Logan Martin Neely Henry Lakelife 24/7 Magazine September and October 2025

LakeLife

September & October 2025

Duck Hunt

A great scavenger hunt all across Logan Martin Better Fishing Boosting habitats on Neely Henry

a place of natural beauty Snacks on the water

Peanut and ice cream boats build fan base

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LakeLife Creators

Carol Pappas

Carol Pappas is editor and publisher of Discover St. Clair Magazine. A retired newspaper executive, she served as editor and publisher of several newspapers and magazines during. She won dozens of writing awards and was named Distinguished Alabama Community Journalist at Auburn University. She serves as president/CEO of Partners by Design.

Graham Hadley

Graham Hadley is the managing editor and designer for Discover The Essence of St. Clair Magazine and also manages the magazine website. Along with Carol Pappas, he left The Daily Home as managing editor to become chief operating officer and vice president of the Creative Division of Partners by Design multimedia company.

Roxann Edsall

Roxann Edsall is a freelance writer and former managing editor of Convene Magazine, a convention industry publication. She has a degree in (broadcast) journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, worked as a television news reporter in Biloxi and as a reporter and assignments editor in Birmingham.

Paul South

Paul South, a native of Fairfield, is an Auburn graduate with a degree in journalism and a double minor in history. He also has a Juris Doctorate degree from the Birmingham School of Law. Although sports writing was always his first love, he had a versatile career as reporter, columnist and first full-time sports information director at Samford University.

David Smith

David Smith aka BamaDave, is originally from Birmingham. He and his wife, Renee, live on Logan Martin Lake. He is a freelance photographer, videographer and professional drone pilot. He has worked for ESPN’s College GameDay Show as a cameraman and for the last 4 years as the drone pilot. He has won 12 Emmys and was ESPN’s first drone pilot.

Scottie Vickery

Scottie Vickery is a writer with a degree in journalism from the University of Alabama and was a reporter for The Birmingham News Her first assignment was covering St. Clair and Blount counties. She has more than 30 years of writing and editing experience and her work has appeared in a variety of publications. She also has worked in the nonprofit industry.

Mackenzie Free

Mackenzie Free is an experienced and nationally published photographer with a bachelor of fine arts degree. She is a Birmingham native now cultivating life on a farm in Steele with her husband & 4 daughters.

Editor’s Notes

‘What if?’ triumphs again

They call it the tipping point – when an idea grows from a tiny spark to a spreading wildfire. And Logan Martin has certainly tipped the scale right over with an idea sparked from a conversation between lake residents Kelli Lasseter and Sonya Hubbard about dock-to-dock trick-or-treating.

Their ‘what if’ gave way to ‘Let’s try.’ And even the likes of Paul Harvey, who made famous the phrase, “Now you know the rest of the story,” wouldn’t know the rest of this one. It hasn’t been written yet. Each October seems to bring a new chapter in the evolution of Boo Bash on Logan Martin Lake.

Since those early days, it has grown from a few hundred to well over a thousand people and boats participating. They’ve added a partner – Logan Martin Lake Protection Association –and a cause – lighted buoys (Boo-ees) for safety at night on the lake. They’ve added a presenting sponsor – Tiki Hut. They’ve added a land event – Boo Bash at Lakeside Park.

And the inspiring part is it’s all done by volunteers wanting to bring the lake community together as one if only for a day. That’s what we call giving back to the community.

Lucky for the rest of us, we see plenty of other examples of people and organizations up and down Logan Martin and Neely Henry lakes doing likewise – seeing a need and filling it.

Take Neely Henry Lake Association, for instance. They saw a need for fish habitats, so they partnered with Alabama Power, and are making it happen year after year.

Another annual ‘do gooder’ is the Alabama 650, the world’s longest paddle race that showcases the state’s waterways and beauty, including Logan Martin and Neely Henry.

If you spot a little yellow rubber ducky around Logan Martin, you’ve landed a spot in a huge scavenger hunt that nets prizes and a cycle of fun as ducks are rehidden all over the lake community. Again, idea, spark, wildfire!

A couple of entrepreneurs had an idea that in lake season months when boaters are out enjoying the lake, it sure would be convenient – and welcome – to deliver goodies right to

them.

So, on weather-permitting weekends, Lakeside Peanut Company and Ice Cream Man of the Lake pilot their ‘shops’ out to where the demand is – by boat. The end result, of course, is plenty of satisfied customers enjoying a diverse menu of ice cream and boiled peanuts.

As with any issue of LakeLife 24/7, there’s plenty more. From a spectacular lakeside kitchen and stunning home to the island vibes of a Jamaican restaurant opening to pro angler Zeke Gossett’s tips on catching the limit, it’s right here in this edition.

Turn the page and discover it all with us!

Carol Pappas Editor and Publisher

LakeLife 24/7 LOGAN MARTIN and NEELY HENRY

Carol Pappas • Editor and Publisher

Graham Hadley • Managing Editor and Designer

Dale Halpin • Advertising

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.”

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

On the water getting ready to place ‘spider buckets’ made from PVC pipes stuck in concrete in plastic buckets

Boosting fish habitats on NEELY HENRY

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.

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 fivegallon 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.

Mapping where to place the buckets

NHLA volunteers

Group effort to load all the buckets

Neely Henry

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Spider buckets going in the water

It takes a large group effort to put the buckets together

“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

Ready to hit the water

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.” l

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

Dave Tumlin grabbing a hose for mixing the concrete

IN Kitchen the and around the with Lake The Ayres

Logan Martin and Neely Henry

Lauren and Jason Ayres in their kitchen

Story by Scottie Vickery

Photos by Mackenzie Free

For most folks living on the water, entertaining large crowds of family and friends is part of summertime fun. For Lauren and Jason Ayres, who live on Neely Henry Lake in Southside, it’s just everyday life.

The couple has seven children, a son-inlaw, and a grandchild on the way, so feeding big groups of people is nothing out of the ordinary. “We cook just about every meal we eat,” Lauren said. “They love to eat whatever we cook.”

The fact that some of the kids have dietary restrictions, coupled with the family’s desire to spend as much time outdoors as possible, means that mealtime can have a few challenges.

“We try to cook big on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so we can have leftovers during the work week,” said Jason, a doctor at Southside Family Medicine. “As our boys get bigger, though, that’s harder and harder to do.”

Dealing with logistics, however, is the couple’s specialty. Lauren has always homeschooled the kids, who now range in age from 13 to 25, and even though there are desks upstairs, a lot of schoolwork has always been done around the kitchen table. “I’ve learned to stay close to the kitchen,” she said. “There’s always something to cook or clean up, and there’s plenty of laundry to do.”

That’s why it’s a good thing the couple makes a good team. “We’ve learned in our house that it’s divide and conquer,” Jason said. “The kids have their chores, and Lauren and I just figure out what works best for us and get it done. Otherwise, we’d never get to sit down.”

