Gadsden museum finding new ways to promote art for generations to come
When Ray Wetzel was in high school in Hokes Bluff, there was no art program. But through encouragement and mentoring, he followed his passion into college and emerged with a Fine Arts degree in painting.
Now, as director of Gadsden Museum of Art, Wetzel wants to provide to young people opportunities he lacked early on by promoting the arts in new and innovative ways.
May 8-9, art will take center stage – or in this case, center street – as Arts Trail on Broad arrives for its inaugural event sponsored by Alabama Arts Trail, City of Gadsden and Gadsden Museum of Art.
Feeling Light Headed by Stacy Holloway
The Arts Trail is a project of the Alabama Visual Arts Network which has been linking artists’ studios around the state for more than 60 years.
Arts Trail on Broad was “birthed” from the successes of Gadsden Arts Council’s Artoberfest in October in Alabama City, which seeks to bring arts to life around different arts organizations, such as music, dance and theatre.
Wetzel is a board member with Alabama Visual Arts Network and wanted to merge the idea with art as the centerpiece of a Broad Street event. It brings art groups to Gadsden in various mediums. There will be sculptures, murals, metal and iron works, painting and more with artist demonstrations up and down Broad Street.
Demonstrating artists will actively share their creative process with the public (for example: live painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, fiber, mixed media), while also having the opportunity to present and sell their work.
Friday’s events begin at 11 with demonstrations for high school students. The first leg of the two-day event is talking to young people – professional artists sharing their experiences, said Wetzel. “Art is a billion-dollar industry. It’s not a dead- end career. We want to encourage children to go into this field.”
Alabama Contemporary Art Center will bring “big name artists” to Gadsden, Wetzel said, heightening the draw of this new event.
True Colors, an Etowah County Schools art program for underserved students, will have an exhibition reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gadsden Museum of Art, and free music of all types will be performed throughout the weekend.
Works by Jonathan Peterson
Entertainment is nonstop on Friday night.
Maypole performance by the Downtown Dance Conservatory (6 p.m.) at Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Piano concert by Eden Brent (7 p.m.) at Mary G. Hardin Center for Cultural Arts
Me & My Knife (8 p.m.) and
Quintron and Miss Pussycat (9 p.m.) on the street by the Gadsden Museum of Art
Live music will be performed by:
Sam and The Big Boys (6:30 p.m.)
Phantom Eye (7:30 p.m.)
The Laborers (8:30 p.m.)
Brotha Josh (9:30 p.m.)
The Golden Flakes (10:30 p.m.)
Saturday begins at 9 a.m. with a Mother’s Day Market with over 30 art vendors, Chompshop Cardboard Sculpture Contest and directed drawing workshops.
From 11-1, Jacksonville State University will offer portfolio reviews and critiques. And all day long will feature a bounce house and food trucks. l
Editor’s Note: Performance times are subject to change. Please visit this page for the latest show times: gadsdenmuseum.com/all-events
Lineup of events keeps things hopping on the water
Story by Molly Gilbert Submitted Photos
On Lake Logan Martin, summer isn’t just a season — it’s a feeling. It’s the hum of boat engines in the distance, the glow of late sunsets stretching across the water and the familiar sight of neighbors gathering in ways that feel both meaningful and effortless.
Some traditions are rooted in giving back, others in pure fun, but what they all share is a simple truth: life on the lake is best experienced together.
This summer, three standout events — the Riverside Poker Run, Dam Palooza and Christmas in July at Pier 59 — offer three very different ways to celebrate everything that makes this community special.
Riverside Poker Run:A Tradition Built on Community and Purpose
Now in its 17th year, the Riverside Poker Run has become a Father’s Day weekend tradition that feels as much like a family reunion as it does a fundraiser. Organized by the Riverside Beautification Organization (RBO), the event began in 2008 as a creative way to raise funds—and has since grown into the organization’s largest annual effort to support projects that shape the heart of Riverside.
The poker run is a community event with plenty of neighbors getting in on the festivities
On the morning of the run, there’s a quiet buzz near Riverside Landing as boats begin to gather — pontoons loaded with families and friends, fishing boats easing into the current, jet skis darting between them. Participants pick up their $20 registration packets, complete with a map, poker chips and cards, then set off along a seven-stop route winding through the river.
