I love happy endings. New beginnings are even better. That’s the way I felt just before Christmas as I left the inaugural Pell City Rotary Jingle Bell 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Lakeside Park.
Rotarians had just closed the chapter on the first ever run, and yes, it was quite the happy ending – more than $50,000 raised to build a new home at the St. Clair Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. But more than that, it was well on its way to beginning a new Christmas tradition around these parts – Rotary raising money for a good cause and putting on a spectacular family event all at the same time.
As we head into this new year of ours, it is with that kind of hope and optimism about new beginnings that we encourage others to share as they, too, build better communities all around us.
In Lincoln, we see new life coming to Logan Martin Lake, drawing major fishing and now drag boat racing events to Lincoln’s Landing.
Gadsden continues to amaze us with all it has to offer – from downtown’s resurgence as a destination point thanks to efforts by Downtown Gadsden Inc., to the Venue at Coosa Landing’s draw for all kinds of popular shows and events, like the Fly Fishing Expo and the Alabama Fishing Show.
Now, horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district only add to the allure.
A new year also marks the beginning of a forward look to ‘lake season,’ and that means new boats with all the latest amenities. That’s why we designate January as our Boat Show Edition each year, giving our readers and water enthusiasts a sneak peek at the new year’s new beginnings on our lakes and what’s in store for 2024.
We’ve added docks and boathouses to the preview this year, giving our builders an opportunity to tell their own stories of life on the lake while giving lakeside homeowners a chance to plan their next project.
There’s an old saying about looking back before you can look forward, and that brings us to our historic piece, Remember When. In this edition, we talk with the folks at General Lee Marina, one of the first to make their livelihood on Logan Martin just after the lake was created.
The nostalgic look back gives us a sense of the community that treasure today – neighbors looking out for one another, sharing a common bond of a passion for the water in work and play.
And while you’re here, might as well try your luck at fishing. That’s where our champion bass pro angler Zeke Gossett comes in. From his vantage point, you’ll learn the tips and tricks of the trade for catching the Coosa.
It’s all here and more in this issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Turn the page and discover it all with us.
Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher
