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Logan Martin Lakefest and Boat Show 2026

Lake’s biggest party returns for 16th year

Story by Paul South
Submitted photos

What may be the biggest lake party in Alabama returns for its 16^th edition Mother’s Day weekend.

Logan Martin Lakefest and Boat Show will once again generate funds for charity, while at the same time cooking up a greater sense of community. Over the years, the festival has raised some $500,000 for good causes across St. Clair County.

LakeFest is set for May 8-10 at Pell City’s Lakeside Park. And while there will be some new wrinkles for festival goers this year, the family friendly recipe remains the same – hot live music, tasty food and drink, sleek new boats and a variety of vendors.

Bass boats, personal watercraft, ATVs and more on display

A patriotic spirit flows through the event annually, particularly in this, America’s 250^th year. A Friday night fireworks display will honor veterans from the Col. Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home.

“Me and the other event producers are just blessed,” said Lakefest Director Eric Housh. “The support we get from the (Pell City) Fire Department, Police Department and the city itself and our wonderful core group of sponsors and other businesses in the community, I won’t say it’s easy to pull off, but it’s not as a difficult as it used to be.”

In cities and towns across the country, festivals come and go. But there’s a secret sauce that’s kept LakeFest rocking for nearly two decades.

“I think from the start, our mission and our purpose was to bring the community together and do something good for the community,” Housh said. “I think once you have a purpose that all your sponsors and everybody affiliated with the event can really buy into, it kind of serves as your North Star.”

As it has been from day one, Lakefest admission is free. For Housh, the event serves as the unofficial kickoff of the summer, prime time on Logan Martin.

“People come out, and they’ve got their lake houses ready. They’ve got their boats ready,” he said. “They’re ready to engage with some vendors and boat dealers and maybe spend a little money and get ready for the summer season.”

For years now, Lakefest has been drawing huge crowds to Logan Martin

Dozens of vendors are expected, including artists and sellers of home goods, apparel, home services and more, tailored to the lake lifestyle. A small fleet of gourmet food trucks are part of the festivities with offerings from popular spots like Moody’s Carpenetti’s New York Style Pizza, Down South BBQ and local taco trucks.

Snacks like fresh boiled peanuts, lemonade and D&W Kettle Corn are just part of the food lineup.

Throughout the festival’s history, the community has always come first. And it has responded. Some 50-60,000 people turned out for last year’s event.

“The community has always been our focus, “ Housh said. “I think that serves us well. Our crowds have always been fantastic and increase every year. We try to do something new and different to keep crowds coming back every year.”

Housh praised the small army of volunteers, led by Judy Carr, Justin Hogeland and Kasey Flurry.

“We’ve just got a good team of folks that have done the event so much,” Housh said. “We know what to look out for. We know how to do different things to keep the public coming back and keep them happy.”

This year, Moms at the festival will get a special Mother’s Day treat – a Sunday mimosa.

The event kicks off on Friday, May 8 at 2 p.m., and continues until 9 that night. The fireworks show will be the culmination of the opening night. Fun resumes Saturday. Gates open at 10 and the festival lasts until 9 p.m. On Mother’s Day, festival hours are from noon until 5 p.m.

A drone’s eye view of festivities at Logan Martin Lakeside Park in Pell City

A Saturday feature is a children’s parade sponsored by Visit St. Clair, where kids dressed as mermaids and pirates can join the fun. Face painting and other fun are in store, too. The “Mermaids and Mateys” parade, patterned after New Orleans’ famous second line jazz parades, is co-sponsored by Coosa Riverkeeper. It will also provide environmental education for the kids.

Live music is a Lakefest tradition, but the lineup of bands – and some other surprises this year – were still being worked out at this writing.

“We’re still kind of cooking that up for this year,” Housh said. “You’ll see some familiar faces this year and probably some new acts as well.”

Lakefest began as a community fundraiser. Back then, the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association was raising funds for a wetlands boardwalk. The LMLPA asked local businessmen Jerry Woods, Lee Holmes, Joe Paul Abbott and Fred Casey if they could help. The men came up with the idea for Lakefest and asked Housh, then a member of the LMLPA board, to help.

“I had some event exposure,” Housh said. “I wouldn’t call it expertise at all. I’d done events before, so they brought me in and let me run with it.”

That inaugural event covered what was needed for the boardwalk and the rest is history.

