TOURISM – Page 4 – LakeLife 24/7 Magazine

Boo Bash 2025

Signature lakewide event to be even bigger and better in 2025

Story by Paul South
Submitted Photos

Boo Bash, one of the lake’s fastest growing and most popular events, is back for its fourth Halloween celebration of costumes, candy and camaraderie for trick or treaters of all ages.

Boo Bash 2025 is set for Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, Oct. 12 from noon to 4 will be the makeup date.

More than 1,500 people participated in last year’s festival of frightful fun, an increase of more than 50 percent over a drought-stricken 2023.

For newcomers who have never participated in the fall event, lake residents decorate their docks and welcome a trick or treat fleet of boaters and their costumed crews. And, taking a page from the 1959 movie Godzilla, Boo Bash will also make mischief on land and water. Boo Bashers can gather at Lakeside Park, where restaurants and other sponsors also get in on the fun.

Don’t panic. While the giant amphibian wanted to destroy Tokyo, Boo Bash remains committed to building a better, safer, stronger lake community. Proceeds from the event will again go toward helping the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association fund solar-powered buoys – “BOO-ees” in Bash lingo – to be placed in shallow water to protect boaters.

Last year, Boo Bash raised enough money to fund 10 of the beacons. So far in the program, LMLPA has placed 70 buoys on the lake.

The 2024 event drew a big crowd, even while going one-on- one with an Alabama football game. “It actually went really well,” said Kelli Lasseter, who along with her partner Sonya Hubbard, leads an ever-growing corps of Boo Bash merry pranksters. “We made the decision to move it back to Sunday because it did interfere with so many of the children’s fall sports. There were also some safety concerns from last year that we hope moving it back to Sunday can help resolve. Safety is priority number one.”

Tiki Hut at Rivers Edge teams up with the LMLPA to put the event together

Boo Bash is again teaming with the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, The Tiki Hut at River’s Edge and the City of Pell City. As of this writing, a sponsorship drive was underway.

For the first time in 2024, the event featured a land component and that, along with the Tiki Hut open in what’s normally the off season, last year was unique, Lasseter said. Tiki Hut, a wildly popular summertime stop, usually closes for the season on Labor Day. But in 2024, it opened for Boo Bash and will do so again in 2025.

“Having Tiki Hut open was really cool, as was the addition of the land stop,” Lasseter said. CEPA also got into the spirit on Pirate Island with a theme that would make Blackbeard raise the Jolly Roger. They will be back in 2025.

Another fun new partner will be the Logan Martin Duck Hunt, which has had folks scavenging the lakeshore for numbered rubber ducks. Lasseter hopes the quackers will attract new Bashers from the upper part of the lake and its sloughs.

The year-round scavenger hunt is another treat in the Boo Bash Halloween bag, boosting the event’s mission to build community.

“We are really excited to partner with the Logan Martin Duck Hunt. A scavenger hunt has been on the list for awhile and this was just a perfect way to make that happen for everyone.” Lasseter said.

Stacy Deegan, co-creator of the hunt, is excited to be joining the Boo Bash spook-tacular.

“Boo Bash stands alone as being a significant event for lake residents and friends of the lake,” she said. “We are honored to be asked to collaborate with the organizers.

“Incorporating the Logan Martin Duck scavenger hunt with Boo Bash just adds a little bonus activity and gives the participants more to look forward to and enjoy,” Deegan added.” You can’t have too much fun, can you?”

Neal Stephenson, president of the Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, said the association’s work to place the hazard buoys began in 2019, and the partnership with Boo Bash began last year.

“I think the partnership that our organization has done with Boo Bash has given our organization more visibility on the lake,” Stephenson said. “It’s increased our ability to donate more buoys to this program because our funding is based on volunteer donations. Because of this partnership with Boo Bash, we were able to accelerate and increase the number of buoys we have to donate to the lake.”

Stephenson is excited about the possibilities for Boo Bash 2025 and the LMLPA’s drive to place 100 buoys on the lake.

“If we have another year this year like we did last year with Boo Bash – between that and our own donations – we should be getting close to our goal,” Stephenson said.

Even in the sweltering July heat, momentum for the Fall’s Boo Bash was mounting, Lasseter said. “Excitement is already building. People are reaching out to us – new people who want to host a pier and our incredible host piers that continue to come back every year,” Lasseter said.

An example of the buzz? One new lake family doesn’t have a pier yet but plans to decorate their pontoon and float it out to greet revelers with treats.

Lasseter hopes Boo Bash and its stories will have a long life – a Halloween treat for generations on Logan Martin.

“I hope that Boo will continue to grow in this community and bring people from all walks of life together long after we’ve passed the torch to someone else.”

Events like Boo Bash and the duck hunt and places like Pirate Island are needed, Lasseter said, especially in tough times like today.

“It’s so important to take a break from the heaviness of day-to-day stuff,” she said. “To have just one day not to have any worries or cares and be able to tap into imagination and fun is everything to so many. Letting go of those worries for a few hours and enjoying the moment is something I love.”

Boo Bash sends a clear message, Lasseter said.

