Just when you thought summer would never get here, it seems like hardly a day has passed, and it’s July!
This is quite a special month on our lakes and across our country as America celebrates 250 years as a nation. Spectacular events as stunning as the fireworks displays that illuminate them are bringing people from near and far to celebrate.
From huge fireworks displays over Logan Martin at Pell City and Lincoln and on Neely Henry at Gadsden. Southside’s drone light show returns, and Greensport Marina is planning quite a celebration with a fireworks display over the water as its grand finale.
City of Pell City is doubling its investment in its fireworks extravaganza, Lights Over Logan Martin. They’ve dubbed it the “once-in-a-generation fireworks show” along with activities in Lakeside Park featuring Kids Zone, food trucks and music from the main stage.
Meanwhile, City of Gadsden has upped its ante, too. Freedom Fest is so big, it stretches over two days – July 3-4. Fireworks won’t be the only thing heading skyward for America’s 250th birthday. And as its name implies, everything is free – Hot Air Balloon Festival, tethered rides, live music all weekend with a huge finale featuring Black Jacket Symphony performing Yacht Rock.
And of course, there will be plenty of fireworks as Gadsden launches its “largest fireworks display in the Southeast” over the Coosa River from Broad Street Bridge on the night of the nation’s birthday.
Later in the month, Pier 59 on Logan Martin holds its celebration of a different kind – Christmas in July – providing an unforgettable Christmas for students at Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. From cornhole tournament to poker run to auctions and entertainment, Christmas in July, slated for July 11, keeps getting bigger, better and more benevolent as each year goes by.
There’s plenty more going on throughout the lakes region, and you’ll find out all about them in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine.
Check out how the inaugural Coosa River Ramble, where kayakers and paddleboarders race not only for the finish line, but for the future of the Coosa River.
Step back into history when native Americans roamed these shorelines of Logan Martin and Neely Henry as Alabama Power and a team of archeologists share their ‘finds’ along the Coosa River.
Read all about veterans helping veterans enjoy the lake, now a pre-Memorial Day tradition on Logan Martin. Or learn about Gadsden’s new kayak and canoe launch and the pedal boats at Coosa Landing, both an effort to make the lake more accessible and enjoyable.
Up ahead, preview what’s in store for the 2026 version of Lakeside Live Musicfest and Car Show at Lakeside Park coming in September. And see how an engineering teacher is offering lessons of another kind to children through a series of books featuring the Goldendoodle Sisters.
It’s people, places and great celebrations on and around our lakes. Take your pick, turn the page and discover what lake life is all about with us!
Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher
