to winter.

Between May 1 and Nov. 1, you can dine there Thursdays from 4 p.m.-9 p.m. and Fridays 12 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday brunch is served from 9 a.m.- 1 p.m., but the restaurant stays open until 8 p.m. on Sundays. Monday hours are 4 p.m.-9 p.m. “We usually are the only restaurant open on the lake on Mondays,” Barnett says. Their winter hours will be posted on their Facebook page.

Piece of Pie

Piece of the Pie, 1080 Coosa Island Road, Cropwell (Logan Martin) is a new pizza-only joint that opened in early April. Its pier is under renovation and will accommodate about 50 boats when completed, according to co-owners Matt Kronen and Tarang Gandhakwal. “We’re next door to Coosa Marina Store, which I also own, and we have beer, ice and soft drinks there. We’re all in the same building,” says Kronen.

He assembles his pizzas on the premises, and says they feature thin crusts that are “light enough to take on the boat with you.” He uses fresh toppings, including the usual pepperoni, sausage and mushrooms, plus a barbecue pizza, and can substitute alfredo sauce for marinara sauce on any pizza upon request. “We will incorporate other weird toppings as we think of them,” he says.

Piece of the Pie serves carry-out customers only, with no seating area available. “Eventually we will offer delivery to the immediate lake area,” Kronen says. The main chef at Piece of the Pie, he’s also the owner of Snow-Biz, a shaved ice stand at Coosa Island Marina. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, initially. Any changes will be posted on their upcoming Facebook page.

Top O’ the River

Top O’ the River, 1606 Rainbow Dr., Gadsden, is a landmark – not only by land but by water as well. It is accessible by boat. Known for its catfish and seafood, the menu goes well beyond with chicken and steaks, too. Its pond raised catfish – fried or broiled, bone-in or fillet – is a crowd favorite.

Grilled shrimp and chicken kabobs are popular as is the chargrilled ribeye steak. A variety of appetizers and desserts bookend a meal that diners travel for from miles around.

Family owned and operated, the restaurant is open Monday – Friday at 5 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and on Sundays, it opens at noon. Carry out is available at 256-547-9817.

River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast

River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, 79 Rabbit Branch Circle, Cropwell, is located at River’s Edge Marina in the Rabbit Branch slough on Logan Martin. Open weekends and holidays May through Labor Day, River’s Edge is a walk-up eatery with an outdoor pavilion and picnic tables for on-premises dining. Up to 10 boats can tie up at the pier, with wet-slip time limited to one hour.

The menu includes burgers and other sandwiches, chicken tenders, corn dogs and hot dogs. Specialties are the Yum Yum Burger (with Yum Yum sauce, lettuce, tomato and pickles), the Cowboy Cheeseburger (barbecue sauce, bacon and grilled onions), BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger (barbecue sauce, bacon and cheese) and Double BBQ Bacon Burger (barbecue sauce, double portion of bacon and double portion of cheese). On Saturdays they serve breakfast sandwiches on toast, biscuit or bun, plus breakfast platters of eggs, meat and a choice of bread. Desserts are milkshakes, frozen slush, root beer floats, ice cream cones and a “Bissert” — biscuits drizzled with chocolate syrup and powdered sugar.They also serve traditional breakfast drinks, such as coffee, orange juice and chocolate milk.

Hours are 8 a.m.-11 a.m. for Saturday breakfast, with lunch served 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Manager Anna Emerick suggests checking their Facebook page for holiday hours (Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day), because they vary from one holiday to the next.

Wake Zone

New to Logan Martin is Wake Zone, 6301 Stemley Bridge Road, Pell City, which should soon be able to park 30 boats at five piers. Staff will be available to assist with boat parking.

The restaurant serves steaks, seafood and wings, along with breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. They have the usual breakfast fare of eggs and French toast, and House specialty is their fried fish nuggets, called Wake Bites. Their barbecue is popular, and so are the Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, hamburgers and eight flavors of wings. The restaurant uses Jack Rabbit Delivery, which will deliver within 20 miles of the building.