PARTY OF 10

It’s a system they’ve had plenty of time to perfect. Lauren and Jason both grew up in Gadsden, and the high school sweethearts have been together since she was 14 and he was 15. They got married after graduating from Auburn University, and they lived in Birmingham while he attended medical school and completed his residency.

Although they didn’t necessarily plan to move back home, life has a way of working out for the best. “The hospital here called and offered us a job, and 22 years later, we’re still here,” Jason said. “This is where we felt like God was leading us.”

The lure of being near family was a strong one, especially as theirs was growing – sometimes pretty quickly. As their first four children – Maggie, Rebecca, Janie and

China is displayed in a large breakfront in the dining room

A view of the lake from the back of the house

The color scheme is carried throughout the house

Porter – got a little older, Lauren and Jason adopted their youngest three – Davidson, John and Patrick – from China over a two-year period from 2012 to 2014.

Even though the girls have left home now (Maggie, now 25, is married and living in Birmingham; Rebecca, 24, is in veterinary school at Mississippi State University; and 18-year-old Janie just started her freshman year at Mississippi State), there are still plenty of mouths to feed each day. Some of the four boys must have gluten-free diets, so Lauren and Jason have adapted recipes to meet their needs.

“Summer food is easy because Jason grills a lot, and we do a ton of fruits and salads,” Lauren said. The boys loved grilled hots dogs by the pool, so Jason uses the outdoor kitchen for that and for making rotisserie chickens, as well. Tilapia tacos and smoked chicken wings are summertime favorites, too.

Salads are even better with blackberries from their three bushes and tomatoes that they grow in containers on the deck. “Our plants were still full of them in October or November of last year,” Jason said. “They wouldn’t ever turn red, so we had a lot of fried green tomatoes. We figured out how to make them gluten-free.”

Homemade ice cream is another family favorite, and there’s always a batch being made or stashed in the freezer. One of their easiest recipes, made from cocoa, whipping cream and condensed milk, is a favorite and a go-to for church gatherings.

Interior French doors work well with the home’s mixed decor

Cozy bedrooms show how the designers utilized every inch of space

Proudly serving Alabama communities in Pell City, Ragland, Odenville, Branchville, Cropwell, Alpine and Vincent.

Jason relaxing with his furry friend

The home is decorated with a mix of antiques and new pieces

Custom cabinet between the kitchen and dining room for extra china

“Everyone always wants us to bring this because it tastes just like a Wendy’s Frosty,” Jason said.

The boys (Porter is 15, Davidson and John are both 14, and Patrick is 13) love to paddle board and ride tubes in the afternoon, so the family’s meal prep philosophy is “the quicker the better.” As a result, the Crock-Pot gets called in to service fairly often.

“On the weekends we’ll stick stuff in the CrockPot so we can go sit by the pool or go out on the boat,” Jason said. “We spend hours out here, so when we come back in, dinner’s ready,” Lauren added.

Water time lasts well into the fall, so it doesn’t get a rest once summer’s over. “Last November we were out in the backyard with swimsuits on,” Lauren said. As the weather turns cooler, the meals get a little heartier, but the focus is still quick and easy meals. “In the fall and winter, we like lots and lots of soup,” Jason said. “The boys love soup.”

CREATING A HOME

Sharing all those meals requires lots of dishes, but Lauren has got it covered. She loves china, especially the cabbageware she collects in pink, blue and green. When they moved into their waterfront home two years ago, she had a custom cabinet built between the kitchen and dining room to help house her dishes.

The

bathroom has all the luxuries

The rest is stored in buffets, china cabinets and other furniture pieces she has collected, largely from estate sales and antique stores. “I used to go to antique stores with my father, and he would always say that if you bought something at an antique store, you don’t pay a markup, and it will never lose its value,” Lauren said.

These days, she and Jason enjoy hitting the sales together. “It’s fun for me, too,” he said. “She has a

St Clair Eye

Raindrop Car Wash Customers in St. Clair County Provide Over 40,000 Meals in Second Quarter of “Wash Away Hunger Wednesdays” Initiative

Raindrop Car Wash recently presented their second-quarter donation check of $32,306 to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama as part of its ongoing Wash Away Hunger Wednesdays initiative, in which the car wash donates $1 for every car washed every Wednesday. This contribution will provide more than 129,000 meals to individuals and families in need across central Alabama.

41,700 of these meals were provided by washes at the three locations in St. Clair County: Pell City North, Pell City South, and Moody.

“Many people in our community face hunger every day, and our customers in St. Clair County have made a significant impact during this campaign,” said Alan Horne, Community Engagement Manager at Raindrop Car Wash. “We are deeply appreciative of our customers who choose to wash their cars on Wednesdays, knowing they are helping put meals on tables. Every wash truly makes a di erence. I would love to see Wednesday become our busiest day of the week.”

The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama works to end hunger by distributing food to over 230 partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and children’s programs. Their ability to source food at a lower cost means that every

donated dollar provides four meals for those facing food insecurity.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Raindrop Car Wash for their commitment through Wash Away Hunger Wednesdays,” said Ginger Pegues, Director of Development at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama. “Each car wash represents more than just a clean vehicle—their partnership helps us provide thousands of meals to families facing hunger across central Alabama.”

Raindrop Car Wash is excited to see the growing momentum as customers unite behind this cause. Powered by their support, the number of meals provided grew from 100,864 in Q1 to 129,224 in Q2, showcasing the impact of the community’s involvement. In the first half of 2025, this initiative has provided a total of 230,088 meals. The company thanks every customer who has contributed and expresses enthusiasm for an even greater impact in the months ahead, encouraging everyone to join the e ort each Wednesday to feed our neighbors in need.

For more information about Raindrop Car Wash and Wash Away Hunger Wednesdays, visit www. raindropcarwash.com/wash-away-hunger.

system. If she sees something (online) that she likes, she’ll take a screenshot, and we make a run for it.”

Their home is a beautiful mix of antiques – some they’ve painted and some with the original finishes – paired with newer pieces from one of her favorite stores, Ballard Designs. Over the years, they’ve found a number of Henry Link chests and cabinets, most of which they have painted in colors ranging from a bright Kelly green, navy and salmon to a robin’s egg blue.

The pink, green and blue colors are carried throughout the house, and are most evident in the kitchen, which features navy steel appliances and light blue cabinets. “I’ve had the blue color of the cabinets picked out for years,” she said.

Before moving to their current home, they built a house in Whorton’s Bend, where they lived for 12 years. She wanted to have blue cabinets there, but everyone talked her out of it. “Everyone said to go neutral, so I did, and the people who bought the house painted the cabinets blue, just like I wanted to.”

She followed her heart when they moved to this house, just as she did when she selected the many treasures that make up the rest of her collections. She loves the Andrea by Sadek Fishnet porcelain figurines, and she has cats, bears, a kangaroo, frog and rabbits in the pattern. She also collects chinoiserie pieces, including groupings of blue and white ginger jars, colorful vases, as well as Chinese porcelain planters. Like her furniture, they are a mixture of antiques and new pieces.

One of her favorite collections is her Staffordshire dog figurines. “I bought my first set when I was 22,” she said, pointing at a pair of porcelain dogs on a shelf in a stairwell. “It was my first big girl purchase,” she added with a laugh. Others are perched in cabinets and on shelves and furniture throughout the home.

Although it’s been said that kids today don’t want their parents’ stuff, Lauren said that isn’t the case in their family. “My girls love all of this, too,” she said. In fact, it has become something of a running joke that they write their names on the bottom of things they like with a Sharpie marker.

“When Janie was about 13, she was putting up Christmas decorations and saw something she really liked,” Lauren remembered. “She said, ‘I’m Sharpie-ing that,’ and wrote her name on the bottom. Ever since then, the other kids will say, ‘Has Janie already Sharpied that, because I want it.”

Lauren said she occasionally sells things on Facebook when her collections grow

Lauren and Jason enjoying homemade ice cream on the porch

too large. “I’ll post things on Facebook, and one of my girls will call and say, “I wanted that,’ so I’ll have to delete it off my page,” she said.

The treasures will soon be moving with them to a home 15 houses away. While they love the home they’re in the process of selling, Lauren and Jason found one with a layout that works better for married children and grandchildren.

There was never any question they’d be staying on the water, though. “Once you’ve lived on the water you can’t ever go back to not being on the water,” Lauren said. “We have the best sunsets here, and we just love sitting out on the deck and having lunch or dinner with a view of the water.”

There’s a peace about it that has become a vital part of their lives, Jason said. “The biggest boat traffic we have in here is people coming to fish,” he said. “After being at work all day, it’s so nice to come home and just be able to walk out the door and get on the boat. It’s just calming.” l

Everything you need to entertain by the pool

Lots of space to sit and relax on the deck around the large boathouse

GREAT RECIPES FROM THE AYRES

Blackberry Salad:

• Romaine and green leaf lettuce

• Cooked bacon, crumbled

• Fresh blackberries. Home grown are the best!

• Goat cheese crumbles

• Sliced almonds

Dressing:

1/3 cup of olive oil

1/3 cup of balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

Season with basil or cinnamon to taste

Steak:

We prefer thick filets.

Let meat come to room temperature and season on all sides. We use Kinder’s Seasoning, The Blend (salt, pepper, and garlic).

Place a small amount of low smoke point oil in a cast iron skillet and heat to just the point of smoking. Sear the edges first for one minute each.

Sear the first side for 3 minutes and the second for two. Place several pats of butter and some minced garlic on the steak and place in a preheated 450-degree oven.

We prefer medium, so we cook to 130 degrees and

then remove and place on a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice and serve with your choice of sides!!

Smoked Cream Cheese

1 block of cream cheese scored slightly on the top

Cover on all sides with seasoning of choice. We use Kinder’s Seasoning, The Blend (salt, pepper, and garlic).

Place cream cheese block on cast iron or grill-safe pan Smoke at 250 degrees for 2 hours

Cover with pepper jelly of your liking

Enjoy with crackers or chips.

No Churn Chocolate

Ice Cream

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream

• 1 can condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Whip the whipping cream with a stand or hand mixer until the cream has stiff peaks.

Add milk, vanilla and cocoa powder and mix until combined.

Freeze at least 3 hours and enjoy with toppings!

Yields 1.5 quarts.

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 evergrowing corps of Boo Bash merry pranksters. “We

Signature

lakewide event to be even bigger and better in 2025

Boat owners get creative with decorations

⊲

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.”

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.” l

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

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

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.

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 nonprofit 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,

Kayaking under the old bridge on Choccolocco

LAKE ADVENTURES start with Rodney’s Marine

walk, ride or roll 100 miles each year within the watershed. All miles also count toward the statewide 100 Alabama Miles Challenge.

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, costshare programs and current projects. “We also

Faith Christian students and teachers help with a cleanup effort

The holiday darter is one of the protected species in the watershed

Oxford High School students at a Watershed Science Day

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.

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. l

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

New people are signing up for the 100 Choccolocco Miles Challenge all the time

Choccolocco Creek Watershed: Fast Facts

• Size & Reach: Drains about 376 square miles across Calhoun, Talladega, Cleburne and Clay counties.

• Biodiversity: Home to roughly 70 species of fish, including the threatened holiday darter, pygmy sculpin and blue shiner.

• Unique Status: The most diverse tributary in Alabama for snails, clams and mussels. Though it covers less than 1% of the state’s land area, it supports 22% of Alabama’s freshwater fish species.

• Outdoor Challenge: The 100 Choccolocco Miles Challenge encourages residents and visitors to log 100 miles annually by hiking, paddling, biking, swimming or walking in the watershed.

• Ambassador Program: Outdoor enthusiasts can become Choccolocco Ambassadors by sharing their adventures on social media to showcase the creek’s beauty.

• Recreation Hub: The Choccolocco Kayak Center in Oxford has been operating for seven years and is a popular starting point for paddlers. Plans are underway to extend trails into Lincoln and develop a Blueway.

• Future Vision: A proposed Choccolocco Nature Center would include interpretive trails and serve as a hub for conservation education and community activity.

• Community Role: The watershed promotes “backyard conservation,” encouraging residents to use rain barrels, mulch, compost and plant native species to protect local water quality.

Classroom in the Forest is another educational opportunity

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!

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

Selling peanuts to a passing boat

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

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 cherryflavored 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.”

The

make the boats easy to spot from the water

banners

Just like an ice cream truck menu, but on a boat

Four-legged deckhands ready to help

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Serving St. Clair and Talladega Counties for over four decades

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1711 Cogswell Avenue ∙ Pell City, Alabama 35125

1711 Cogswell Avenue ∙ Pell City, Alabama 35125

Phone: 205-884-3440 ∙ Fax: 205-884-3440

Phone: 205-884-3440 ∙ Fax: 205-884-3440

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

Web: blairparsons.com ∙ Email: esp@blairparsons.com

Web: blairparsons.com ∙ Email: esp@blairparsons.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.

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

Carrying peanuts back to waiting crowd Enjoy your snacks in the water or on your boat

MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Questions like:

•

•

•

•

•

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. l

The two boats side by side

Passing under the train bridge at Riverside

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Submitted photos

From majestic American Bald Eagles to elegant Great Egrets, Canada geese and Great Blue Herons, Logan Martin Lake is a bird-lovers paradise.

But perhaps the lake’s most popular bird these days, save maybe chicken on the grill, doesn’t have a single feather. In fact, it’s best known as a toddler’s iconic bathtub buddy. Submitted for your approval – the rubber duck.