Each dock along the way offers a chance to draw a card, but the experience is about far more than building a winning hand. This year, every stop is dressed in patriotic flair in honor of the nation’s 250th birthday, turning the route into a floating celebration.
“My motivation to be involved with the Annual Poker Run is the camaraderie between the community and other RBO members,” said Michele Molstad, president of the organization. “It’s a fun and great example of teamwork.”
That camaraderie shows up in the smallest moments — volunteers greeting familiar faces, laughter echoing across the docks and the steady rhythm of boats pulling up one after another.
“When you’re working a dock sometimes it feels like the run is off to a slow start, but it is not long before a constant flow of boaters on everything from pontoons to fishing boats to jet skis are lined up to participate and draw their cards,” Molstad said. “Even if they don’t have the makings for a winning hand, they are out enjoying the day on the water!”
Back at Riverside Landing, the celebration continues with Bucks BBQ and Bait Shop, food trucks, live music, raffles and prizes — including everything from best poker hands to a good-natured worst-hand award.
But the real impact runs deeper. Funds raised have helped build playgrounds, improve trails and enhance native habitats. This year’s event also marks the final push in a multi-year riverbank restoration project, with just 40 feet left to complete and a final $6,000 goal in sight.
“Every year I’m surprised with the turn out,” Molstad said. “We have had boaters from Lincoln, Talladega, Pell City and visitors from even further out-of-town spending the day with family and friends on the lake. Our mayor, Rusty Jessup, gets involved and announces the winners from the Riverside Landing each year. The poker run fundraising goes a long way in our Riverside community.”
Set for Saturday, June 20 (rain date June 27), the Riverside Poker Run is more than a day on the water—it’s a chance to be part of something that lasts long after the boats head home.
For more information, visit the Riverside Beautification Organization (RBO) Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riversidebeautificationorganization.
For more information about sponsoring or volunteering, contact RBO Vice President Stephanie Irwin at 205-821-8168. Riverside Poker Run registration will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Friday, June 19th, and Saturday, June 20th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All poker hands must be turned into the RBO staff by 2 p.m. on Saturday. Awards will be announced shortly after.
Dam Palooza:A Floating Celebration of Summer
If the Riverside Poker Run is about the journey, Dam Palooza is all about the gathering.
On June 27, boats from across Lake Logan Martin will make their way toward the dam, tying up side by side to form what has become one of the lake’s most anticipated summer traditions.
Boats line up and create safe area for swimmers
“You meet new people each year,” said organizer Kelly Collar. “It’s a fun annual event that’s become a tradition for decades. Something a little different from everyday lake life. Everyone looks forward to it.”
From the water, the scene feels almost like a neighborhood block party — just one that happens to float. Friends move easily between boats, kids splash in designated swim areas, and groups settle in for a full day under the sun. It’s the kind of event where familiar faces return year after year, but new friendships are just as much a part of the experience.
“It’s gotten bigger and bigger,” Collar said. “Last year was our biggest one — the most boats of any year and the most people. Last year was absolutely perfect, and therefore this year is going to be even better!”
Part of that growth comes from a few thoughtful additions that build on what people already love. Sponsors, including The Tiki Hut, ABC Towing and A+ Tire & Repair, are helping elevate the experience, while still keeping it free and community-driven.
“In past years, it’s been like 100 boats playing different music,” Collar said. “So the idea of one band and one source of music has been really exciting.”
After introducing a live band for the first time last year — hosted atop a houseboat provided by The Tiki Hut — organizers are building on that momentum. This year, the goal is to place the band on a floating stage right in the center of the tied-up boats, where everyone can gather a little closer and feel like part of the same crowd.
Even as the event grows, organizers are intentional about keeping the atmosphere welcoming for everyone. Designated swim areas, along with posted tips and guidelines on the event’s Facebook page, help ensure that the day stays both fun and safe.
“We definitely want people to know that it’s always kid-friendly. Dam Palooza is for everybody,” Collar said. “We’ve seen little children to grandparents. It just seems like everybody is having a good time. It’s always safety first.”
By the time the sun begins to dip, and boats slowly start to untie, what lingers most isn’t just the music or the size of the crowd — it’s the connections made along the way.
For more information, visit the Lake Logan Martin Dam Palooza Boat Tie Up Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/LakeLoganMartinDamPalooza. Stop by The Tiki Hut to purchase a limited edition commemorative t-shirts for the 13th Annual Dam Palooza.