“What an amazing community we have on Logan Martin Lake. How selfless the people are to give hundreds of dollars of their own money to make this event happen,” Lasseter said. “I hope everyone walks away with smiles and memories. Oh, and bags full of wonderful treats!”

And as far as what Lasseter hopes people will remember about Boo in the years to come? Well, she had this to say. “When they think about Boo Bash, I want them to remember the fun they had but more importantly, I want them to remember the amazing people on this lake who made it all possible. Logan Martin is a very special place and Boo Bash is just one example of our residents’ hospitality and generosity. I am not sure you find this everywhere, but you will always find it here.”

Editor’s Note: For more information about Boo Bash on Logan Martin Lake, visit its Facebook page at Boo Bash on Logan Martin or email them at boobashonloganmartin@gmail.com.

Coosa Riverkeeper’s 15-Year Anniversary

Coosa Riverkeeper celebrates our 15th anniversary this month. That’s thousands of days we’ve patrolled 220 miles of river, monitored popular recreation sites all summer long, including your favorite lake, and educated countless families about the Coosa!

We began like most riverkeeper organizations: with a handful of people. After learning the Coosa River had been named the 10th most endangered river in the United States by American Rivers, a small group of local environmental leaders gathered and took action on behalf of the river, her communities, and her critters. Since our beginnings in a storage shed circa 2010, we have grown exponentially, introducing our Swim Guide program in 2015 and now celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Our Angler Advocacy & C.R.E.E.K (Coosa River Environmental Education for Kids) programs were introduced later in our 15 years of Coosa Riverkeeper, which continue to educate folks all across the watershed about our mighty river and its unique characteristics.

Our boat is small, but 3,500 members join us through their support for every patrol and water sampling. They are the fuel behind our work to answer simple questions like, “What can I do to make the Coosa healthier for my community?” to ensure the public is aware of water quality impacting the river, recreation, public health, and property value.

Rivers bring us all together, so let’s look after our River like it looks after us!

Psst… You can find downloadable coloring books and nature-themed reading ideas for kids and parents. Enjoy! Visit CoosaRiver.org/Education

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

Boosting fish habitats on Neely Henry

NHLA leading effort to create angler’s dream lake on the Coosa

Story by Paul South
Photos by Tricia Lybrook

Dave Tumlin has a whopper of a fish story, complete with possibly a spark of the Divine.

It was early Spring. Tumlin and his brother Billy came to fish for Crappie on Neely Henry Lake, the place his family had called home since 1968. The Tumlins were among Neely Henry’s first families.

“There wasn’t anybody here. There was a dirt road,” Tumlin recalled. The brothers went to a spot they’d never fished before. “I always thought it might be a really good place, because the guy had a lit-up cross hanging on his dock. I called it the Jesus Dock.”

Dave Tumlin grabbing a hose for mixing the concrete

They caught – but didn’t keep – over 100 fish that day in that location near the cross. They never moved.

“We were using jigs. We were using minnows. We were using minnow heads off the deck of the boat that fell off the hook,” Tumlin said. “It was a phenomenal day.”

Now president of the Neely Henry Lake Association, Tumlin and the NHLA members, along with a small gathering of devoted volunteers, want other anglers to have divine days on the lake. They’re working to boost fish populations by constructing fish habitat.

For nearly two decades, the lake association, in partnership with Alabama Power, has worked to create new habitats for the Crappie, bass and other species that call Neely Henry home.

The organization joins with the utility biannually to build and place new fish habitats on the lake. The most recent event occurred in March. The date for fall construction has not yet been set, Tumlin said.

The evolution of an angler’s idea

The association got hooked on fish habitats thanks to a member’s idea.

“One of our members, who is a tournament fisherman, ran into a buddy from another lake who told him about this partnership with the power company,” Tumlin said. “So our member got in touch with the power company and asked what we needed to do to do it at Neely Henry.” The answer? “Just ask.”

NHLA did ask, and it all started with hundreds of discarded Christmas trees that had seen their Yuletide glory fade into precious holiday memories.

“As best I can recall, it all started at Ten Islands and at Rainbow Landing,” Tumlin said. “(The utility) would bring two or three giant dump trucks and dump the Christmas trees in the parking lot.”

From there, some 10 to 20 NHLA members and other volunteers would tie the trees together in bundles of five evergreens, weighted with concrete blocks. Some volunteers bundled. Others loaded them om the barges, and still others dropped the weighted trees into the lake.

“Alabama Power supplied it all,” Tumlin said. “Christmas trees. The rope to tie them together, gloves, water for us to drink if it was too hot, concrete blocks, then the barges we would load those on. It’s really been a neat evolution and a great partnership.” The association tells the utility where they want the habitat placed and the water depth.

It takes a large group effort to put the buckets together

There was one problem with that inaugural habitat build. Just as grass withers and flowers fade with the seasons, Christmas trees in lakes disintegrate over time. And the numbers of discarded Christmas trees declined.

That led to another idea: Spider blocks. Hundreds of ‘em.

Tumlin explained: “If you can visualize a two-hole concrete block with half-inch PVC pipe, four feet long or so. Six or eight of those legs, if you will, are sticking out of the holes. Then we would pour concrete in the holes and let it dry. That was not quite as labor-intensive as the Christmas trees. That took a lot of people and a lot of effort.”