Thanks to Stacy Deegan and her late husband Brian, the shores of Logan Martin teem with the hidden nonfeathered friends. It’s the hottest scavenger hunt this side of summer camp, as folks comb the area for the numbered ducks, take a selfie with their find for posting on Facebook, then hide them again for another hunter to discover.

It’s a fun twist on catch and release.

Every duck is tagged with instructions. Take a photo of the foundling, post it on the hunt’s Facebook page, then re-hide it for another hunter to find. It’s a yearround event, so it’s always rubber duck season.

Known officially as the Logan Martin Duck Hunt, it’s a Facebook group the Deegans hatched in 2023 to track the movements of the rubber quackers. Stacy took the notion a step further with the scavenger hunt. They began with 10 numbered ducks. The first duck was hidden near Pier 59.

“We just got in the truck one day and started driving around the lake looking for public places to hide the ducks,” she said. “The first place we hid one was the Pier 59 boat ramp. We just kept driving around and hiding the ducks and created the Facebook group.”

The couple had so much fun, they started hiding more ducks. Each toy bird has a QR code that can be scanned, and the discovered duck’s image goes straight to Facebook.

Found at The Back Porch Restaurant No. 346

The

Basics

Facebook instructions: “Looking forward to hearing about some duck traveling this weekend! There are 36 ducks out there. If you have one, please leave it in a public place this weekend if you are able (marina, restaurant, city property, RV Park, etc.) You don’t have to “hide” it. The ducks are happy to be left in sight to be found and released back into the wild! Once you release it, please let us know here! Also, the ducks love it when you post about finding them. They are a little vain and love when you post photos of them online. Let’s have some fun finding and releasing these little guys!”

The Gold Ducks

Among Stacy Deegan’s waddle of Logan Martin rubber ducks, there are 14 gold ducks. The first finder of a gold duck wins a prize.

Gold Duck Sponsors include:

Tiki Hut

The Lakeside Candle Co.

Kelli Bell

Handmade at Whistlebriar Place

Pell City Coffee Company

Ady’s Motorsport Events

Coosa Café and Creamery

Found at Logan Martin LakeFest and Boat Show

Brian Deegan passed away last year, but Stacy continued the hunt, she said, “not as a tribute to him, but I did release some ducks that had tags with ‘In Memory of Brian Deegan’ and his dates. So, I had a round of memorial releases there.”

The Duck Hunt has been on for two years, and the number of toy ducks has grown to nearly 500. They come in all colors.

“It’s been so much fun,” Stacy said. “My neighbors have been helping me out with the ducks.” And this year, there’s a new wrinkle that’s – as they might say in The Hamptons – just ducky.

There are golden ducks secreted away – 14 of them – and whoever discovers one wins a prize. “I was able to get some local businesses to donate prizes,” Stacy said.

For example, Lakeside Candle Co., Pell City Coffee and Pier 59 are among the donors, as well as Porky Pirate Barbecue. One local Realtor is offering a cash prize for her firm’s gold duck, Deegan said.

In another ducky development, the Duck Hunt will be part of the fourth Boo Bash event this year. “It’s just another leg (of the hunt),” Deegan said. “It’s another way to have the ducks out for people to have fun with it.”

Found this duck at the Castle Park. Will release it back into the wild! Duck #195. In memory of Brian Deegan

Five of the Boo Bash quackers will have prizes worth $100 for the finders, thanks again to donations from local businesses.

Like Boo Bash, the wildly popular Halloween hullaballoo, the Duck Hunt aims to build a stronger sense of community on Logan Martin.

But it also takes a page from a social phenomenon called geocaching. According to geocaching.com, it’s “an any day, any time activity that can take you to amazing and beautiful places. Geocaches are physical containers hidden all over the world you can find from a set of coordinates.” There is a Geocaching app. For more information, visit geocaching.com.

“It’s a really cool idea,” Stacy said. “It’s getting families to get outside and get away from their phones and computers and get on the hiking trails and look for hidden treasures or hidden caches. People all over the world hide things everywhere that you don’t know about.”

She added, “Geocaching is what inspired me to hide the ducks and get people outside to look for something fun. Just something extra, especially on the lake, where there’s already plenty to do.

Duck No. 487 found at Lincoln Landing

Duck No. 494 found at Pirate Island

“But I just imagine the smile on a kid’s face when they are running out of Tiki Hut, and they find a little rubber duck.”

In an effort to be sensitive to the lake environment, Stacy intentionally conceals the ducks in areas where the rubber creatures can’t slide into the water.

“The idea is to not have them fall into the water and float away,” she said. “I made a conscious choice in the beginning not to place the ducks in the water.”

The end goal of the Duck Hunt? Good old-fashioned fun and a ton of smiles.

“Just something to put a smile on somebody’s face,” Stacy said. “I usually tell people, enjoy for a minute, then re-hide it for someone else to find.”

She hopes the hunt will become a Logan Martin mainstay. Globally, the rubber ducks are enjoying a renaissance and have waddled out of the tub, so to speak. Many Jeep owners have dashboard rubber ducks. In the UK, there’s a whole store devoted to the beloved toy.

Once, Brian Deegan concealed 50 tiny ducks throughout the family’s Logan Martin house.

“I would love to do it as long as I can. The rubber ducks are not expensive at all. I just do it for fun. If it were expensive, I’d probably try to monetize it. But I don’t want to monetize it. I just want it to be fun. As long as I’m financially able to put these little ducks together and hide them for people, and they enjoy it, I’m going to do it.”

Every duck find posted on Facebook is an affirmation. “Every time someone finds a duck and posts it,” Stacy said, “that’s my reward.” l

For more information, follow the Logan Martin Duck Hunt (Rubber Ducks) Facebook Page.

Found Duck 146 in Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach, SC. These ducks will travel

You can find the ducks just about anywhere

Duck 288, found at Sundance Marina Store

Paddle race returns this October

They call it the world’s longest paddle race and at 650 miles across Alabama’s waterways, it is one of the world’s toughest endurance races, too.

Only 47 percent who start the race at Weiss Lake in Alabama’s north even make it to the finish line at Mobile Bay’s Fort Morgan, underscoring the resilience and sheer determination it takes to complete the grueling trek.

The Great Alabama 650 Race returns Oct. 4-14, embarking on yet another adventure that draws fans up and down Neely Henry and Logan Martin lakes as paddlers head further south.

It takes paddleboard, canoe and kayak paddlers along the core of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, which sets a couple of records on its own as the longest river trail in a single state and the longest national water trail.

Traditionally, paddlers arrive in Gadsden on Neely Henry in the nighttime hours of Day 1 and reach Logan Martin on the morning of Day 2. From whatever vantage point fans can find with a view of main channels, a growing base of fans watch each year as paddlers make their way along the lakes.

Popular spots in Gadsden are along the riverwalk at Coosa Landing. Logan Martin tends to watch from lakeside homes or near the portage at Logan Martin Dam.

Or, they keep up with each racer’s progress on a live map on the race’s website, alabamascenicreivertrail.com/ great-alabama-650. You can even volunteer for an even closer view and personal experience by registering on the website.

Racers have 10 days to complete the 650-mile course, but the 2024 male solo winner, Trey Reaves, finished in 7 days, 3 hours and 20 minutes. It was back-to-back wins for Reaves, who finished the 2023 edition in 6 days, 1

Coming

Gadsden bridge reflected in the water

into portage at Neely Henry Dam

When you work with Dana, you’re not just getting a Realtor, you’re gaining so much more! She is a fierce negotiator, a leader in the community and in the real estate market. But best of all, she becomes a true partner, helping you reach your goals every step of the way.

Great Alabama 650 first-place finish

hour and 31 minutes. Record time was set by West Hansen in 2021 with 5 days, 19 hours and 9 minutes.

Ryan Gillikin was the female solo winner in 2024 in 8 days, 18 hours, 37 minutes. From the race’s inception in 2019 through 2023, Salli O’Donnell won all of them, setting the record in 2021 of 4 days, 22 hours, 39 minutes. O’Donnell has become a fan favorite on Logan Martin.

There’s also a two-person tandem team category, too, with Jessica Nance and Candi Hill capturing the 2024 title in 8 days, 22 hours, 35 minutes. The record is held by Paul Cox and Joe Mann at 4 days, 17 hours, 4 minutes in 2021.

They weather rain, wind, sun and fluctuating temperatures, from rushing whitewater to river deltas – all in hopes of completing this grueling race with prize purses worth $2,000 each. They’ll quickly tell you it’s not for the money, it’s the challenge.

So, grab your binoculars or find a closeup, waterfront perch and enjoy the race. It’s not just an adventure for the paddlers, it’s a lake life event you won’t want to miss.

Passing a dock at Mays Bend on Logan Martin Lake

Take 5 Community Events

September through early November 2025

LakeLife 24/7 events compiled by Jackie Romine Walburn

Submit events to: cpappas@partnersmultimedia.com

SEPTEMBER

Who: Leeds Arts Council

What: Masterpiece Mondays at Leeds Theatre and Arts Center

When: Mondays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; 9 a.m. to noon. Open every Monday.

Where: Leeds Theatre and Arts Center, 8140 Parkway Drive, Leeds

Why: Open every Monday, exhibiting art of local artist Debbie Simmons. www.facebook.com/leeds.a.council

Who: Local farmers

What: Hoke’s Bluff Farmer’s Market

When: Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; Mondays in summertime

Where: 3301 Alford Road, Hoke’s Bluff

Why: Fresh produce

Who: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library

What: Time to Read Book Club

When: Sept. 3, 10 to 11 a.m.; held first Wednesdays

Where; Library at Parkway Drive

Why: All welcomed; bring a snack to share

Who: Museum of Pell City

What: Helen Keller Foundation Art Show of Alabama

When: Sept. 4-Sept. 27, Thursdays and Fridays, 10-4; Saturdays, 10-2

Where: Museum of Pell City, 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy., Suite 200

Why: Showcasing work created by Alabama students who are blind, visually impaired or deaf-blind; Free

Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597, Leeds

What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night

When: First and third Fridays, Sept. 5 and 19; 5 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase

Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive

Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information

Who: American Bass Anglers

What: Professional fishing tournament at Neely Henry

When: Sept. 6 and 7, 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Compete in North Alabama competition. Register at www.americanbassanglers.com

Who: Downtown Gadsden

What: September First Friday in downtown Gadsden

When: Friday, Sept. 6, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gadsden

Why: Multiple locations along the street will feature live music performances from local and regional bands. Full lineup includes Good Time Charlie at 3rd and Broad, Sherwood Seven at 4th and Broad, Foggy Hollow at 5th and Broad and SkyDogs in the 600 block. Food vendors will provide an array of drinks and treats

Who: Neely Henry Bass Club

What: Fishing tournament

When: Saturday, Sept. 6, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Local fishing tournament at Neely Henry

Who: God is Bigger Movement

What: 8th Annual God is Bigger Movement Bass Fishing Tournament

When: Safe light to 3 p.m.; registration at 4 a.m.; pre-registration, gibmovement.com

Where: Lincoln’s Landing, Lincoln, Logan Martin Lake

Why: Offering hope and prayer to a broken world, assistance to cancer patients and other lifethreatening illnesses and benefiting needs of communities, locally and abroad.

Who: Kings of Swing

What: Free concert

When: Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mary G. Hardin Center, Gadsden

Why: Live music, free

Who: Comedians talk

What: Chonda Pierce Live, featuring Karyn Williams

When: Thursday, Sept. 11, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Church at Will’s Creek, Gadsden

Why: Bring smiles and your lady friends. More information at 256-546-9236

Who: The Faith Riders

What: Thunder @ the Grove

When: Sept. 11, every second Thursday at 6 p.m.

Where: Cedar Grove Baptist Church. 2001 Cedar Grove Road, Leeds.

Why: Join the Faith Riders every second Thursday for food and fellowship. No bikes required. Come as you are. More information at 205-699-8446

Business Directory

Who: City of Oxford

What: Second Friday on Main

When: Friday, Sept. 12, October 10, 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Historic Downtown Oxford

Why: Explore al Historic Oxford offers in this monthly event. More at www.oxfordmainstreet.com

Who: Downtown Talladega merchants

What: Second Saturday

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, October 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works

Why: Music and more each Second Saturday

Who: Magic City Octane and car enthusiasts

What: Magic City Octane Car Show

When: Sept. 13, 8 to 11 a.m.; every second Saturday

Where: The Shops at Grand River, Leeds

Why: A family friendly car show

Who: American Legion Attalla Post 71

What: Dinner and Dance

When: Sept. 13 and 27; Second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 to 11 p.m.

Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla

Why: Dinner and dancing fun

Who: Downtown Attalla

What: Attalla Art Walk

When: Saturday, Sept. 13, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Attalla

Why: See live art, displays and live music, all from local artists

Who: City of Southside

What: Southside Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival

When: Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Southside City Hall, 2255 Highway 77, Southside

Why: Taste the best of food truck fare

Who: Rainbow City

What: Rainbow City Community Market

When: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 7 a.m. to noon

Where: Rainbow City Hall, Rainbow Drive

Why: Local food and products

Who: Leeds Area Chamber

What: Chamber Luncheon

When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: First Baptist Church, Leeds

Why: Celebrate with the chamber. More at leedsareachamber.com

Who: Glencoe Fire Department and Glencoe Firefighter Association

What: Smoke in the Park Backyard Barbecue Competition

When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 19 and 20

Where: E.C. Wilson Park, Glencoe

Why: Weekend also includes the Jeff Smith memorial Ironman classic cook off Friday, live entertainment from Scotty Sams and Tony Troy Friday at 6:30 p.m., a Tractor Show, a Duck Race, Kid’s Q hamburger challenge on Saturday. Contact: glencoechristmasforkids@gmail.com

Who: Artists and shoppers

What: Art on the Rocks

When: Sept. 20 and 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Noccalula Park

Why: More than 75 vendors, food trucks, live entertainment.