Christmas in July at Pier 59:Giving Back, Lake-Style
Later in the summer, the tone shifts — but the sense of community only grows stronger.
On July 11, Pier 59 will host its 17th annual Christmas in July celebration, an event that blends festive fun with a deeply meaningful tradition of supporting the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB).
The Christmas in July Committee has a passion for supporting AIDB’s work. Each year, the event raises funds to provide Christmas gifts for approximately 350-400 students, many of whom might otherwise go without. With an estimated goal of $300 per child, the impact is both tangible and deeply felt.
Christmas in July is a team effort that brings the community together for a good cause
On the morning of the fundraiser, hit the water for a boat poker run that begins and ends at Pier 59. The live auction will follow and feature everything from handmade items created by AIDB students to vacation getaways, jewelry and sports memorabilia. Raffle tickets for a $10,000 cash prize and Boston butts are pre-sold to also help support the cause. There’s a sense of celebration in the air — equal parts festive and heartfelt.
For Magan Cline, being part of Christmas in July is all about the team behind it. After attending for several years and volunteering last year, she now helps as part of the committee, working alongside others to create a night that gives back in a big way.
“Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I love AIDB’s mission. It’s really like an eat, drink and be merry situation,” Cline said. “It’s super special to be a part of. I’ve toured AIDB and seen how much they do for these kids. It’s a great way for people to give back to the kids and help them as well.”
It’s that blend of joy and generosity that makes Christmas in July stand out. In a place where community already runs strong, it offers a chance to turn that connection into something meaningful for others.
For more information, contact: Magan Cline mmkcline@gmail.com or Becky Watson at 256-761-3318.
Celebrating Community
Taken together, these three events paint a picture of what summer on Lake Logan Martin is all about.
It’s early mornings launching boats and long afternoons drifting between friends. It’s laughter at a dock stop, music echoing across the water and neighbors showing up — again and again — for something bigger than themselves.
Whether you’re playing a hand in Riverside, tying up at the dam or bidding on items at Pier 59, each event offers its own way to step into the rhythm of the lake. And in doing so, you become part of the story that keeps this community coming back, year after year.
Because here, the best days aren’t just spent on the water — they’re shared.
Another year of success for event at Quintard Mall
Story and photos by Graham Hadley
The East Alabama Boat show notched another successful year as boat dealers filled the Quintard Mall parking lot in Oxford with row after row of a huge variety of watercraft – from WaveRunners to large performance luxury tritoons.
Vanessa and Clyde Keel from Lincoln try out a personal watercraft
The event, sponsored by AmFirst, was held April 10-12, and featured boats from Poor House Branch Marina, Sylacauga Marine and Wedowee Marine, and vendors like Oxford’s Tackle Box.
Organizer Thomas Shelton, who worked with the City of Oxford to make it all happen, credits the success of the boat show to a combination of great location combined with what the boat dealers bring to the table.
“The mall is the perfect location, at the intersection of two highways, plenty room for the boats and parking,” he said. “We try to pick a place for these events that generates traffic for the local businesses. And the mall has all the amenities – restrooms and the food court, plus the arcade and movie theater and other shops. From a family perspective, it made perfect sense. It makes the show a more inclusive event.
“And the folks at Quintard Mall are great to work with. They were very welcoming and really care about their tenants and do what they can to generate traffic for the mall.”
Shelton said, because they have almost no overhead, it is a very affordable show for the boat dealers, vendors and sponsors. “Almost everything they put into the show goes into marketing it. It’s a very effective way to market and a good way for the sponsor and the dealers to get their money’s worth.”
Oxford’s Tackle Box was on hand to show off fishing gear
The show is limited to three dealers with the idea that they bring lots of boats – fishing, ski and wake, pontoons and tritoons, and personal watercraft. Shelton said that works out well because it means those few dealers get all the customer traffic and are much more likely to make sales.
“Because we are so affordable a show, the dealers, for all their work, only have to make a few sales for the event to be profitable for them.”
Shelton, who has a local Alfa insurance agency in Oxford, consults on the boat show and to bring more fishing tournaments to Calhoun County and surrounding areas. He taps into his love of fishing and the water and his experience as a competitive fisherman to help attract the events to the region.
“I am a presenting sponsor for the Alabama Bass Trail, Fishers of Men, Sylacauga Marine Trail and others. In fact, my daughter and I are going to be on the ABT fishing tournament tomorrow on Neely Henry.”
Bringing in big dealers from across the region – Poor House in Talladega County, Wedowee Marine and Sylacauga Marine – is a win-win for the mall and Calhoun County.
Something for everyone: bass boats, wake boats and pontoons
“The show was well attended. The dealers said they were happy with sales, and it drew not only local visitors, but people from Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Auburn and parts of Georgia,” said Cher Dulaney, tourism director for the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center.
“It brings traffic to the mall and other businesses and highlights that, with all the renovations, the mall is becoming a lifestyle center for the community. Having something regional in reach going on in the parking lot is great for that.
“Its part of the big picture – attracting more and more people to the area.”
With the latest successful show under his belt, Shelton said he is already looking to next year.
“As long as there is interest, we will continue to host the show here. And we have had a lot of interest.”
It’s hard to top the year before 16 years in a row, but Logan Martin LakeFest organizers just seem to find a way to do it, year after year.
From its signature in-water boat show to a spectacular fireworks display to stages full of headliner bands and discovered new talent, LakeFest presented by AmFirst keeps it fresh and new each year.
Boats of all kinds on display
From dozens of lake lifestyle vendors to a palate pleasing lineup of food trucks to the Mates and Mateys Parade and games and rides for the kids, Lakeside Park is transformed into a fun-filled paradise.
Set for May 8-10, the weekend is packed with all kinds of activities designed to lure lake and land lovers alike.
On Sunday, May 10, there will even be free Mimosas for Moms – a special treat for Mother’s Day.
Want to go? Admission is free, and prizes are given away all weekend. You’re eligible just by dropping your ticket into the drawing box. Grand prizes are announced Sunday afternoon.
Proceeds from sponsorships and vendor booth rentals help support Logan Martin LakeFest Charities, a nonprofit organization contributing to other nonprofits around the community.
LakeFest Day 1 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Vendor Setup 2 p.m.: LakeFest open to the public, Live Music, Vendors, Boat Test Drives Soon after dark (estimated around 8 P.M.): FIREWORKS show honoring veterans from the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home 9 p.m.: LakeFest closes for the evening
LakeFest Day 2 7 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Vendor Setup 10 a.m.: LakeFest Day 2 Open! Live Music, Vendors, Boat Test Drives 9 p.m.: Lakefest closes for the evening
LakeFest Day 3 12 p.m.: LakeFest Day 3 Open! 12 p.m.: FREE Mimosas for Mom and special gift courtesy A.m.First. 3 p.m.: Giveaway winners announced, Live Music! 5 p.m.: LakeFest ends
Pro fishing tips on Logan Martin Lake and Neely Henry Lake with Zeke Gossett
Logan Martin
Logan Martin’s water levels will be changing during the months of May and June, and in turn, the patterns of bass will changing during these months as well.
Early in the month of May, you can still see bass on beds and also catch fish out deep. Typically, in May, bass will be very spread out and in very different phases of the spawn. However, for the majority of the time in May, your better fish are still going to be shallow.
The water on Logan Martin is just starting to rise and get to summer pool. Typically, the fish will follow this water up and stay shallow during May.
There are a couple of key baits I like to use in order to catch fish while they’re in their post spawn funk. First bait I’m going to reach for early, especially in the morning, is a swim jig. What I like about the swim jig is that it is very versatile. This bait is great around almost any kind of shallow structure, such as docks, trees, and grass.
The swim jig allows me to cover water fast and efficiently in order to capitalize on the daylight bite. Once the sun finally starts to get up, I’ll start casting to isolated structure with a wacky rigged worm. This is a great way to just get bites and get those post spawn fish to bite.
I usually target really shallow docks with this bait, along with casting to what bedding fish might be left. Once we start getting into the month of June the water temps will begin to rise, and the shallows will begin to slowly lose oxygen – especially if there is lack of rain.
The fish will start schooling up on the end of long points and humps anywhere from 10 to 20 feet of water. I also like to target brush piles in this depth as well. My favorite bait to target these fish are a deep diving crankbait and drop shot rig.
Some of the biggest offshore fish I catch all year will come on the crank bait most of the time. The crankbait is an awesome way to really fire up a school of bass and get more fish to bite in the school.
The drop shot seems to excel a lot more in brush piles because it is more of a reaction type bite if you drop it right in the brush pile. I feel like the drop shot is always my best chance to get bit in the brush pile no matter what size of fish might be in the pile.