But the Spider Blocks created their own web of challenges.

“We had to wait a week for the concrete to set up, “Tumlin said.” It was difficult to load them. The concept was a lot like the Christmas trees, but (the blocks) last a lot longer. We did them for a couple of years.”

An upside of the blocks was that moss would grow more quickly, providing a buffet for fish. Then the food chain took over. “The little fish would eat the moss and the big fish would eat the little fish,” Tumlin said.

In its current incarnation, the NHLA habitat construction relies on durable five-gallon plastic buckets. “We went from Spider Blocks to Spider Buckets,” Tumlin said. “We’ve been doing that for the last six or seven years (including a hiatus during the pandemic).”

The concept is similar to the blocks, with PVC “legs” and concrete in the buckets. But with an assembly line process, projects like the one last fall at Greensport Marina, took less than two hours. Volunteers place 100 buckets in the water – 20 in each location, known only to volunteers – to create artificial habitats. The buckets create an almost permanent presence under the water.

“Then, we wait for something good to happen.” Tumlin said. “Magic.”

He added, “A lot of fishermen come out to help because they want to know where the habitats are going to be.”

Tumlin praised Alabama Power and its partnership with NHLA and volunteers. “We just supply the labor.”

And adults aren’t the only ones getting into the act. Last year, a homeschool group of kids came and helped with the project while learning the science of fish habitats and biodiversity.

“They came out. We gave them gloves, and they helped build with us.”

A driving force has kept the lake association committed to the biannual habitat builds. “When this came along, all of these members were really pumped up and said, if we can go out and put out 300 Christmas trees that’s got to help the fish habitat, which means we’ll have more fun. It’ll be exciting for us, and it will help the lake at the same time.”

He added, “That’s probably the biggest driver, knowing that on our own, without great expense, partnering with the power company, we could improve the fish habitat and the fish population on the lake.”

The effort also strengthens the Neely Henry community. “You get to see some guys you only see twice a year,” Tumlin said. “It’s always fun to catch up on family and tell the fishing stories.”

It’s rewarding, he said. “Knowing that we’re helping this lake and the camaraderie, those are the two biggest drivers. Knowing that in a small way, we are making this lake a better place, it helps not only us, but everyone who uses and enjoys this lake.”

And the habitat effort says something about lake residents and folks who enjoy the lake. “There are a lot of caring people who live on this lake that go above and beyond to keep it the beautiful body of water that it is.”

Editor’s Note: For more information on the Neely Henry Lake Association, visit the organization’s Facebook page, or visit neelyhenrylake.org.

Choccolocco Creek Watershed

Beyond protecting a place of natural beauty

All of the bodies of water in the region have groups looking to protect them – Logan Martin Lake Protection Association, Neely Henry Lake Association, Coosa Riverkeeper, just to name a few.

Oxford High School students at a Watershed Science Day

Calhoun and Talladega counties have the Choccolocco Creek Watershed.

Flowing from the headwaters of the Talladega National Forest into Lake Logan Martin at Lincoln, Choccolocco Creek drains nearly 376 square miles of land across four Alabama counties. It’s home to about 70 fish species, including the threatened holiday darter, pygmy sculpin and blue shiner, and supports 22% of Alabama’s freshwater fish species despite covering less than 1% of the state’s land area.

Jennifer Yates Hudson, district coordinator for the Calhoun County Conservation District and the Choccolocco Creek Watershed project, said the nonprofit’s role goes beyond conservation science.

“The Choccolocco Creek Watershed is a non-profit organization supporting area projects that improve the quality of life for our communities through promoting recreational and outdoor activities while protecting our natural areas and water quality,” Hudson said.

Inspiring Adventure

Two programs currently encourage residents to get outdoors: the 100 Choccolocco Miles Challenge and the Choccolocco Ambassadors program.

Hudson explained that the 100 Miles Challenge is “designed to inspire our regional communities to lead active, healthy lifestyles while exploring our beautiful watershed areas.” Participants can hike, bike, swim, paddle, walk, ride or roll 100 miles each year within the watershed. All miles also count toward the statewide 100 Alabama Miles Challenge.

Classroom in the Forest is another educational opportunity

The Ambassadors program seeks outdoor enthusiasts who post photos, videos and blogs about their experiences. “Our hope is to inspire communities to get out and experience Choccolocco Creek Watershed firsthand,” Hudson said.

Recreation and Future Projects

The Choccolocco Kayak Center, launched seven years ago in partnership with the City of Oxford, remains one of the group’s most visible projects. The center offers casual paddlers easy access to the creek. Future plans include extending kayaking opportunities and creating a Blueway into Lincoln.

The watershed is also developing plans for a Choccolocco Nature Center and outdoor multiuse trails. Hudson said the project aims to establish “a regional area conservation hub that promotes a love of environmental literacy and serves as a nature-based center for community activity.”

Educating the Public

Education is a key part of the watershed’s mission. Each year, the group hosts workshops and seminars about conservation practices, cost-share programs and current projects. “We also host education workshops and ‘Watershed Science Days’ for students and teachers,” Hudson said, adding that topics include water quality, forestry and wildlife, soil health and land use impacts.

Faith Christian students and teachers help with a cleanup effort

Stewardship also begins at home, she said, encouraging homeowners to be “good backyard conservationists,” using practices such as water conservation, mulching, composting, planting trees and installing rain barrels.

Protecting a Crucial Resource

“Protecting natural resources in any watershed is necessary to maintain the health and well-being of all living things, both now and in the future, and is essential for maintaining community sustainability,” she said.

For Hudson, that means balancing recreation, conservation and education — and ensuring residents understand the creek’s value. “Clean, healthy watersheds depend on an informed public to make the right decisions when it comes to the environment and actions by the community,” she said.

You can follow Choccolocco Creek Watershed on Facebook or visit their website choccoloccocreek.org

Snacks Afloat

Peanuts, Ice Cream boats please growing fan base

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Mackenzie Free
Submitted Photos

Even as summer winds down, families are enjoying making memories on Logan Martin Lake. Boats pulling tubes of squealing children pass by, personal watercrafts bounce on the waves, finding air off the wakes of larger boats. Pontoons filled to the brim with friends and family cruise along, tunes heralding their passing.

Can it get any better? Why, yes, it can!

Enjoying ice cream from the bow of a pontoon boat on a hot summer day

The children are usually the first to see it. Even those too young to read can recognize the signature lime green pontoon boat with a flag that reads two happy words – Ice Cream. Hopping up and down, they frantically wave their arms to let him know they’re screaming for ice cream. The Ice Cream Man on the Lake pilots his sweet ride to within arm’s reach of the crowd, and the ordering begins.

Somehow, ice cream seems to be a leveling agent. No matter what age or maturity level, people just seem happier, and certainly cooler, with an ice cream in hand, especially if they’re also in or around the lake. It’s a treat that would be hard to transport on the water, which makes the delivery to one’s boat even more of a memory-making event.

Pelham and Angie Smith have made many happy memories with their children that include the Ice Cream Man on the Lake. “We get it pretty often,” says Pelham. “This is the first time in the last couple of years, though.” Their 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old children aboard give the experience an enthusiastic thumbs up.

This is the fifth summer that Keith O’Neal, along with his wife, Elaine, have operated the ice cream boat on Logan Martin Lake. When they bought the boat from a friend, they did it with the idea of having some kind of food service boat on the lake. Their first idea of a hotdog and hamburger boat was rejected after assessing the challenges associated with cooking food on a boat. Then they heard from a friend about an ice cream boat operated on Harris Lake in Wedowee and decided to bring the idea to life on Logan Martin Lake.

O’Neal, who owns and operates six other businesses, says they don’t do this for money. “We do it for the fun,” says O’Neal. “It’s seeing children happy. We make sure everyone who wants to buy one gets one. And if a child doesn’t have the money, we’re not going to leave them out.

“We take care of people,” O’Neal goes on. “If they don’t have the money with them, we’ll give them the ice cream, and we’ve had them track us down months later to bring the money.” They offer 24 items and, to keep everything simple, all items are $4 each. They take cash, Cash App and Venmo, but no debit or credit cards.

Greg and Amy Stinson had cash in hand when they cruised up to the boat for an ice cream sandwich and a Snicker’s ice cream bar.

“We pulled up to the boat on our jet ski and they used a pole to pull us in position to order,” said Amy. “They were both very friendly, and the ice cream bars were a refreshing treat on a hot day.”

Refreshing and wonderful is just how Audrey and her three kids described their experience with the Ice Cream Man on the Lake. They’re gathered with friends and fellow boaters at Fireball Flatts. Half the crowd are in the water trying to cool off on this scorching summer afternoon. The other half are in the boats in the shade of their Biminis. The sight of the ice cream boat had the children going crazy to flag him down.

The purchase of a Batman cherry-flavored ice cream and a Ninja Turtle ice cream on a stick brought smiles to the faces of the younger children. An original Bomb Pop was the choice for some of the older kids, while a more mature Snicker’s ice cream bar was chosen by an adult in the group.

While O’Neal says they do this for the fun of it, the venture represents a considerable amount of work. “We spend thousands of dollars on product from the distributor and load the freezers and generator on the truck, which, thankfully, we have a crane to do,” says O’Neal. “This is all before we bring the boat to the water to launch. And most of the time, we have people who want ice cream before we can even get on the water.”

It also takes a lot of work to keep both the ice cream boat and the customers’ boats from bouncing off each other with the waves.

That’s the job of one of at least two people aboard. Depending on the weekend, they have as many as six people working on the boat. “We have four bumpers on the sides of our boat all the time,” explains O’Neal. “But the boats still hit.”

O’Neal says they want to deliver the ice cream safely, so they watch the weather closely. “If the weather forecast calls for 50% chance of rain or higher, we don’t go out,” O’Neal says. “The freezers and generator don’t need to be in the bad weather and neither do the people.”

Peanuts! Get your peanuts!

