Southeast’s largest in-water boat show returns
Story by Carol Pappas
Submitted Photos
With a year off due to COVID, 2021 becomes the 10th anniversary of Logan Martin LakeFest, billed as the Southeast’s largest in-water boat show. At Pell City Lakeside Park May 21-23, LakeFest is making a triumphant return – back bigger and better than ever, organizers say.
And that’s quite a statement. Since its inception in 2010, LakeFest has been the ‘must-go-to’ event of the year. Those early years were spent on the banks of the Horizons development, and it just kept growing from there.
The idea was to create a free event that focused on the lake community, promoted the lake and its lifestyle. From its sponsorships and booth rentals, LakeFest is able to raise money for many a good cause as well as providing improvements to the park, like the Jerry Wood Memorial Pavilion named for one of the event founders, and additional docking for boats.
Today’s LakeFest overlooks Logan Martin from its hillside perch with tent after tent of vendors with all sorts of lake life wares and services, surrounded by the latest in boats and personal watercrafts. A huge outdoor stage featuring virtually non-stop, top entertainment and a couple of comedic emcees giving away prizes and ‘shout outs’ to supporters and businesses stands above.
Handmade outdoor furniture, lake apparel and just about any lake-related product imaginable are scattered under a sea of tents. Realtors, insurance agents, Logan Martin Lake Protection Association members and a host of other services for lake dwellers and visitors alike are a part of the mix, raising awareness and offering an extensive array of giveaways themselves.
Down by the water, brand new boats and watercrafts ready for a test drive await, luring attendees to see the latest of what’s in store for the water this season. There is even on-the-spot financing from AmFirst for your dream boat.
Woods Surfside Marina, Poor House Branch Marina, Sylacauga Marine and ATV, Trident Marine, Skier’s Marine, Speed Zone Oxford and Rodney’s Marine will have boats from the following manufacturers in the water and ready for qualified buyers to take for a test drive.
- Avalon Pontoons
- Boats
- Berkshire Pontoon Boats
- Regency Pontoons
- South Bay Pontoons
- Silver Wave Pontoons
- Sun Tracker Pontoons
- Carolina Skiff Boats
- Mastercraft Wake Boats
- Nitro Performance Boats
- Tahoe Boats
- Tracker Boats
- Xpress Boats
- Yamaha
- Waverunners
When LakeFest began, it had a set of goals in mind:
- Celebrate one of the area’s greatest natural resources, Logan Martin Lake.
- Promote the lake and surrounding areas as a great place to live and do business.
- Raise money for local causes.
- Showcase local businesses.
- Provide LakeFest partners with a captive audience and platform to showcase their products and services.
For 10 years, it has been doing all of the above. So far, its Logan Martin Charity Foundation has awarded $300,000 to local charities, and businesses have seen their sales and profiles head on an upward trajectory.
“We wanted to create an event that really promoted our lake and lake businesses and bring people together for a fun time for the whole
family,” said Eric Housh, one of the organizers. “This year’s event promises to be even bigger and better than before.”
Non-stop entertainment, giveaways – even an ATV – vendors of all descriptions, more food choices and games for the kids await.
Admission is free, and hours are from noon to 9 Friday and Saturday and noon to 6 on Sunday.
And, of course, the fireworks show honoring veterans – a LakeFest tradition and the vision of the late Jerry Wood, who was instrumental in creating LakeFest – will be Friday night after sunset.
Musical entertainment takes center stage all weekend
Friday,
May 21
Jeremy Owen and Dylan –
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Deputy 5 –
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday,
May 22
Matt Bennett –
Noon to 2 p.m.
Hannah McFarland –
3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Outshine –
6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday,
May 23
Hannah McFarland –
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