The first couple of years were held at Horizons, downriver from where the event is now. The festival moved to its current location a couple of years later. Because it was in the Pell City limits, local police and fire were able to pitch in. That made a huge difference.

“That just kicked it into another gear,” Housh said.

Not only is it the largest festival on the lake. Lakefest may be the biggest in-water boat show in the state, if not the Southeast, Housh said.

“As far as pure attendance, I don’t know if there’s a bigger event on the lake in Alabama.”

Despite the large numbers, the festival doesn’t feel crowded.

“Even though it may seem a bit overwhelming, it doesn’t seem crowded at all,” Housh said.

Has the success of the festival been a surprise?

“If you had asked me 16 years ago if I thought I would be doing it in 16 years, I probably would have said no,” Housh said. “I would have thought this is something we would do for four or five years, raise a little money and let the event run its course. But early on, seeing the response of the community, local businesses and entrepreneurs and the city leaders, it became clear to us that this was an event that people valued and wanted to see succeed,”

Housh refuses to take credit for the event’s success. “The success of Lakefest is completely attributable to the buy-in in this community and by the folks that have been our sponsors for the last 16 years.”

The festival’s ability to bring the community together is important, said St. Clair Tourism Coordinator Blair Goodgame. Also, the festival highlights the lake lifestyle.

“Anything where we are able to do to gather our community together is huge,” Goodgame said. “The volunteers, businesses, civic groups, families, when all of those people are coming together, it really shows how special the area is and how special Pell City is.”

She added, (the festival) is one that people just rally around. It creates a shared sense of pride which is what we always want in tourism. We want our locals to tell others where they are and how proud they are about it.”

The proceeds go to helping local charities in Pell City and St. Clair County

Housh and his team earned high marks.

“They do a fantastic job promoting the event,” Goodgame said. “They make sure it’s promoted beyond St. Clair County. What they’ve been able to give back to the community and to local charities is outstanding.”

The attendance and backing combined with the positive feedback affirm that the work is worth it. The nonprofit event benefits charities in the area.

“That’s incredibly rewarding,” Housh said. “When we cut checks, a lot of the charities we help don’t know they’re getting the money. It’s really a blessing to be able to bless those that are giving so much back to our community.”

For Housh, one word best describes the importance of Lakefest: Community.

“A lot of folks will move all around their whole life and never really find a really good supportive community. In the 16 years, we’ve never had a (negative) incident out there. You think about it: We’re running 50,000 people in and out of a confined space, and the public’s never acted up. We’ve never had to arrest anybody or escort anybody out, or had any safety issues. It’s just a really great community.”

What does he love best about LakeFest? “I love throwing the biggest party on the lake. I love supporting local charities. I love showing some love to our veterans. And as sadistic as this sounds, I love the grind of putting this thing together every year and having the satisfaction of seeing this happen.

“If I had to boil it down to one thing, it’s just this community and what it means to me and what it means to everybody who lives here.”

For newcomers to Lakefest, Housh made a point. It’s about community.

“This is a safe, free, family friendly event. It’s basically the more the merrier. If you go out there, you’re going to see the best people in our community. Our vendors have the best art and clothes and house stuff, and there are folks representing home services,” Housh said.

“If you come out, you’re going to meet a lot of other folks, learn who they are and who their businesses are. If they haven’t been here before, come check us out. If they have, come back and see what’s new this year.”

Smoke on the Falls

BBQ cooking event returns to Gadsden area

Where there’s smoke, there’s championship barbecue. At least that’s the menu for April 3-4 at Smoke on the Falls Noccalula Barbecue Competition weekend.

Smoke on the Falls is back at the Noccalula Falls Campground in 2026 with the Kansas City Barbecue Society-certified barbecue contests pitting 60 plus teams through the Professional and Backyard division.

A children’s division is also a part of the competition.

It will be held at Noccalula Campground and is earning a national reputation through its affiliation with KCBS.

Spring Lantern Festival at Noccalula Falls

New event at iconic park is so cool

Story by Paul South
Submitted photos

Even before the first light’s glow at the inaugural Lantern Festival at Noccolula Falls Park and Campground, one of the area’s youngest residents was already abuzz about the newest event on Gadsden’s calendar.

“After school, I took my nine-year-old daughter Lizzy by where they were unloading the lanterns and things when they were setting up,” said Noccalula Falls Park and Campground Director Brandson Stephens. Her first words when we pulled up were, ‘Gosh Dad, that’s so cool!’”

Dazzling lights cast in the spirit of Chinese legend and lore, as well as world-class Chinese acrobats are wowing visitors amid the natural wonders of Noccalula Falls Park on weekends – Friday through Sunday through April 5 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. From the excitement already evident, prepare to be amazed.

“This enchanting night walk, inspired by traditional lantern festivals is the perfect adventure for friends and families,” according to event organizer Kaleido Entertainment (kaleido.com), and its ticketing platform, feverup.com. “Wander through hundreds of glowing lanterns, enjoy live acrobatic performances, grab tasty bites from local vendors and soak in a magical atmosphere surrounded by nature.”

Tickets for the family-friendly event range from $15.99-$21.99 per person. Children three and under are admitted free. Local vendors will have food and drink available for purchase.

The lights and entertainment are only part of the story. As the event weekends move deeper into spring, the magic of the park’s plant life – hyacinths, buttercups and daffodils, will blossom, dependent on the weather. The festival and the flowers make this the unofficial start of spring, Stephens said.

“We used to open later and that would give us time to get the Christmas lights down,” Stephens said. “But there was so much blooming in late February that would die out by the time we opened in late March and the first of April, so we decided to open earlier. The lantern festival (organizers) reached out to us and said they wanted to come, so it was a perfect fit.”

Live performers are on hand to entertain and amaze

Stephens added, “All those flowers are coming up and blooming and sprouting, and if the weather is warm enough, you might even see azaleas popping up about that time.”

Kaleido Entertainment operates the festival, which brings a combination of art, tradition, talent and technology together for an amazing experience.

Chinese lantern festivals date back to the Han Dynasty that began more than 200 years B.C. The festival grew during the Tang Dynasty (608-907 A.D.). The displays have grown through the years into widespread celebrations. The lanterns symbolize wishes for prosperity and brighter futures.

The acrobats will be a first for the park. “The acrobats, we’ve never had anything like that inside the park,” Stephens said. “That’s going to be pretty cool.”

Food trucks will be on hand and music will be piped in through the park.

The train, the animal habitat and the petting zoo, three park mainstays, will be on hand as always at the park. The petting zoo has some new arrivals – monkeys, sloths and Highland cattle, the long-haired bovines that are always popular. A small family of kangaroos and a toucan now call the park home.

“What’s cool about Noccalula Falls, too, is that when you come in, you’re still getting the train ride. You’re still getting to visit the animal habitat and the petting zoo and seeing everything that’s new there.”

The park also features 16 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Stephens and the crew at Noccalula Falls have been going full blast during the holiday season, first with its Christmas event and now with the Spring Lantern Festival.

“It’s been a chore, because we only had two weeks to remove a lot of our items that take us months to put up, so that (Kaleido) could come in and unload their stuff.”

The last trucks for the lantern event were unloaded in late January.

For Stephens, who began his love affair with the park as a kid, the Spring Lantern Festival is another magical chapter. “My Dad would bring me and my brother down here, and we would go underneath the falls and be walking the trails when people used to collect driftwood that would wash up,” Stephens recalled.

“There was a tennis court across the road and evidently, people were really horrible at tennis because they were hitting the ball over the fence and into the creek. My Dad would be getting driftwood, and my brother and I would take plastic bags and collect tennis balls, take them home and play home run derby.”

He added, “But when you’re here, you’re in nature. You get to clear your mind, relax and enjoy what’s around you. You’re in the city, but you’re out of the city. (Kaleido) reaching out to us is a testament to how big Noccalula has grown. The company reached out to us, I think because they see how much the park has grown.”

During the Christmas season alone, some 110,000 visitors came to the park.

Stephens gives high marks to his team at the park that works night and day to prepare for events like the Spring Lantern Festival.

“The team at Noccalula Falls is the best anywhere,” Stephens said. “They’re passionate about what they do. They’re passionate about the falls. These same guys are also cutting grass. They’re also landscaping. They also have to take care of everything inside and outside the park.

“A lot of people don’t know that they take care of 50-plus properties downtown. It’s a lot.”

But even when they’re weary, something changes when families come into the park at Christmas, or in February when the Lantern Festival gleams brightly, acrobats soar and joy abounds.

