The Alexander City Outlook

Flag boat parade, concert on the lake set for July Fourth weekend

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, so are the festivities in the Lake Martin area.

For starters, the 15th Annual Fourth of July Flag Boat Parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on July 4 at Kowaliga Marina on Lake Martin. Each year, parade participants strive to great lengths to be as creative as possible to show off their patriotic spirit. While some families choose a specific, patriotic theme to decorate their boat, others keep it simple with high-flying American flags.

“Judging by the traffic on the lake this year, we’re expecting a great crowd,” said Bo Bierley, manager at Kowaliga Marina. “Last year we had some very creative boats and creative displays of patriotism. I expect this year to surpass that.”

Boats of all sizes will line up at the marina and follow the lead marina boat. They will parade single file to Children’s Harbor, circling beyond the lighthouse and then returning to the marina for the announcement of prizewinning boats. Onlookers are invited to watch from the lake shores or from their boats.

There are four categories in which participants will be judged: Largest Flag, Tallest Flag, Most Creative Boat and “Yankee Doodle.” Anyone interested in taking part should turn in a registration form by July 3. These can be picked up at any Russell Marine location or can be requested by calling 334-857-2111. Registration is free.

But the celebration doesn’t stop there. Russell Lands is sponsoring a Fourth of July Blast at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Guests can enjoy the free fireworks show, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. For those not watching by boat, a musical concert will be held prior to the fireworks show with short interludes between the sets. It begins at 6 p.m. and will feature two bands, one of which is Montgomery’s own Sweet Young’uns who will take stage around 7:30 p.m.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m., so pack up those lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy some music and fireworks. Concessions will be available. While the fireworks show is free, it is necessary to purchase a ticket for the show and all proceeds benefit Children’s Harbor. Tickets for the benefit concert are $10 and may be purchased at all Aliant Banks, Russell Marine and Russell Do-It Center locations; Russell lands; Children’s Harbor and the Eastdale Mall Information Booth. Tickets will be $15 at the gate and free for children under 12.

The Lake Martin Amphitheater is located on Highway 63 about one mile south of Kowaliga Bridge. From Highway 280 in Alexander City, take Highway 63 South approximately 16 miles. Note that no boat access to the amphitheater shoreline will be permitted. Access is by car only.