Open five days a week from April 1-September 1, hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays; 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturdays and 7:30-6 p.m. Sundays. During the winter, they are open
Wednesday-Friday only.

A spacious deck overlooks the main channel of the lake with outdoor dining.

The Brook

The Brook Coffeehouse and Event Center, 4204 Martin St. S, Pell City (Logan Martin) is a full-service coffee house offering espresso coffee drinks, frappés, teas, iced coffees, smoothies, ice cream, hand-spun milkshakes, muffins and limited snacks and cold drinks, according to Linda and Tim Hendrix,

owners. “We do not have a kitchen, but offer pre-packaged snacks,” says Linda Hendrix. “You are welcome to bring your lunch or breakfast and grab your favorite coffee drink from us.”

The coffeehouse is accessible by water during the spring, summer and fall months (when the water is up), as boats can park at the nearby Lakeside Motel piers and walk up. Some customers have even come up by personal watercraft to enjoy a view of the lake from the outdoor deck or in the cozy coffee shop, which includes a warming fireplace in the winter months. “Our coffee bar is like an old-fashioned ice cream bar,” Linda says.

The Event Center is available for rental, but also partners with local churches by providing spaces for Bible studies and small groups at no charge. “We are a nonprofit ministry, and all of our income outside of expenses goes toward helping with community outreach and ministry,” Linda says. “This spring semester has included Transformation Ministry School, Mat Making for the Homeless, Freedom Bible Study, Relationships Bible Study, several men’s groups, painting, book signings and local rehab facility family get-togethers. We also offer free spiritual counseling services.” Rentals have included baby and wedding showers, memorials, funerals, weddings and birthday parties. “This summer, we will offer “Pontoons and Sunset,” where families get together to watch the sun go down, listen to music and fellowship aboard their shared pontoons – launching from the Brook. It will be lots of family fun.”

Open year-round, hours are Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended summer hours of 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Courtyard

Courtyard Oyster Bar & Grill, 4300 Martin Street South, Pell City, can accommodate several boats in a dock next door. Open year round, Wednesdays through Sundays, they have a full menu that includes appetizers, burgers, raw and fried oysters, catfish, hand-breaded chicken tenders and the ever-popular shrimp étouffée and gumbo. “Everything is made fresh here,” says manager Jessalyn Cash. “We have something for everybody.”

An outside deck with a lake view is open to the air during summer, then enclosed in plastic and heated during the winter. “That’s generally where everybody wants to sit,” Cash says.

They have live entertainment every night. Wednesdays it’s karaoke from7 p.m. until closing. Other nights they have acoustic bands, and they try to feature local artists when they can get them.

Wednesdays and Thursdays, they open at 2 pm. and close around midnight. They open for lunch at 11 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, then close at 2 a.m. On Sundays, hours are 11 a.m. until midnight.

“We’re family-friendly until 8 p.m., but after that, no one under the age of 21 is permitted here,” Jessalyn says. “Our staff strives to be open and friendly and to make everyone’s experience good.”

The Ark

Logan Martin’s iconic restaurant, The Ark, is located at 13030 U.S. 78, Riverside. Featuring catfish, hushpuppies, shrimp and oysters fried and grilled, The Ark has been the subject of stories nationwide for its fare.

In addition to seafood, the Ark offers steaks, hamburgers and Cajun specialties like their famous seafood gumbo. Homemade desserts, such as blueberry cobbler, round out an extensive menu that attracts diners from all around.

Its proximity to Talladega Superspeedway makes it a prime ‘fan’ choice, and lake dwellers and visitors alike to flock to The Ark as well. It is accessible by boat. A dock on the main channel below the businesses next door services The Ark’s customers arriving by boat.

Hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 8 pm. and Sunday, 11 am. – 7:30 p.m.

Caribe

Caribe Club and Marina, 84 Blue Eye Rd., Lincoln (Logan Martin), has 22 boat slips at its pier. Open weekends only (Thursdays-Sundays) for both dine-in and take-out, Caribe also delivers to boats or cars. “Last summer we had quite a bit of boats come up,” says Diane Smith, co-owner with her husband, Bobby.

“We serve steaks, burgers, fish and pizza.” Their specialties are grouper fingers, crab cakes, mango salsa, wings and thin-crust pizza.

“We have a couple of unique things for people who are 21 and older, such as a four-foot-deep swimming pool,” Smith says. “We have a few tables by the dock where the younger ones can dine with their parents, but you must be 21 or older to swim or hang out by the pool because we want a relaxing, adult environment.” Specialty drinks are the Caribbean Sunset and the Bushwacker, and you can take them to the pool area.

They have acoustic music almost every Sunday in the summer, and sometimes have other types of live music on Friday and Saturday. They can seat about 100 people inside.

“We are a private club, and you have to be a member to eat here and to enjoy the pool, the lake views and great atmosphere,” Smith says. “You can pay by the month ($25), by the year ($240) or per visit. It’s $1 per visit if you’re eating, $10 if you’re just drinking and lounging poolside. There’s a $5 cover charge when we have entertainment.”

Spring Fling, a free event with music, kicks off the summer season on May 1, and another party, the Coosa Palooza, takes place the last weekend of August.

Open all year round, their summer hours (May 1- October 1) are 5 p.m. until “whenever” on Thursdays and Fridays, noon until “who-knows?” on Saturdays and Sundays. Smith says to check their Facebook page for winter hours.

Jack’s

Jack’s Family Restaurants are well known throughout Alabama and a few other Southern states, but the one at 1414 Rainbow Drive in Gadsden is unique. “We’re the only Jack’s in the company that has a boat dock,” says manager Toni Hubbard. “We even have a place at the dock where you can phone in your order, like at our drive-through, but it has a special ring so we know it’s from the pier.”

The menu has plenty of burgers, fries and specialty sandwiches, the latter changing from time to time, along with soft drinks, ice cream, milkshakes and fried pies. It also has chicken, both fried and grilled, and an extensive breakfast menu that includes the usual sausage, chicken, bacon or egg biscuits, along with a twist on the traditional gravy biscuits so beloved in the South: biscuits with chocolate gravy. “I used to eat that as a kid, but lots of people around here have never heard of it,” Hubbard says.

The boat dock, which is behind the restaurant, fits six to eight boats, and business booms from there during the summer. Jack’s also has a patio out back where lake people often come to dine. “When 4th of July is on a weekend, the boat dock is in constant use due to the fireworks on the lake,” Hubbard says. “The dock is really busy during fishing tournaments, too.”

Jack’s is open seven days a week all year. Their hours are 5 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays and weekdays, and 5 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Whether boaters call in their orders ahead of time or after they dock, a server will deliver their food to the pier.

Chili’s

Chili’s Grill & Bar, 340 Albert Rains Blvd. Gadsden (Neely Henry) has a boardwalk area at the dock, which is about 20 yards behind the restaurant. The dock will accommodate four boats.

“Behind the restaurant is a koi pond, and closer to the river and docking area are a splash pad and pavilion,” says manager Eli Trembler. “During summer when the weather is nice, people often pull up and place a to-go order, while others come inside and eat.”

A national chain, Chili’s specializes in ribs, fajitas and burgers. “All of our ribs are smoked in-house, and our fresh meat comes in twice a week, so our burgers are never frozen,” Trimble says. “One of our most popular is the Boss Burger, which consists of a half-pound beef patty with pork brisket, jalapeño sausage and bacon, all topped with barbecue sauce. We have a three-for-$10 special that offers a drink, appetizer and entrée from a select menu all day, every day.”

Open seven days per week, their hours are 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays and 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings, 91 East Chestnut St., Gadsden (Neely Henry), has a pier about 100 feet from the back of the restaurant that will accommodate four boats, according to manager Jose River. “We actually have a decent amount of people using it,” Rivera says. “We do take-out orders by boat, too. You can call it in to us, and we can take it to you at the pier.”