Who: Five16 Foundation

What: Lakeside Live Musicfest

When: Sept. 20, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: Pell City Lakeside Park

Why: Fun family event featuring live music, car show, games and activities for kids, vendors, food benefiting charitable organizations.

Who: Wine makers and tasters

What: Alabama Wine Festival at Art on the Rocks

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2 to 7 p.m.

Where: Noccalula Park

Why: Sample wines from Alabama wineries and vineyards. Adults only. $25 to $50 admission

Who: Coosa Valley Model Railroad Club

What: Train Show

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Mary G. Hardin Cultural Arts Center, Gadsden

Why: All things model trains. $5 admission

Who: Gadsden Amateur Radio Club

What: Annual Gadsden Hamfest

When: Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing

Why: Ham radio enthusiasts unite. Admission free to $5.

Who: Civil War Battle enactors

What: The Raid on Little General’s Farm Civil War Reenactment

When: Sept. 19-21

Where: 5535 Old Gallant Road, Gallant

Why: Educational stations Friday, ladies’ tea, battle, kid’s battle, and a dance Saturday. Church, guest speaker and battle on Sunday. Admission $5; 5 and under free. www.maggiesraid.com

Who: Homestead Hollow

What: Fall Arts and Crafts Show

When: Sept. 26, 27 and 28

Where: Homestead Hollow, 1161 Murphrees Valley Road, Springville

Why: Fine arts and crafts, children’s activities and great food. homesteadhollow.com/arts-crafts-festivals

Who: Heritage Hall Museum and Art Center

What: Tommy Moorehead Tribute

When: September and October, dates TBA

Where: 200 South Street East, Talladega

Why: Exhibit of works on loan from various sources honoring the legacy of Tommy Moorehead, artist and director and curator of the Jemison-Carnegie Heritage Hall Museum and artist-in-education grantee of the Alabama State Arts Council.

Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History

What: Third Thursday: Garden Walk

When: Thursday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.

Where: Longleaf Event Center at AMNH

Why: Garden walk featuring the Tropical Courtyard Garden and ginger lily varieties. Ginger lily divisions and other plants will be on sale at the greenhouse. Admission is $5; free for members.

Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History

What: Plant sale

When: Third Thursday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens greenhouse and nursery

Why: Support the growth of LBG by purchasing plants, including trees, scrubs, natives and tropicals.

Who: Local farmers

What: Gadsden 5th Street Farmer’s Market

When: Each Friday morning in summertime

Where: 5th Street Market, 439 Locust Street, Gadsden

Why: Fresh produce

Who: Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

What: The Alabama Troubadours celebrate the music of John Prine

When: Friday, Sept. 19

Where: Ritz Theatre, 114 Court Street North, Talladega

Why: Prime Prine music celebrated; more at ritztalladega.com

Who: Leeds Chess Club

What: Monthly gathering for all ages and abilities

When: Fourth Saturday, Sept. 20, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library

Why: Come to learn, brush up on chess skills, have fun

Who: Motors on Main

What: The Kick Off Cruise-In

When: Sept. 26, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; fourth Fridays through October

Where: Motors on Main, 8th Street and Parkway, Leeds

Why: Benefiting special needs non-profits one motor at a time.

Who: Neely Henry Lake Association and volunteers

What: Renew Our Rivers clean up on Neely Henry Lake

When: Sept. 22 to 26, 1 to 7 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden Landing, Rainbow and Southside

Why: Help Renew Our Rivers on its 25th anniversary to pick up trash and dispose of it properly. In conjunction with the Alabama Power Co. and Keep Etowah Beautiful.

Who: American Legion Post 71, Attalla

What: Etowah County Fair

When: Sept. 23-28, 5:30 to 11 p.m.

Where: Fairgrounds, 31 Griffin Street, Attalla

Why: It’s the county fair! Sponsored by the local American Legion and benefiting veterans, the fair features C&M Midway ride and carnival attractions. Admission, $10 and up. Contact: 256-490-5432

Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce

What: Business Builder Breakfast

When: Thursday, Sept. 25, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Where: Pell City Municipal Complex

Why: Free event. Register at pellcitychamber. chambermaster.com/eventregistration/ register/5914

Who: Local farmers

What: Rainbow City Farmer’s Market

When: Mondays and Wednesdays, 7 a.m. to noon, through summertime

Where: Rainbow City Municipal Building Parking lot

Why: Fresh produce

Who: Local farmers

What: Glencoe Farmer’s Market

When: Tuesdays

Where: Glencoe Police Department, Chastain Blvd.

Why: Fresh produce

Who: Local farmers

What: Attalla Farmer’s Market

When: Thursdays, noon to 5 p.m. through September

Where: At 5th and 3rd in downtown

Why: Fresh produce

Who: Gadsden Museum of Art exhibiting local artists

What: Gadsden Museum of Art

When: September, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden

Why: Artworks featured in September from Kariann Fuqua: The Hidden Order of Grief and Hope, and Caroline Hatfield: Speculative Geography

Who: City of Hoke’s Bluff

What: Hoke’s Bluff CityFest and Cruise-In Classic Car Show

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 3 to 10 p.m.

Where: Hoke’s Bluff, Alford Blvd

Why: Free evening of live music featuring headliner Skynfolks, a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band, at 8 p.m., plus Foggy Hollow, 3 to 4 p.m., blues musician

John Bull, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Midnight State of Mind, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Fiddle in the Band, 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Contact: 256-492-2414.

Who: Darden Rehabilitation and bass anglers

What: 68th Annual Bass Tournament

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Bass fishing tourney benefiting Darden Rehabilitation

Who: Neely Henry Bass Club

What: Bass Tournament at Neely Henry Lake

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Local bass fishing tournament

Who: A.G. Gun Shows

What: Gadsden Gun and Knife Show

When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27 and 28; Saturday hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday

hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Gun and knife show. Admission $10; $5 for veterans. Information, Anthony Giordano of A.G. Gun Shows, 423-664-2715, aggunshows@yahoo. com; www.aggunshows.com

Who: Gadsden City High School and Titan band

What: 61st Annual Midsouth Marching Festival

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Titan Stadium, 1917 Black Creek Parkway, Gadsden

Why: Come wee the oldest marching festival

Who: Talladega Chamber

What: Classic Car Cruise In

When: Sept. 27, 5 to 8 p.m.; every fourth Saturday

Where: Talladega Chamber parking lot, 210 East St. South, Talladega

Why: Show off your classic car. Contact Edward Waller, 256-493-5318

OCTOBER

Who: Yard sale vendors and shoppers

What: Highway 411 Yard Sale

When: Thursday, October 2, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Leeds to Knoxville, 250 miles