These fish are typically more lethargic since they’re usually pretty beat up from the spawn. Give these techniques a try, and you will find success during these months on Logan Martin.
Neely Henry
Neely Henry is a shallow fisherman’s paradise during the months of May and June. On top of that, a few deep fish will start showing up as well.
Typically, during these months, you will still catch your better fish shallow. I love to fish around shallow grass in the mid-lake region with a swim jig and frog. I keep my eyes peeled for bream beds as well.
Also another great way to catch fish on Neely Henry is super shallow docks. When I say shallow docks, I’m talking about any docks five feet deep or less of water.
I let the weather tell me what I need to throw around them. If it’s in and out clouds, I like to throw more of a moving bait like a bladed jig or squarebill crankbait. If it’s slick calm and sunny, I will pick up some type of Texas rigged worm and drag it on the bottom around the docks.
Now, moving into the month of June, some fish will make their move out to deeper water. Most of the time on Neely Henry, I’ll find fish in that mid-range depth – around the 10 to 15-foot mark.
Most of the time, you will find these fish off the end of long points or in brush piles. I will use my electronics in order to find these fish as well. I will keep my bait selection simple if I’m wanting to figure out fast if the fish are doing this pattern.
One of my favorite baits to pick up first is a football jig. The football jig is a very versatile bait for offshore angling. I like to either keep it close to the bottom or if I’m wanting to cover water fast I’ll just swim it close to the bottom.
Another great option if things are tough is a drop shot. A drop shot will produce bites when nothing else will.
Keep an open mind this time of year and don’t be afraid to try something new. It might surprise you how good the fish can really bite on Neely Henry even when the fish might be in their post spawn funk.
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.
Join us on the mighty Coosa to kick off summer with the very first Coosa River Ramble on June 13 at Lakeside Park in Pell City! This event will be open to families and spectators of all ages, and we’ll have vendors, music, food trucks, and more during and after the race to create a fun-filled day!
Whether you are new to paddlin’ or have been doing it for years, we hope you will join us! You can pick between a 5k or 10k and choose to take it slow or try to win! Every racer will get access to pre-race yoga, t-shirt, race participation medal, stickers, and more.
Registration includes entry to the race, swag bag, access to the fun before & after the race (yoga, raffles, vendors, music, etc), lunch, and of course the chance to win! You’ll also be making the world a better place by protecting the mighty Coosa!
New dining by the water options for Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes
Story by Roxann Edsall Photos by Mackenzie Free
Lake residents often claim that if you live on Logan Martin, you’re lucky enough. Now residents and visitors alike can claim the luck of the Irish, too, as they celebrate the grand opening of a brand-new eatery pub establishment on Coosa Island.
In the location of the former Porky Pirates BBQ and Lakeside Grill, Oh Sherri Island Pub opened its doors just over a month ago. It is the second Oh Sherri location for owners Joel and Diana Wallace, whose original Moody location has been open for four years. A third location is set to open in Ohatchee in the next few weeks.
Blending the traditions of Irish cuisine and libations with the culture of the lakeside community, the new pub establishment will feature community-centered events, live Irish music and dance, and a variety of music by local artists from different genres.
Play games with friends while you wait for your food
“We will have essentially the same menu as our original location but will add a couple of specials for the lake, like shrimp, oysters or crab boil. And we’ll do Shepherd’s Pie, pulled pork sliders and Chicago or New York style hotdogs for boaters who want to get in and out fast,” says Joel. “We also plan to have a steam table with a hot bar where we can get you out quick, if that’s what you want.”
But the real beauty of a traditional Irish pub, the Wallaces say, is the no-rush atmosphere. “We want an atmosphere that if you want to you can just hang out,” says Joel.
Diana, a professor and director of first-year engineering curriculum at UAB, adds that they want their pub to be a place where you come to “decelerate from your day, meet new people, and go back to human interactions. Some restaurants want you to come in, eat, and go. We want you to spend time here.”
Maybe not everyone will know your name, but the Moody location regulars know they are welcome to stay, swap stories, relax and make new friends. New friendships created in the four years that location has been in business have resulted in four couples getting married after meeting each other there.
While that isn’t the model the Wallaces are necessarily going for, it speaks to their emphasis on relationship building through community and conversation.