An Alabama-based chain, Buffalo Wild Wings serves mainly what its name implies: wings. In the Gadsden area, however, it’s all about the burgers, says Rivera. “Some of the best we’ve ever created are right here, and they’re top-notch,” he says. “For example, we have the All-American that is a full hamburger with condiments, American cheese, two hamburger patties and bacon. Our Bacon Hatch Smash Chili Burger has Hatch green chilis, Fresno peppers, and we smash bacon bits into the meat before we cook it.”

 Open seven days a week, on Tuesdays, the restaurant offers a BOGO for traditional wings, and on Thursdays a BOGO for boneless wings. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. “When the COVID pandemic is over, we might have some live entertainment,” Rivera says. The restaurant serves alcohol.

Wellington Bleus

Wellington Bleu’s, 1504 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, currently uses a neighbor’s dock that’s behind the restaurant. But the new steakhouse may be building its own pier soon. “We’re working on a way to call from your boat,” says owner Scott Barkley. “Then we’ll deliver there.”

A classic steakhouse, Wellington cooks up gourmet dishes with a flair and serves them in a casual but elegant atmosphere, according to Barkley. Beef Wellington is their signature dish, but they also do prime beef steaks and a variety of fresh seafood, from mahi-mahi to scallops and shrimp.

“We do catering and business lunches, and we have a huge meeting room for families or businesses to entertain,” Barkley says. “Our outdoor patio can be used for everyday dining or meetings, too.”

 The restaurant first opened for a few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, then full blast after New Year’s Day. It’s closed Sundays and Mondays, but that is subject to change. “We may be open for Sunday lunch by the time readers see this,” he says. As of this writing, hours are 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. weekdays and 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. on Saturdays, year-round. Barkley advises people to check the restaurant’s Facebook page to keep up with new days, hours and menu selections.

Editor’s Note:Little Bridge Marina at 70 Wharton Bend Rd., in Rainbow City, expanded and reopened April 10 after a fire. It does feature outdoor dining accessible by boat.

A full story about its return is planned in the next issue of LakeLife 24/7.

Greensport still a destination point for memories – old and new

Story by Leigh Pritchett

Photos By David Smith
Submitted photos from Margaret Green,
Beth Evans-Smith, Tammy Lowery
and Stephanie Evans.

Along the shores of Neely Henry Lake is an expanse that has been in one family eight generations.

Its history holds stories of ferry rides, steamboat races, a comic strip character and a message in a bottle.

It is also a story of drawing the past into the present

to preserve for the future. Six-year-old David Evans IV and five-year-old brother, Josiah, are that future and the eighth generation to live on land called “Greensport.”

The boys’ parents, David Evans III and wife, Stephanie, have mixed amenities with pieces of history and cradled them in family and tradition.

The couple assumed operations of the marina, park and campground in February 2020 and are undertaking many projects to make it a premier destination with a secure, family atmosphere.

With the assistance of developer Dale Owens, 90 to 100 RV spaces, with full hook-up and high-speed wireless internet, already have been created. In addition, the expanse features a beach, in-ground pool, vintage store, bath house, laundry facilities, playground and jumping pillow, volleyball court, cornhole, fire pits, golf-cart-friendly biking and walking trails, dog park, boat storage and fueling areas.

A large pavilion at the tip of a peninsula called “The Island” has become a popular setting for gatherings and weddings.

“There’s not a weekend we don’t have it rented out,” said Stephanie, a marketing specialist.

Day-use picnic pavilions line the shore where, in yesteryear, a ferry docked. Already, the pavilions are booked into summer 2021.

“We stay at 95 percent capacity during the week and that goes up to 100 percent on the weekend,” Stephanie said of the pavilions.

Campers from nearly all 50 states, British Columbia and the United Kingdom have stayed at the RV park, she said.