Why: Enjoy yard sale treasures and gorgeous fall foliage as you follow the Highway 411 Yard Sale

Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce

What: Lunch and Learn

When: Thursday, October 2, noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Pell City Municipal Complex

Why: Hear from expert guest speakers, free for chamber members; $10 for non-members

Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597, Leeds

What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night

When: First and third Fridays, October 3 and 17; 5 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase

Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive

Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information

Who: Moody Chamber of Commerce

What: Moody’s Annual Oktoberfest

When: Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Moody City Park

Why: Arts, crafts, games, rides, live entertainment

Who: Smith Tomato LLC

What: Smith Tomato 9th Annual Fall on the Farm Festival

When: Saturday, October 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Smith Tomato, 4575 Loop Road, Steele

Why: Free! Music, arts and crafts, food vendors, bounce house, face painting and photo props

Who: Anglers

What: Coosa River Team Trail

When: Saturday, October 4, 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Fishing tournament at Neely Henry. Call Mike Godfrey, 256-453-6546

Who: Alabama Scenic River Trail

What: Great Alabama 650 Paddle Race

When: October 4 to 14, 2025

Where: Begins at Weiss Lake and ends 650 miles south at Fort Morgan at Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico

Why: The longest paddle race in the U.S., the Great Alabama 650 Paddle Race follows the core section of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, the longest river trail in a single state and the longest National Water Trail. More at www.alabamascenicrivertrail. com/great-alabama-650

Who: Logan Martin Lake Protection Association and Tiki Hut

What: Boo Bash on Logan Martin Lake

When: Sunday, Oct. 5, noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Around Logan Martin Lake and at Lakeside Park

Why: Dock to dock trick-or-treating on the lake and Halloween events at the park

Who: Hope Family Ministries, a ministry of Sav-A-Life

What: Dinner of Hope

When: Tuesday, October 7, 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford

Why: Hear guest speaker Marc Newman. Call 256-237-9999

Who: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library

What: Time to Read Book Club

When: October 8; 10 to 11 a.m.; held first Wednesdays

Where; Library at Parkway Drive

Why: All welcomed; bring a snack to share

Who: Starting Together Ending Parkinson (STEP)

What: Parkinson in the Park Pickleball Tournament and Walkabout

When: Saturday, October 11, 9 a.m.

Where: Oxford Lake Park, 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford

Why: Raise funds to battle Parkinsons with Pickleball fun. Food trucks and vendors. Email Step4pd@gmail.com to register and information

Who: Downtown Talladega merchants

What: Second Saturday

When: Saturday, October 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Talladega Bottling Works

Why: Music and more each Second Saturday

Who: Magic City Octane and car enthusiasts

What: Magic City Octane Car Show

When: October 11; 8 to 11 a.m.; every second Saturday

Where: The Shops at Grand River, Leeds

Why: A family friendly car show

Who: American Legion Attalla Post 71

What: Dinner and Dance

When: October 11 and 25; Second and fourth Saturdays each month, 5 to 11 p.m.

Where: 201 Griffin Street, Attalla

Why: Dinner and dancing fun

Who: City of Southside

What: Southside Taste of the Town Food Truck Festival

When: Sunday, October 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Southside City Hall, 2255 Highway 77, Southside

Why: Taste the best of food truck fare

Who: The Shops of Grand River

What: Grand Riverfest Fall 2025

When: Sunday, October 12, noon to 5 p.m.

Where: The Shops at Grand River, 6200 Grand River Blvd, Leeds

Why: One-day marketplace with kids activities, one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.

Who: Gadsden Museum of Art exhibiting local artists

What: Gadsden Museum of Art

When: Throughout October, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 515 Broad Street, Gadsden

Why: Artworks featured in October from Nell Gottlieb, Greg Light, Autumn Baugh, Michelle Reynolds and Celeste Laborde.

Who: Leeds Knights of Columbus Council 5597

What: Knights of Columbus Charity Bingo Night

When: First and third Fridays, October 3 and 17, 5 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. and Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Food available for purchase

Where: Leeds Civic Center, 1000 Park Drive

Why: Play bingo for cash prizes while raising money for local charities. Call Don Tice at 205-542-0671 for information

Who: Anniston Museum of Natural History

What: Plant sale

When: Third Thursday, October 16; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Longleaf Botanical Gardens greenhouse and nursery

Why: Support the growth of LBG by purchasing plants, including trees, scrubs, natives and tropical plants.

Who: Leeds Chess Club

What: Monthly gathering for all ages and abilities

When: Fourth Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Leeds Jane Culbreth Library

Why: Come to learn, brush up on chess skills, have fun

Who: American Legion Post 71

What: Etowah County Swap Meet and Car and Truck Show

When: October 17 and 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Post 71, 31 Griffin, Attalla

Why: Benefiting Veterans, 50/50 and Money tree drawing starts at 1 p.m. Sunday; Registration in car-truck show $35 day of show. Checks payable to Etowah County Fair Association, P.O. Box 561, Attalla, 35954. Contact: Randall Green, 256-490-5432

Who: City of Attalla

What: Attalla Heritage Day Festival

When: Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m,

Where: 4th Street NW, Attalla

Why: Free. Live music, food, crafts, kid zone and open car show. Contact: kmoore@attallacity.org, 256613-9238

Who: Alabama Regency Pageant

What: Alabama state pageant

When: Saturday, October 18, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: The Venue at Coosa Landing, Gadsden

Why: Pageant recognizing girls elementary and up. Admission, $25 to $30. Pageant entry fee, $275. Email alabamaregencypageant@gmail.com for entry forms and information

Who: Nascar Cup Series

What: 2025 Yellawood 500 playoffs race

When: Sunday, October 19, 1 p.m.

Where: Talladega Superspeedway, Lincoln

Why: It’s Nascar. Drivers battle it out at nearly 200 mph. Tickets $65 and up

Who: Pell City Chamber of Commerce

What: Power Lunch

When: Wednesday, October 22, noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Fellowship Hall at Eden Westwood Baptist Church, Wolf Creek Road, Pell City

Why: Great food, connections and motivated leadership. RSVP at jcimpactminitries@gmail.com

Who: Theatre of Gadsden

What: A presentation of Arsenic and Old Lace

When: October 24 to Nov. 2, 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: Theatre of Gadsden, Wall Street, Gadsden

Why: Local talent performing a classic play. Tickets, $13 to $80, at www.theatreofgadsden.org

Who: Area Wide Towing and the city of Attalla

What: Annual Trick or Treat downtown

When: Saturday, October 25, 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Attalla, 5th Avenue and 4th Street NW, Attalla

Why: Free trick or treating. Contact: 256-538-1943

Who: Motors on Main

What: The Kick Off Cruise-In

When: October 24, 5 to 8 p.m.; fourth Fridays through October

Where: Motors on Main, 8th Street and Parkway, Leeds

Why: Benefiting special needs non-profits one motor at a time.