The pub, which is accessible by water, offers a family-friendly atmosphere during the day and early evening, encouraging friends and families to play board games and cards around the table. Later evening hours are all about relaxing and enjoying the music with friends old and new. “It’s a place where you can come and relax and enjoy each other’s company,” says Joel.
The Wallaces are leasing the Coosa Island property from Matthew Kronen, who also owns the docks. The docks, which can accommodate 21 boats, are in the final stages of being completely rebuilt.
Owners Joel and Diana Wallace on deck at Oh Sherri’s
“We’ve fabricated the steel frames, added new wood and new posts,” says Kronen. “We’ve probably over-engineered it. But it should be ready well before the water comes up.” They’ve also simplified the docking process by removing the large boats and yachts that had previously been moored at the docks.
The Wallaces have renovated the inside, removed the oversized picnic tables and exchanged them for smaller, more intimate and flexible table arrangements. With a small army of volunteers and staff, they’ve redone the walls, seating areas and ceilings, making it feel warmer and more intimate. “We had a lot of help from a lot of people,” Joel said, adding that the goal was to create an authentic Irish pub feel.
Opening an Irish pub was the dream Joel’s dad, Frank Wallace, shared with him. Growing up in Chicago, Joel was close to his father and shared a love of sports, particularly the Chicago Bears. Having lost a sister when she was three years old and before he was born, Joel grew up hearing stories about Sherri, never having known her. When father and son talked about opening a pub, the plan was always to call it Oh Sherri (a nod to her impetuous behavior to which her parents would frequently respond with an exasperated “Oh, Sherri…”)
After coaching men’s soccer for 30 years, Joel opened the Moody pub and named it for his sister. “We’ve always believed that Sherri was our guardian angel,” Joel says. “Her picture will be on the wall of each of our locations.”
Because of his coaching background, Joel admits to running his businesses like a sports team. “We want to be organized and disciplined,” he says. “If things don’t go just right, you adjust as necessary and do the best you can. Honestly, it’s about just being really organized and being honest.”
Joel and Diana have a lot of practice being organized, as a blended family of 12. They have 10 children between them, with four grandchildren under the age of 6. “Speaking of family, we want to be a family-friendly, respectful place,” Joel says. “We know we’ll have to adjust our closing times for the lake. We put family first.”
The Ohatchee pub will be half a mile from Neely Henry dam at the corner of Highway 144 and Highway 77 at the former River Grill location. All three locations will be running St. Patrick’s Day specials throughout March.
A noted Irish Proverb says, “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.” This month, or any month for that matter, we can all be lucky enough to support the new pub on the lake. You can follow them on Facebook at Ohsherriislandpub.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.”
What may be the biggest lake party in Alabama returns for its 16th 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 250th 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.”
Logan Martin Lake Protection Association effort slated for April this year
When Logan Martin Lake Protection Association first formed in the 1980s, its mission was to protect the lake through advocacy during the so-called “water wars” with Georgia.
That state was trying to divert water upstream to a burgeoning Atlanta population before it crossed the line into Alabama and made it into the Coosa River and Logan Martin Lake.
Today, protection is still at the heart of its mission, but it has evolved well beyond the advocacy role.
Young volunteers get in on the cleanup action
From water testing to preserving wetlands to installing lighted buoys, LMLPA brings together a lake community to protect, promote and preserve this place they call home.
One of LMLPA’s major initiatives is an annual partnership with Renew Our Rivers and Alabama Power Co. to clean up the lake and keep it clean. The 2026 clean-up is set for April 11-18, when volunteers will head to the lake to clean up their shorelines in an organized effort.
On April 11 and April 18, LMLPA volunteers will be handing out bags, gloves and a free T-shirt from 8 a.m. to noon at six locations – Blue Eye Creek, Clear Creek Harbor, Lakeside Park, Woods Surfside Marina, Coosa Island Marina and Riverside Landing. Dumpsters will be located at those sites for deposits throughout the clean-up period.
“We’ve gotten really good response,” said LMLPA President Neal Stephenson. Tracking the success, he noted that 11 tons were collected two years ago. In 2025? It was 20 tons as more volunteers joined the effort.
He encouraged lake residents to participate in LMLPA, suggesting it as a means of supporting efforts to improve the lake and connect with others.
Upcoming is a member social slated for April 9 at 6 p.m. at St. Simon Peter Episcopal Church in Pell City. The public is invited.
Editor’s Note:For more on LMLPA or to join, go to lmlpa.org.
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.