The couple have further plans for a restaurant right at the lake’s edge, an on-site food vendor, another pool, a 120-foot pier and additional RV spaces so that the park can accommodate up to 150 rigs. An original lake house is to be relocated and repurposed for a game room and laundry.

At the same time, the land retains its centuries-old agricultural legacy and has been named an Alabama Bicentennial Farm. “We raise our own line of cattle … (and) market our USDA-inspected beef in the (park) store,” said David III.

‘Steeped in history’

Those conversant with the history of the surrounding area say its name could have been “Green’s Port” at one time, eventually becoming “Greensport.” Or perhaps, it was always “Greensport.”

Regardless, there was a port and “Green’s Ferry was chartered by an act of the legislature with Jacob Green as the bonded ferryman,” notes the book, History of St. Clair County (Alabama), by Mattie Lou Teague Crow. “… The place became Greensport.”

The generations — Dave Evans III, standing; Dave Evans Jr. seated with Dave Evans IV, AKA Quade, and Josiah Evans

Jacob Green was the first of the eight generations to be on the land.

Beth Evans-Smith, the sister of David III, said Jacob settled in the area sometime around 1818.

Jacob had fought in the Revolutionary War as a teenager and in the War of 1812, Beth and David III said. Beth said it is possible Jacob received the acres of “Beaver Valley” farmland as compensation for his military service.

A narrow Coosa River meandered through the farmland, Beth continued.

Greensport is “really steeped in a lot of history,” said Beth, who still lives on the family land. Soldiers during the War of 1812 and the Civil War crossed the Coosa River at Greensport. Native-American artifacts reveal that it held significance for them, too.

Margaret Green of Ashville, a distant cousin of Beth and David III, said Native-American fish weirs have been seen when the water was low. Beth added that David III has a corn-grinding stone one of their ancestors was given by a Native American who befriended them.

Farmers brought their cotton and other crops to the port to be transported to market upriver. Shoals made the river going southward unnavigable, Beth said.

Between 1879 and 1890, three locks were built in an attempt to open navigation south of Greensport. The locks were about .68 miles, 3.86 miles and 5.24 miles below Greensport, according to History of St. Clair County. “The dam for the fourth lock was completed by 1892, … 26 miles below Greensport. The locks for this dam were never (built).” Thus, the river was unnavigable beyond that. “… When the railroads gained a monopoly on freight, and Congress failed to appropriate sufficient funds to cover operational costs, the locks were no longer used.”

The first steamboat to travel the Coosa River sailed from Greensport in 1845. It was the U.S.M. Coosa and transported mail to Rome, Ga., notes History of St. Clair County.

“Throughout the 19th century, Greensport was an important port in the trade routes of the state,” the book continues. “… There were steamboats coming to Greensport every day.”

Periodic steamboat races drew excited crowds along the route, Crow writes.Margaret, who taught in Pell City schools, has three binders of photos and information on the area and probably “a picture of every steamboat that went through Greensport.”

As a port town, Greensport bustled with activity. “It was a big to-do,” Margaret said. “It wasn’t just a little, tiny nothing. It was a thriving community.”

The onboard happenings of one steamboat, the Leota, provided ideas for the character “Popeye.”

“Tom Sims, a cartoonist who wrote ‘Popeye the Sailor Man,’ drew inspiration from his own experiences on working on a

steamboat,” Justinn Overton, executive director of Coosa Riverkeeper, states on the website, coosariver.org. “… Tom lived in Ohatchee, Ala.,, and used the sites, the people, and his father’s steamboat, the Leota, as inspiration for the comic strip.”

The Greensport ferry garnered interest of its own.

An article from the Sept. 19, 1928, edition of The Anniston  Star notes that using the ferry would cut 30 miles off a trip from Birmingham to Atlanta.The newspaper’s June 20, 1954, issue states the ferry was quite busy some football Saturdays. “They say that when Alabama used to play Georgia Tech, the cars would stack up for a mile waiting to get across the river,” David Evans Sr., the grandfather of Beth and David III, is quoted as saying. The ferry was also a Sunday destination, as people came just to ride it across and back.

David Sr. and son David Evans Jr. were the last two operators of the ferry, David III said.

The ferry was still in operation in 1957. Beth’s father, David Jr., piloted the ferry until he took a steel plant job. She said a man often brought his special needs child to ride the ferry, and her dad always helped the child embark and disembark. One time, her dad mentioned needing another job, and the child’s father suggested applying at Republic Steel in Gadsden. When her dad did apply, that man happened to be the interviewer, and David Jr. started work immediately.

David Sr. served as St. Clair County’s sheriff for a time, Beth and David III said.

Of the land that stretches in every direction from the store, David III said, “It’s been part of my life since the beginning.”

As young children, he and Beth lived in the home their grandfather had built. David III pointed to a place in the lake to show where the home sat.

In their youth, he and Beth raised heifers and horses. They learned to work, be responsible and deal with the public, Beth said. “We learned a lot.”

On weekends, people who knew their grandfather when he was in the coal mining business in Bibb County often camped on the property. Those, Beth said, were always fun times. “We had a great childhood.”

“Pop” Hoffman, a man known for killing and stuffing rattlesnakes, lived on the premises as well. “He took care of us during the day,” Beth said, referring to her and David III. “(Pop) was our babysitter. … Pop was a grand person. I didn’t know he wasn’t related to me when I was young.”

Dave Evans Sr. at the store

A prominent memory for her cousin, Margaret, is of her and Beth playing on the newly built piers before the lake appeared.

“We’d just run and jump (off the piers) like we were Superman,” Margaret said.

The marina and park hold a lot of memories as well for Allen Beavers of Attalla.

The 51-year-old said he has been going there since age 5.

As a teen, “(every) Saturday and Sunday during the summer, we were there,” Allen said.

He and wife Tina now vacation there three to four weeks a year, with future plans to stay for months at a time.

Following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis seven years ago, Allen vowed to go every weekend, rain or shine. The couple reserve a day-use picnic pavilion, enjoy the scenery and talk with other picnickers in a setting that Allen describes as “family.”

“I love the place so much,” he said. “… Even if I’m in a wheelchair, I want to be down there.”

Tammy Lowery can understand. She has fond, childhood memories of summer fun and family time on the land. “We would go there and swim for the day and barbecue with the family.”

After vacationing there in 2020, Tammy and husband Dale decided to sell their home in Attalla, buy a fifth-wheel rig, and become permanent residents of the RV park. Son Mason is at college, but son Brayden has an RV in the park as well.

Tammy and Dale now serve as camp hosts, assisting campers after hours.

“We just loved it so much, we never went back home,” Tammy said.

Finding a treasure

A bottle that was floating on the lake at Greensport RV Park was as ordinary as any other bottle floating on a lake.

Day use pavilions perfect for outdoor enjoyment

But its contents and 34-year journey were not ordinary at all.

The bottle and the lives touched by it are highlighted by Fred Hunter of Birmingham’s WBRC-6 in an Aug. 24, 2020, post on wbrc.com.

The post reveals that, in 1986, Argin Hulsey wrote a message, put it in a bottle and prayed over it. Then, he tossed it into Nance’s Creek near Piedmont in Calhoun County – far upstream from Greensport RV Park. Argin trusted that God would put the message in the right hands at the right time.

When the Evanses’ friend, Brandi Rhoades of Springville, found the bottle in the summer of 2020 as she was helping to clean the river banks, she knew it was something special. She called Stephanie and David III to look at the contents, where they opened the message together.

According to the post, this is Argin’s message that traveled through time to reach the Evans family:

“God intended marriage to be a reflection of the unity of The Godhead, an earthly portrait of his Divine Image. Since there are no perfect people, the achievement of that unity requires a choice, a commitment and acceptance of responsibility to the mate and to the children who will be influenced in the family setting.”