“We hear that kid, or we see those kids coming through … smiling and saying, ‘Look, Mom. Look, Dad.’ It gives you a second wind.”

Excitement was building weeks before opening weekend. “You can almost feel it,” Stephens said then, “because nothing around here has ever been done like this. There’s a buzz around it. I know when the kids see what they’re putting out there, they’re going to love it.”

Wildgame Wild Game Cook-off returns to Talladega Superspeedway

Cooking event an annual draw for Central Alabama and beyond

With names like Kickin’ Quail Quesadillas, Gobblin’ Turkey Taco Soup and Venison Bang Bang Chili, you know culinary creativity is at the pinnacle and tastebuds are sure to be tantalized.

That’s just what you would expect from the Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off. The regional cook-off in Talladega is set for Saturday, March 14 at 4 p.m., at Talladega Superspeedway. Tickets are $50 for up to two adults.

The Talladega cook-off is part of a statewide effort to support Alabama Wildlife Federation. Local AWF chapters host annual Wild Game Cook-Offs across the state and “everyone is invited to participate,” according to AWF. “These competitions are excellent ways for backyard chefs to show off their culinary skills and enjoy some good ‘ol fashion fun, fellowship and fabulous food.

Whether it’s fish, fowl or game, this cook-off has it all. There’s even a youth division.

If you would rather eat than compete, you can sample some of the best wild game dishes around. Previous winning creations in the past have included “Grilled Dove Breast,” “Smoked Venison with Cajun Wild Rice,” and “Flounder stuffed with Shrimp and Crab topped with a Butter Cream Sauce.”

Other activities and entertainment are part of the day’s festivities. Music, door prizes, raffles, and a silent auction that includes outdoor themed art prints and ladies’ items.

For more information, contact AWF at (334) 285-4550. To register your team or purchase a ticket online, go to: AlabamaWildlife.org.

Tiki Hut kicks off lake season

A new Logan Martin tradition is born

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos courtesy of Tiki Hut

When the Tiki Hut opens on Logan Martin May 2, it’s not just a date on the calendar to circle, but circle it anyway – it’s the unofficial start of lake season, and it’s a party to remember.

For locals and visitors collectively, it’s a destination point, a ritual and a lake life tradition all rolled into one fun gathering place to celebrate another season on the water.

Now in its fifth year, Tiki Hut has evolved into an event celebrated weekend after weekend all summer long. Cups and apparel will commemorate the fifth anniversary this season.

Everyone will be enjoying their best lakeside living on Logan Martin as the weather warms up

With its island vibe and lakefront view, patrons arrive by boat, car and on foot just to join in the revelry. Although famous for its frozen adult beverages, it’s a family gathering spot as well with Tiki Hut Jr., River’s Edge Burgers & Breakfast, River’s Edge Marina, tiny homes rentals, a beach and playground area and 60 boat slips to accommodate the crowds lured its way.

Manager Michael Emerick and owner Paul Emerick previewed what’s in store this season. On opening day, May 2, Skier’s Marine will present an in-water boat show.

But the big celebration comes May 16 at the summer kick-off event with live music, plenty of food and drink throughout and of course, games and other activities. Performances will feature South Bound Music, 2 Da Max and Love Chyld. DJ performances will be between sets from DJIV sponsored by ABC Towing as presenting sponsor, along with Capps Painting, Stone Concepts, Woods Surfside Marina, ERA King and A Plus Tire & Auto.

Guests gather at the bar and along the beach

Open Friday nights from 5 to 9, Saturdays until 8 p.m. and Sundays until 5 p.m., it will feature bands every Saturday night beginning with the summer kickoff. Hunt Bros. Pizza is being added this year to help with food options, and Tiki Hut Jr. is being expanded to accommodate pizza.

The Emericks are adding to the playground. Bingo is back on every other Friday night, run by Nic Nic (Nicole) and Ma (Tanya), beginning May 29. Small bands will play on the other Friday nights, beginning May 22.

On the 4^th of July, there won’t be fireworks, but a daytime concert series is planned, headlined by Poison Whiskey.

River’s Edge and Tiki Hut will help sponsor nearby Pier 59’s Poker Run as part of its Christmas in July events to raise funds for Christmas gifts for children at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.

On Aug. 1, the Greater Birmingham Homeowners Association will hold its poker run there, and Tiki Hut will feature a band during the festivities.

While the Tiki Hut closes in September, it does reopen for a special event – Boo Bash After Party –October 3. It’s the perfect exclamation point for a day of fun as Logan Martin hosts this dock-to-dock trick-or-treating extravaganza. Tiki Hut is the presenting sponsor, helping make it possible.

It also helps sponsor Dam Palooza, a giant boat tie-up at the dam with plenty of live entertainment and good times. The 13th annual event is set for June 27.

At the five-year mark for Tiki Hut, the 13^th season for the restaurant and the 19^th season for the marina, the Emericks reflected on the motivation behind their giving and supporting events around the lake, not just their own.

“The lake’s been a big factor in our growth,” said Paul, “and we want to make the lake a better place.”

Son Michael echoed the sentiments: “The lake has given us a lot, and we just want to give back.”

Let the good times roll

Gadsden tops off Chili Cookoff with a Mardi Gras parade

Story by Roxann Edsall
Submitted Photos

There’s a party going on next month in the streets of Gadsden. Call it a cultural fusion, if you will. A newly formed Mardi Gras krewe will be celebrating the end of Carnival season by leading a parade of floats through the downtown area on Feb. 7, shortly after the winners of the annual chili cookoff are announced.

An unlikely pairing, perhaps, but both Chili and Mardi Gras share a history of beginnings in Texas, Louisiana and Alabama. Steeped in cultural heritage, both are seasoned with spice and community. Chili originated in Texas, but is infused with a blend of Spanish, Native American and Mexican influences. Mardi Gras, with origins in pagan spring festivals, later became known as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday, and is a unique blend of local influence and tradition.

Plans for the newest Mardi Gras parade began less than a year ago, when a handful of Gadsden residents began laying the groundwork for the first such event for their hometown.

While still small, at roughly a dozen members, the group has made a big impact in their local community already. Their mission is to help others and to bring joy and excitement to those around them. They’ve been living out that mission and promoting their new venture while volunteering around Gadsden with tourism initiatives and with the Salvation Army.

On Feb. 7, beginning at 4 p.m., the Krewe of Rowdy Revelers will certainly bring a smile to parade goers as they guide their Pirates of the Coosa ship down the streets of Gadsden, kicking off the inaugural Mardi Gras parade. “We will have a contest for the best float,” says Deborah Miller, half of the mother/daughter duo behind the krewe. “We are hoping to have 100 entries in the parade, either floats or groups walking. We hope businesses, committees and individuals will get in touch with us, and we’ll get them included.”

Miller’s daughter, Danielle Finch, says the pair have always enjoyed attending Mardi Gras parades in Mobile and hope to bring that level of excitement to Gadsden, along with the resulting infusion of sales for local businesses. “My favorite float was one I saw in Mobile. My husband and I love NASCAR, and this was a NASCAR-themed float,” Finch said. “But I like any kind of float with people who are excited and are throwing things!”

There will, of course, be throws, those traditional necklaces and small items that are the signature of any Mardi Gras parade. “We do want to stress that it’s family friendly,” says Miller. “We’re going for good, clean fun.”

“We’re very excited to have the first krewe of Mardi Gras in Gadsden,” says Kay Moore, director of Downtown Gadsden, Inc., the organization co-hosting the event. “With the parade coming after the chili cookoff, it should keep people downtown to eat and to shop.” Plans are to finish the cookoff and announce the winners at 2 p.m. and start the parade on 7^th Street at 4. I’ve never been to a Mardi Gras parade before,” adds Moore, “so I’m really interested to see how it goes.”

Gadsden’s Chili Cookoff has been a crowd favorite for many years. This is the 18^th year for the spicy shindig on the banks of the Coosa River, which serves as a fundraiser for Downtown Gadsden, Inc. Proceeds from ticket sales are used to fund ongoing downtown improvements. The winner receives the coveted laser-cut chili cookoff trophy. There are cash prizes for first, second and third place and a people’s choice award voted by the crowd.

There wouldn’t even be a chili cookoff if it hadn’t been for the 1893 World’s Fair. A San Antonio food stand there introduced a spicy, saucy dish called chili. Its popularity and variety in recipes inspired the competitive spirit that brought about modern-day chili cookoffs.

When you walk down the streets of Gadsden mid-morning on Feb. 7, the smell of chili and various peppers will be strong, particularly on Broad Street between 4^th and 6^th Streets. “We close the streets for two blocks and set up the chili cookers on the sidewalks,” says Moore. We usually have about 30 teams competing, but we have room for 35.”

Each team is assigned a number and cups with those numbers are filled for the blind tastings by the judges. “I’m the only one who has the key to what number corresponds with what team,” explains Moore. “The judges have no clue whose chili they’re tasting.”

What the judges are looking for is texture, flavor, consistency and aroma. Specifically, the texture of the meat cannot be tough or mushy, but meat should be permeated with flavor and have a good blend of spices. The chili should be a nice balance of hot and mild, and there should be a smooth combination of meat and gravy and not be too thin or too thick. And there should be a pleasant aroma as dictated by the judges.

People tend to be passionate about their chili recipes. Chili is a sensory dish, and its flavor profile is as unique as its list of ingredients. Does the recipe call for beans? Tomato or no tomato? What type of meat is included – ground chuck, brisket, turkey, sausage, chicken or venison?

The teams will start cooking early in the morning, with all recipes available for sampling starting at noon. Tickets for samples are $1 each or 6 for $5. “Spoons up at noon, then people just wander the streets and eat chili,” Moore says. “We usually have about a thousand people attend. It’s a good time.”

Teams can be added on a space-available basis before Feb. 4. Those wanting to reserve T-shirts will need to sign up two weeks prior to that.

Wander the streets of Gadsden enjoying different chili recipes, then hang out for the parade a few hours later. It’s a full day party, and you’re invited. Let the good times roll, or as the Rowdy Revelers say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!”

Editor’s Note: For more information on the Gadsden Chili Cookoff, contact Kay Moore at kay@downtowngadsden.org. For more information on the Gadsden Mardi Gras Parade, contact Deborah Miller at kreweofrowdyrevelers@gmail.com or deborahmiller72@outlook.com.

Christmas on the Coosa

Gadsden turns riverside park into winter wonderland

Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos

Folks in Gadsden are crazy about Christmas, and it shows. All you had to do is look no further than the city’s Riverside Park during the holiday season to see yet another way Gadsden rolls out the red carpet for residents and visitors alike.

A 60-by-100-foot ice skating rink, bright lights, fire pits and Alabama’s tallest Christmas tree towering 78 feet tall made this Christmas season merry and bright, not to mention taking the celebration to the next level with food trucks, live music and a breathtaking view of the river.

A newly constructed observation deck allows visitors to watch the skaters and to view the river. The tree was lit on Thanksgiving Eve. You could say the city earned a nickname as North Pole South.

“It’s a very intimate setting,” Janet Tarrance, the city’s director of special events, said. “It gives you the Christmas feel overlooking the Coosa out there that’s absolutely beautiful.”

This year’s festivities unwrapped a new gift for revelers, ice bumper cars. The iconic amusement park ride gave riders a chance to work out holiday frustrations. Twelve electrically powered cars scooted around the ice for a stocking full of fun fender benders.

The cars have four wheels and two joysticks for steering. “They are really a lot of fun,” Tarrance said. “Going across that ice feels a lot faster than it actually is. People really enjoyed it. It seems like there were more adults enjoying (the cars) than the kids.”

Ice skating is in its third year. Initially, the rink was a synthetic surface, but now, skaters can slide and glide elegantly on real ice. Ice skating began on Nov. 28 and continued until Dec. 23. The bumper cars returned and will be available until Jan. 10.

“When we started the skating, Mayor (Craig) Ford said it was like skating on cardboard. Now we have real ice,” Tarrance said.

Bumper car admission is $10 per person for a 10-minute ride. Skating admission is $12 during the week, $15 on weekends. Ice skates are included. Bumper car riders must be at least 42 inches tall and weigh no more than 300 pounds.

“Not everybody can ice skate, but most everybody can do bumper cars,” she said, “They’re super fun.”

Perfect complements

When you think about ice rinks and frosty air, thoughts inevitably turn to hot chocolate, cider and coffee. Local vendors offered a variety of festive food and drink. 3 Crow Coffee served a variety of coffee drinks. DonutNV (cq) cooked up gourmet donuts and folks were even able to watch the sweet, round treats being made.