Who: Calhoun County Chamber

What: 2025 Business EXPO

When: Tuesday, October 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Chamber of Commerce

Why: Contact Savanahd@calhounchamber.com for information

Who: Gadsden Mall

What: Food Truck and Culture Festival

When: October 31 to Nov. 2; 1 to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday

Where: Gadsden Mall, 1001 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden

Why: Free! 40 food trucks and 60 artisans and vendors. Costumes encouraged for all.

NOVEMBER

Who: Alabama Bass Federation

What: Logan Martin Lake bass fishing tournament

When: Saturday, Nov. 1 and Nov. 8, first light until 3 p.m.

Where: Lincoln’s Landing, Lincoln, Ala.

Why: 75 to 100 boats to compete in tournament. Contact is James Sparrow, jpsparrow@att.net, 334201-4135. More at www.albassfed.org

Who: Kolectic Treasures Antique Market

What: 7th Annual Kolectic Jam Festival 2025

When: Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 4406B McClellen Blvd., Anniston

Why: Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors

Who: Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

What: Missoula Children’s Theatre

When: Nov. 3 through 8

Where: Ritz Theatre, 114 Court Street North, Talladega

Why: Details at www.ritztalladega.com

Who: Museum of Pell City

What: Annual Salute to Veterans

When: Friday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.

Where: Museum of Pell City, 1000 Bruce Etheredge Pkwy, Suite 200

Why: Tribute to veterans with keynote speaker St. Clair District Attorney Lyle Harmon, expanded military exhibits, oral history video, reception.

Who: St. Clair County Cattleman’s Association

What: St. Clair County Fair

When: Nov. 7-8

Where: St. Clair County Arena, Odenville

Why: A celebration of community and agriculture with livestock shows, carnival rides, pageant queens, live music, local vendors and more.

Who: City of Attalla

What: Downtown Attalla Christmas Open House

When: Saturday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Attalla, 5th Avenue and 4th Street NW, Attalla

Why: Downtown is wide open as stores come together to kick off the Christmas season.

Who: Talladega’s Historic Ritz Theatre

What: Hall of Heroes Veterans Day Celebration

When: Tuesday, Nov. 11

Where: Ritz Theatre, 114 Court Street North, Talladega

Why: Details at www.ritztalladega.com

Who: Southside and Rainbow City

What: Alabama Crappie Trail Championship Tournament

When: Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15, 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m,

Where: Southside Landing

Why: Celebrate Crappie fishing at the Alabama Crappie Trail championship. Payouts in five divisions. Contact: Keith Cole, 256-476-7555

• Adults learning to read or improve reading skills

• One on one reading classes

• Classes to help with reading skills and comprehension of what you have read

• GED preparation

• ESOL Classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Every Tuesday night on second floor of Pell City Municipal Complex (above the Pell City Library)

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

CATCHIN’ THE COOSA

An angler’s guide to Neely Henry and Logan Martin Lakes

Fall will bring lots of changes to fishing on the lakes

By Zeke Gossett

LOGAN MARTIN

As the weather starts cooling off, and we move into the fall time of year, a lot of changes start to happen on Logan Martin. One of the main things that every year is the Fall turnover. This is where the lake begins to lose oxygen out in deeper water. You can even see the thermocline on your 2D sonar and downscan. You will begin to see shad starting their migration to the backs of the creeks and usually the bass will follow.

This happens especially once the nights begin to get cooler. On top of this, the winter drawdown begins to happen on Logan Martin. Last year, the water level only dropped three feet compared to the usual five in prior years, which is the new winter level.

This time of the year can be a very tough time to fish, but hopefully these tips can help you get a jump start to find fish quickly.

Typically, I fish predominately shallow water. When I say shallow, I mean anywhere from 10 feet or less of water. I’m usually looking for docks, brush and grass for my three main pieces of cover on Logan Martin.

Usually, I will try to start in the grass, especially in the earlier part of September. The first rod I’m going to reach for is a frog. The frog, in my opinion, is probably one of the best ways to get your better than average bite this time of year. Another good option would be a buzz bait.

Once the sun starts to get up, I’ll kind of shift my focus to the docks and brush. There are a couple of rods I reach for this time of year when fishing docks and brush. When the water temp is still in the 75-degree plus mark, I’m usually reaching for the neko rig. The fish are still usually pretty finicky this time of year. This is a great option for getting these fish to bite when they’re not in the biting mood.

Once that water temp gets under 75, that’s when I’ll reach for the jig. The jig is a very versatile bait this time of year. You can fish it around brush and docks. I might even flip it in grass and lay downs as well.

While the early fall time of year can be some of the toughest times to fish on Logan Martin, it can be the most rewarding if you figure them out. Keep it simple this time of year, and you will find success.

1500 Noccalula Road, Gadsden, AL 35901

NEELY HENRY

September and October can be a very tricky two months on Neely Henry Lake. The fish are starting to feed up for the winter and especially after the first few cool nights we have.

I really like to focus on docks and grass just like Logan Martin. Typically, I’ll focus on the back half of the creeks this time of year. You also want to make sure there are baitfish in the area.

Most of the time the baitfish will be up near the surface of the water column. So, make sure you keep an eye out for schoolers this time of the year as well.

The Fall turnover is usually right around the corner or is already happening at this point. What that means is the oxygen levels in deeper water are beginning to get very low. The shallow water tends to have a lot more bass activity due to food and oxygen levels. This is why the baitfish tend to be near the surface. When fishing the docks, I will typically start on the shallower docks. When I say shallow docks, I’m talking any docks five feet or less.

Don’t be afraid to try deeper docks as well. The deeper docks will sometimes get overlooked by a lot of fishermen. This allows fish to use every bit of the water column if they choose to. They can either stay shallow or move deeper, if they please.

A few baits I like to try in these areas are either the neko rig or jig. These two baits give me options throughout about every depth. If it is cloudy and windy, I tend to reach for the buzzbait and cover a lot of water. If it’s more of a slick calm sunny day I like to pitch and flip the jig around wood and docks.

Lastly, another great place to try and find a bigger bite is in the grass. The frog early in the morning is great way to get a bigger than average bite. Once the sun gets high, don’t be afraid to flip the jig as well. You will not get many bites typically doing these techniques, but the ones that do bite will be better than average.

One last tip on grass, do not be afraid to fish super shallow this time of year. Sometimes the fish on Neely Henry get so shallow you can almost see their fins, and the bigger fish will sometimes be in just inches of water.

Give these tips a try and keep your fishing simple this time of year. Fall time is all about trying to find activity. Fish tend to move around a lot but don’t let that fool you.

Keep your bait selection simple and keep covering water, and you will find success.

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.

Voice of the River

Coosa Riverkeeper’s very first patrol truck and boat in 2015

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.