The ice cream boat is not the only snack boat on the lake. Two summers ago, they were joined by a second snack boat afloat, the peanut boat by Lakeside Peanut and Concessions. Scott and Shandi Martin own and run the company and are on the water nearly every weekend of the summer selling three flavors of boiled peanuts.

Scott prepares the peanuts at home, a process that takes two days. He then loads them on the boat in the morning before heading out. They typically sell three flavors – original, Kickin’ Cajun and Dill Pickle, occasionally adding specialty flavors like The Logan (steakhouse flavor) and Garlic Lemon Pepper. They’re even considering a Ghost Pepper flavor for Boo Bash on Logan Martin.

They also offer Shandi’s specialty flavored lemonades and fresh fried pork skins. Lemonade is $5 for a 16-ounce cup. Peanuts are eight dollars for a 32-ounce cup and pork skins are $10 for a gallon bag.

Martin refers to his wife as “the brains of the operation.” Shandi, he says, does everything but the cooking. She does the labeling, ordering and the “going and getting.” His days are already busy with his full-time truck driving job. The couple also plans to reopen their Lakeside Peanuts and Concessions land-based food truck in October.

Meanwhile, Martin says they sell out almost every time they go out on the water. They cater more to the adults, who, he says, like to have peanuts with their “cold beverages.” “We even get messages from people when we’re not able to get out asking where we are,” he says. “Some of the same people come week after week.”

Wendy Farmer is a huge fan of the peanut boat. She and her husband, Jeff, recently found the boat north of the I-20 bridge. They had some friends onboard their boat who had never tried boiled peanuts, so Wendy insisted they get some. “When the owners heard that our friends had never even heard of boiled peanuts, they gave us a cup of Cajun flavored ones for free,” Wendy recounts.

“Our daughter, Atley, ate the regular ones and loved them,” added Wendy, “and she’s a picky eater. And Jack, our son, literally ate them for breakfast the next two days.” The family also considers it a lucky day to find the ice cream boat afloat.

Both the peanut boat and the ice cream boat have Facebook pages. Both Martin and O’Neal post to their pages before they head out each weekend to let fans know what section of the lake they can be found on a given day. Check them out on their pages – Lakeside Peanuts and Concessions and The Ice Cream Man on the Lake.

Scott refers to his customers as his “Awesome Peanut Fam.” “We’re all family,” he says, “straight up.” Every weekend, then, is just a family reunion. Nuts included.

Kami Thai Sushi Fusion

A culinary journey right here at home

Story by Carol Pappas
Photos by Graham Hadley
Submitted photos

Beyond the typically Southern fare of barbecue, fried fish and chicken comes a new contender to stake a claim on a piece of the dining landscape around Logan Martin and Pell City.

In relatively short order, Kami Thai, Sushi and Asian Fusion has opened and expanded to accommodate a growing fan base.

Monalisa preparing a shrimp tempura appetizer

Located inside a storefront across from Publix, Kami – Japanese for divine being – is becoming a culinary destination point that marries flavors and traditions together in a celebration for the senses.

Much like Asian fusion cooking itself – one can only expect the unexpected. Technique, imagination, cultures and innovation combine to create this culinary adventure.

You might say the experience is a reflection of the Monalisa Gibson’s own journey from native Bali, Indonesia, all the way to a home in Alabama. She married a Clay Countian, Bobby Gibson, whom she met through friends.

She has been working in the restaurant industry for 20 years as sous chef and pastry chef, having been involved in the start-ups of other restaurants, including eight years at Shiki Thai and Sushi in Birmingham. “I supported three restaurants, and I wanted to do my own.”

She finally decided with the encouragement of friends and family that it was her turn to be the entrepreneur along with her business partner, Kadek Ani Tresna Dewi, she opened Kami. Her husband works in Pell City, and they and their family live nearby, so they decided on Pell City as the place to open this new venture.

It was the right choice, she said. “The people in Pell City have been so welcoming. It’s something new. They don’t have Thai, so I thought we would open here and give them something new.”

It’s a sharp departure from the typical Southern menu. “We use more spices” and different methods of cooking, she said. “Here, everything is fried.”

Her favorite to make is “Fusion Beef Rendang – beef stew cooked for hours with coconut milk and aromatic yellow rice.” With a nod to the South, there’s a Thai catfish on the menu – a mix of southern fried catfish with a Thai sauce.

On the menu, you’ll find “the best of Japan, Thailand, Indonesia and beyond. Indulge in fresh sushi, soul-warming ramen, bold Thai curries, rich Indonesian specialties and Asian-inspired cocktails.”

Dig a little deeper and find appetizers like Panang Curry Pot Stickers, vegetable and pork dumplings served with a panang sauce, and Crab Angels, crab and cheese-stuffed deep friend wontons with Thai sweet creamy sauce.

Try one of the coconut soups. There’s chicken, shrimp and tofu to choose from.

Noodles and rice are prepared in varying ways as are the entrees and Ramen.

A vast array of Sushi, popular Japanese dishes that feature raw fish are prepared nigiri and sashimi style. What’s the difference? Nigiri combines sushi rice with the fish, while sashimi presents thin slices of raw fish or other seafood without rice, served with wasabi and soy sauces.

Kami’s famous cinnamon bread pudding topped with ice-cream and chocolate, another local favorite

The choices for rolls are abundant. A roll is wrapped in sushi rice and with the seafood as the filling.

For the less adventurous, there are cooked rolls as well, like the popular California Roll. Some even have a familiar ring to them even if the ingredients might not – the Logan Martin Roll is cream cheese, fried shrimp tempura, topped with crab stick, eel sauce, cream spicy sauce, Smelt roe and green onion.

On the other side of that culinary coin, Gibson has her own American favorites, more specifically, Cajun: “Shrimp Po’ Boy and Gumbo,” she said without hesitation. But a Southern staple, Peach Cobbler, ranks up there as well.

The restaurant had its soft opening in March in a smaller space and was able to expand next door before having a grand opening for both in May. “I don’t want to disappoint,” Gibson said. “I want people to enjoy themselves. I don’t want them to wait a long time to sit.”

So, when Celeste Boutique closed next door, Kami was able to claim that space, expand the bar and offer a more spacious dining area to seat 70-80 people. “It was a good sign when the space next door opened up.” But after investing so much in the initial renovation and opening – the kitchen was built from scratch to enable preparation of the expansive menu – “it took faith to make it happen.”

But, she concluded, “Things happen for a reason.” As she gestures toward the new dining room and bar, she notes, “it was a good opportunity. It felt so good for people to be comfortable and have space to sit down and enjoy their food.”

Her desire is that “when people come here, I want them to feel at home.”

You can follow Kami on Facebook or check out their menu and other information on their website www.kamithaisushifusion.com.

Make ripples in your community in 2025

Rivers have a head and a mouth, but don’t have a voice to speak for themselves.

That’s why Coosa Riverkeeper exists – to be a voice for the river and the many communities who live, boat, swim, jetski, fish, recreate on, and rely on the Coosa River.

We do this in a variety of ways: patrolling the water, educating the public, and advocating for the Coosa River.

Because everyone has the right to know what’s going on across the Coosa basin, and how it impacts you, your loved ones, your property value, and Alabama’s economy,

Coosa Riverkeeper performs multiple services and provides information free to the public.

The Coosa River is so special, which is why we must protect and conserve this mighty River, together.

So, that’s where you come in. You give this river a voice!

Support our work while you help strengthen your community by ensuring your friends and family can safely jump in! Make ripples across the Coosa Basin by starting or renewing your membership today!

Membership is easy and budget-friendly.

Making a $5, $10, or $25 monthly gift helps us keep our boat (the Olive II) afloat.

Learn more and stay up to date on our Swim Guide results & events by swimming over to our website below!

LEARN MORE AT COOSARIVER.ORG

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

Gadsden’s The AMP

Historic landmark a thriving venue

Story by Paul South
Photos by Graham Hadley
Submitted photos

In her off time, Janet Tarrance enjoys crafting healthy, mouth-watering recipes for family and friends.

In her job as director of special events for this growing Coosa River city, Tarrance cooks up feasts of entertainment for Etowah and surrounding counties, including Gadsden’s Summer Concert Series and some sizzling tribute bands celebrating the music of Eagles, Prince and Taylor Swift.

For Tarrance and her staff, whipping up events like the Summer Concert Series make them feel like chefs at a bistro where fun is the specialty of the house.

“I actually never thought about it in that way, but yeah, planning an event is like planning a meal,” Tarrance said. “You’ve got to have all the right ingredients to make the meal taste good.”

The tasty tribute acts are but a slice of the fun on tap at the historic Mort Glosser Amphitheater – known to locals as “The Amp” – for music lovers of all ages. The Tribute Series as well as the Summer Concert Series are sponsored by Sam Boswell Honda.

While the summer series is free, the tribute shows are $10 per person. Food trucks and pop-up bars are on hand for hungry and thirsty concertgoers.

Nashville-based “7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Tribute Band,” performed May 30. Rolling Stone called 7 Bridges “The best Eagles tribute band on Earth.”

“The Purple Madness: America’s No. 1 Prince Experience Band” performed June 5, when Gadsden got a chance to party like it was 1999.

Taken in the early 1940s, this image captures a special event held in honor of a group of young soldiers preparing to leave for war

On July 19, the Taylor Swift Experience takes the stage, a treat for Swifties of all ages. For the Tribute Series, tickets are available at cityofgadsden.com/tributeseries.

Now in its 16^th year, the Summer Concert Series not only celebrates great artists and their music, but also one of northeast Alabama’s great venues. The Amp was built in 1935 as part of the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration.

Built from native sandstone, the 2,000-seat amphitheater has hosted an array of events in its 90 years, from sendoff and homecoming ceremonies for area World War II soldiers and sailors to boxing and wrestling matches and fishing tournament weigh-ins – even weddings.

“The amphitheater is an older venue, but it has so much history, and it’s right here in historic downtown Gadsden,” Tarrance said. “It’s a really beautiful space — it truly is. I’m so glad we’re still using it. It’s such a unique and special venue.”

In June, the series featured the Boot Scootin’ Boogie Nights Band, a 90’s country cover act named for the monster Brooks and Dunn hit from the era.

On Independence Day, revelers can celebrate our nation’s 249^th birthday with Nash County, a band that rocks country covers and 1980s rock n’ roll.

Purple Madness front man Bobby
Miller gives a shout out to Gadsden

Down through the years, the Summer and Tribute Series offer something for all ages, from R&B to funk and soul, to country and Southern rock. Crowds as large as 1,800 filled the seats for the shows.

“That’s one thing that we really strive for,” Tarrance said. “We offer something at some point that will appeal to everyone. Sometime during the Series we will have something for everybody.”

The concerts at The Amp have become something of an after party for Gadsden’s First Friday celebrations downtown. First Fridays feature multiple musicians on nearly every corner of the city’s historic downtown and give local restaurants and shops a chance to draw new and returning visitors as well as locals. Thousands attend every First Friday.

“We’ve seen that people want that. They want entertainment. They want something to do,” said Gadsden City Council President Kent Back. “We’ve got a one-of-a-kind facility in the amphitheater. “It’s really, really neat. It sits on the banks of the Coosa and it’s beautiful.”

The Amp is at the heart of Gadsden’s drive to become a fun destination. On Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, the city trumpets #GottaGetToGadsden to promote the downtown area. Downtown Gadsden, Inc., is one of the city’s drivers in growing downtown.

“I think that the amphitheater is sitting real pretty because it’s right in the center, and we want to bring in the tribute bands and bigger acts,” Tarrance said. “Whether it is like an older rock band or country performer, or an up-and-coming performer, there’s a lot we can do here at The Amp.”

Tarrance has worked for the city for more than 17 years after nearly two decades at the local YMCA. She loves the energy and excitement surrounding the city and its growth under the leadership of Mayor Craig Ford and the city council.

Full house for Prince tribute band Purple Madness

“If you can’t get excited around them, I don’t know what would get you excited. They love the city, and they want to do more,” Tarrance said. “It’s very infectious.”

Tarrance and her staff bring that same energy to planning Gadsden’s special events, but she’s quick to point out, she’s not a one-woman show.

“Our department creates fun for others to enjoy,” she said. “I love seeing people at our events with smiles on their faces, truly enjoying themselves. It’s especially exciting when we get into brainstorming mode — building an event from start to finish — and then seeing it all come together. I love that end result.”

She added, “Gadsden is a fun town. We want people to come here — to visit the amphitheater, shop downtown, to explore Noccalula Falls and enjoy our river. Gadsden has so much to offer, and it’s growing. We just hope people can see the hard work behind the scenes. Everyone is coming together to make Gadsden a great place to be.” l

Editor’s Note: Tickets to the Summer Concert Series are free and are scheduled into July.

Angler’s Pointe

Your place for camping, glamping, music, outdoor fun and much more on Logan Martin Lake

Story by Roxann Edsall
Photos by Graham Hadley
Submitted photos

It would surprise no one to say there are many camping opportunities around Logan Martin Lake. What might be a surprise is that you can spend the night in a covered wagon, reminiscent of those used by 18^th century pioneers as they moved westward. Thankfully, unlike the primitive conditions those adventurers faced, your stay would include air conditioning and an indoor bathroom complete with a shower.

Glamping tents come with a porch and even a full bathroom

These glamping spaces are some of the unique offerings at Angler’s Pointe, the 160-acre rental, recreational and entertainment community adjacent to Lincoln’s Landing tournament fishing park and picnic area. They also offer tent glamping and some more traditional options, including covered and uncovered RV parking, bungalows, cottages, and tiny homes for short-term rental.

Angler’s Pointe is the perfect neighbor for Lincoln’s Landing, providing much-needed resort-style accommodations for tournament anglers and families since 2023. Not surprisingly, the draw of the lake itself and the desire to own a piece of it, even if just temporarily, keeps a steady stream of renters coming in.

“We do get an influx of people renting when there’s a tournament,” says DeLane Griffin, CEO of McCaig & Griffin, the lakeside and commercial development company that has developed the property. “But, by far, the largest segment that’s renting from us is families and couples who just want to come spend a few days or a week on the lake, whether they’re renting an RV space, a bungalow, a cottage, a tiny house or one of our glamping options.”

Glamping, or glamorous camping, is a concept embraced by those who enjoy the outdoors and outdoor activities, but not the primitive conditions of typical overnight camping. Its rise in popularity in the early 2000s resulted in the word being added to the Oxford dictionary in 2016.

It hardly qualifies for roughing it to step into the air-conditioned luxury of one of the four glamping tents after spending the day playing in the lake. They are cool, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. One tent takes it to the next level of relaxation and features an elegant clawfoot tub. Another tent features a window seat for reading or just watching for wildlife in the open field.

“We went a little bit beyond what some places do,” Griffin explains. “So, it’s glamping with a little extra. We thought it was a bit nicer to have the bathrooms inside the units.”

He brought the idea for the wagon rental spaces to the development after he and his wife, Deanna, stayed in one on a visit to Kentucky. The wagons are made by the Conestoga company and are fully outfitted with bathroom walls for privacy. Living and sleeping areas are “open concept,” with furniture defining the space.