Attalla’s Chill Spot served its lolly waffles, a deep-fried cake-like dessert with different toppings. And pizza cones were crafted from pizza dough filled with sauce and toppings.

Funkee Franks (cq) tempted hungry visitors with gourmet hot dogs, smashburgers and Cajun fries.

For folks wanting something stronger to fight off the winter chill, they could visit Frosty’s, a city run bar that offered Christmas cocktails, beer, wine and shots.

Celebrating the holidays by Neely Henry Lake

Rounding out the offerings was plenty of swag – sweatshirts, gloves and toboggans available for purchase.

Maintaining an ice rink has had its share of challenges, given an unseasonably warm Alabama November, but crews have worked tirelessly to maintain the rink, Tarrance said. Music was piped in, but on special nights, live music and Santa Claus entertained the crowds

Folks from all around – Etowah County, Anniston, Birmingham, Huntsville and from as far away as Tennessee and Georgia flocked to the city to enjoy the holiday fun.

“It’s another way to attract tourism and bring people to Gadsden, to do the ice skating, to do the bumper cars, to go to Noccalula,” Tarrance said. “We have a lot of things happening in Gadsden. We’re growing and it’s exciting to see. Everybody’s energy is just full force. It’s hard not to get excited.”

Skating and bumper cars aren’t just activities. The attractions are a place for making holiday magic, Tarrance said.

“Really and truly, if you want to make some fun memories that have a big city feel in a small, classy, little town, you need to come to Gadsden, because we are full of Christmas spirit and we have a lot of things that bigger cities have, but we are considered a smaller city.”

Tarrance added, “If you haven’t been to Gadsden, you will fall in love with it. It is a magical city, especially during Christmas. I think it’s absolutely wonderful, what we have done.”

Tarrance tells the story of a Birmingham Mom with a disability who came to the rink on a November Sunday with her eight children. The woman was in a wheelchair, but her heart’s desire was to ride in the bumper cars with her kids.

“My employees were able to help her get into a car and make memories with her kids,” Tarrance said. “She wouldn’t have been able to get on the ice otherwise. But my employees wanted to make sure she could do that … Those kids won’t forget that.”

There is a lyric from a popular Christmas tune that calls Christmas, “the time of year when the world falls in love.”

Think about that Birmingham mother, her children and the helping hands and hearts of Gadsden city employees.

That’s love.

And at the end of the day, love is what Christmas is all about, even with a bumper car.

Legends Boat Show

Returning to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame

A pair of boat dealers on Logan Martin Lake had an idea that grew from a simple open house. And as good ideas often do, it’s still growing.

Mark Hildebrant of Woods Surfside Marina and Rodney Humphries of Rodney’s Marine began their joint venture as an open house at their respective dealerships. From there, they moved to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame as a small boat show.

Indoor venue makes the perfect all-weather boat show location

It’s appropriately called Legends Boat Show because it brings legends in the boating world at the place where motorsports legends are built.

In contrast to other boat shows, “we wanted something people did not have to pay to get in or park,” Hildebrant said. “We will see how it grows over the coming years.”

By the looks of it so far, they have the makings of a thriving new year’s tradition as the first area boat show of the year – Jan. 16-18.

For 2026, the boat dealers will be Woods, Rodney’s and Woods and Water Powersports. Also featured will be Town & Country Ford, which will have vehicles onsite.

AmFirst federal credit union will be providing onsite financing for boats and vehicles.

Legends showcases pontoon boats from Bennington, Evotti, Starcraft and Manitou along with ATVs and 4-wheelers, golf carts and Waverunners. Dock companies and Realtors have joined the show as well, giving attendees an opportunity to see lake life and the outdoors up close from all angles.

Admission and parking aren’t the only perks free with this show. There will be a free concert Saturday night with Deputy 5.

Another successful Boo Bash

A day of Halloween fun on Logan Martin Lake

Ever seen creativity afloat? If you made it to Boo Bash on Logan Martin 2025, you couldn’t miss it.

From boats dressed as Pac Man, Creepy Castle and Ghostbusters, creative juices were flowing like Logan Martin Dam when the spillway gates are open.

Not to be outdone, docks were in full Halloween regalia with the likes of Pine Harbor Urgent Care, a not-so comforting medical theme of saws, knives, blood and bones.

Little Dock of Horrors was a double deck of ghoulish goblins, ghosts, and grimacing ghouls. And Fear the Pier had boats and revelers approaching with trepidation.

And Boo Slough made sure everyone got to enjoy the day. No dock? No boat? No problem. Logan Martin Lake Protection Association and Pell City Parks and Recreation hosted fun, inflatables and giveaways at Lakeside Park, easily accessible by vehicle, boat or on foot.

Now in its fourth year, Boo Bash has grown into a full-scale movement, bringing the entire lake community together in a festive seasonal celebration. And its proceeds go to a worthy cause – LMLPA’s safety program.

Think dock-to-dock trick-or-treating is just for kids? Think again. It’s hard to tell which age group has the most fun. There’s plenty of treats for adults and pooches, too.

Capped off with an after party at presenting sponsor, The Tiki Hut, Boo Bash gets bigger and better every year thanks to the two simple words that began it all – “What if?” The brainchild of Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard and bolstered by a growing army of volunteers, Boo Bash has now become a Logan Martin tradition.

And the Logan Martin community thanks all involved on an idea well done. See you next year!

A season of lights

Oxford and Pell City Shine Bright for the Holidays

Two East Alabama communities are set to dazzle once again this holiday season, each offering its own take on the magic of Christmas lights — from snow tubing and Santa’s Village in Oxford to a community-driven wonderland along the shores of Pell City’s Lakeside Park.

Oxford Festival of Lights

The 2025 Oxford Festival of Lights returns for its sixth season with more sparkle, more snow, and an extended calendar that gives families extra time to take in the show.

New this year are two winter attractions inside Santa’s Village, the grand finale after visitors drive through more than 2.5 million lights arranged in glowing displays around Choccolocco Park.

Snow Mountain Tubing will deliver the thrill of a multi-lane, 20-foot slide built on a blanket of real snow, while Frosty’s Playground offers a hands-on winter experience where children can make snow angels, build snowmen or toss snowballs.

With more to do, organizers have extended the normal run of the festival which will now begin November 21, 2025, and run through January 4, 2026, with new select weekday daytime hours and 1 p.m. until 10 p.m. on weekends for Santa’s Village.

Tickets for the drive-through and Santa’s Village are available beginning Oct. 1 at oxfordlights.com. Passes purchased in October will be discounted to $20 and automatically entered into a “Golden Ticket” drawing, which includes full admission and extra amenities from Santa’s Village.

“Over the past five years, we have had almost 250,000 come through the show,” said special events coordinator Madison Gardner. “We are looking forward to being bigger and better this year with more to do and the opportunity to come multiple times. We look forward to seeing everyone there and making memories with this special holiday experience.”

First Bank of Alabama returns as the primary sponsor for the Oxford Festival of Lights, which takes place at Choccolocco Park, 954 Leon Smith Parkway.

Pell City Lights in the Park

About 40 miles west, the glow of holiday cheer will also illuminate Lakeside Park in Pell City, where the 2025 Lights in the Park event will showcase more than 70 holiday displays and thousands of twinkling bulbs.

This year’s event opens Saturday, Nov. 29, and runs nightly through Dec. 31, with lights on until 9 p.m. each evening. Admission is free, and community members are already registering to take part in the display.

According to the city’s website, “We are thrilled with the growing excitement and dedication of our participants, which is what makes Lights in the Park such a cherished holiday tradition. As the event continues to grow, we are introducing a new Sustainability Initiative. This change ensures a spectacular and reliable event that brings joy to our entire community for years to come.”

The Sustainability Initiative encourages participants to help maintain and expand the light displays in one of two ways. They can pay a $50 non-refundable contribution fee at registration – funds the Parks and Recreation Department will use to purchase new displays – or provide a receipt showing at least $50 in new lights or display materials purchased within the past six months.

“Participants think of this as a direct investment in the event’s longevity and quality,” the city’s statement read. “Your contribution increases the number of lights in the park, either through your own display or by supporting the Pell City Parks & Recreation display.”

The city hopes the initiative will keep the event growing without losing its community spirit. Lights in the Park is hosted at Lakeside Park, 2801 Stemley Bridge Road in Cropwell, with entry through the Civic Center parking lot. For details or registration, visit pellcity.recdesk.com or follow Pell City Parks & Recreation and the city on Facebook.