One wagon even has room for the whole family

You can leave your camping gear at home, since both tents and wagons are equipped with upscale home furnishings and antique furniture. Each unit also has a name and theme. With names like Sahara, Wanderlust and Jumanji, each unit’s décor is perfectly suited to its theme. While they do not have kitchens, there are small refrigerators, along with spacious back porches with space enough for a guest to bring a grill for cooking.

The porches of the tents and wagons face a common-use area dubbed, “The Frontier,” which features a chuckwagon, fire pits with conversation areas, covered picnic spots, swings and plenty of open space for games. “Hopefully, we’re going to expand on that in the future with outdoor cowboy dinners and outdoor entertainment,” says Griffin.

Although the resort has been booking since 2023, there is still much to be done to complete the vision. His company had been negotiating with a larger company to finish the build out faster, but after a year of negotiations, he says, the plan fell through. “So, we are back at it, picking up our dream for the property,” Griffin says. “We have more of each kind of lot in the process of being built.”

Griffin sees the building pause as a blessing, since the added time allowed them to receive feedback from guests. “We’re hearing a lot from people not related to Lincoln’s Landing, people from Nashville to Atlanta,” explains Griffin. “They’ve given us good ideas about what they would like to see.”

With those requests in mind, Griffin says, they will be starting soon to provide those onsite amenities guests want like a pool, pickleball courts and a playground. They are also looking for vendors who could do restaurants or eateries on the property.

“As we grow, and we have the tenants there to support it, we will have regular food vendors and more bands in The Yard,” says Griffin. The Yard is an outdoor stage and field area that has already hosted several concerts and outdoor vendor shows.

“We’ve worked with Lincoln every year with the July 4^th fireworks event,” says Griffin. “That’s a one-day event, and we’ve always had food and a concert and that type of stuff building up to the fireworks. We’d like to see that expand to a full week event.” Griffin adds that they have already had several events in The Yard to raise money to support veterans and first responders.

Community is important to Griffin and to the dreams he has for Angler’s Pointe. “Our Patriotic Palooza was a three-day event that honored both people who have served and given us our independence and first responders, the people we count on to keep us safe each day. We don’t make any money from it. Any proceeds go back into trying to create a better experience for the community and to give back to these organizations.”

Griffin is proud of the direction the development is moving and says he looks forward to realizing his dream. “Like most dreams, it doesn’t come easy,” he admits. “My most proud moment will be when we fully complete it. I think people in the community want Lincoln to be nice. I’m proud to have been a part of that.”

As they continue to expand, Angler’s Pointe will offer even more inventory in each of the rental options. Whatever your style of lake life, you can find it right next-door to Lincoln’s Landing. And if soaking in a clawfoot tub while tent camping sounds good, grab your loofah. Glamping could be just right for you.

Editor’s Note: For more information:www.anglerspointe.com

Choccolocco Kayak

Oxford partnership gives great access to the creek

Miles of natural beauty on Choccolocco Creek

Looking for the perfect, quiet waterway to spend an afternoon kayaking on?

Choccolocco Creek, which winds its way through Calhoun and Talladega counties, eventually emptying into Logan Martin Lake may be just the spot.

Choccolocco Kayak, a collaborative effort between the city of Oxford and Choccolocco Creek Watershed, is located right across Leon Smith Parkway from Choccolocco Park on Boiling Springs Road. From the rental facility there, visitors will be transported by van to kayak put-in access point near Cider Ridge Golf Club. You then float Choccolocco Creek until reaching the take-out access point at the kayak rental facility.

The trip takes about an hour and a half to two hours. Kayak and equipment rentals are available at the main office and parking at Boiling Springs Road. It’s a great beginner to intermediate float, depending on the water levels.

Takeout at main office across from the park

The creek winds through the natural beauty of the region. And what’s more, 75% of the revenue from kayaking goes to support the Choccolocco Creek Watershed, a non-profit group working to preserve the historical integrity of the creek area while protecting natural resources and promoting healthy outdoor recreation.

Choccolocco Kayak is open Friday by reservation 9 a.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. with last launch at 2 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. Visitors must be 18 years or older to rent kayaks. Users 8-17 years old must be accompanied by an adult to float in standard kayak. Children under eight must float in tandem kayak accompanied by an adult.

Like all kayak and similar water sports businesses, safety is a prime concern, and they shut down operations during inclement weather or dangerous conditions on the creek—low or high water levels, obstructions on the waterway and other hazards. They do a great job of keeping people informed of any issues on their Facebook page, and if you have any questions, give them a call at 256-847-5191

The season runs until Labor Day Weekend.

For more information about Choccolocco Kayak, follow them on Facebook, or check out kayaking on the “Things to Do” page on the Choccolocco Creek Watershed website,

www.choccoloccocreek.org, or Choccolocco Park,

www.choccoloccopark.com/amenities/kayaking. You can find out more about the Choccolocco Creek Watershed project at

www.choccoloccocreek.org.

Editor’s note: Choccolocco Creek Watershed and the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center contributed to this story.