Lake Martin’s waters sparkle with fireworks Friday

Special to the News
Published: July 3, 2008

LAKE MARTIN — July 4th brings different events to the waters of Lake Martin. A 10 a.m. boat parade at Kowaliga Marina starts activities that end with music at 5:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Lake Martin Amphitheater.

BOAT PARADE

Russell Marine will host the 18th Annual Fourth of July Boat Parade on Friday beginning at 10 a.m. at Kowaliga Marina on Lake Martin. Boats of all sizes will line up single file and parade from Kowaliga Marina to Children’s Harbor, circling just past the lighthouse and heading back to the marina. Onlookers line the shoreline and the water to marvel and applaud the colorfully decorated patriotic boats and contestants.

Registered participants in the parade will be vying for top honors for the largest flag, tallest flag, most patriotic and the most creative. The first-place winner in each category will receive a $150 gift certificate to Russell Marine, and second place will receive a $75 gift certificate.

MUSIC, FIREWORKS

Russell Lands will present the Eighth Annual Russell Lands Fourth of July fireworks show, is scheduled for 9 p.m. at the Lake Martin Amphitheater.

Live entertainment will begin at 5:30 p.m. Those not wishing to attend the concert can watch the fireworks show from boats or in the open fields off Highway 63. Kicking off the celebration at 5:30 p.m. will be the acoustic sound of Muse.

The Bluegrass Biscuits will follow Muse on stage, and The Sweet Young’uns will close the show, playing both before the fireworks and again following the show.

Tickets for the concert and celebration will be available through Ticketmaster and at the gate for $15. Children 12 and younger get in free.

Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. Seating is open at the amphitheater so bring lawn chairs and blankets to get the best seat in the house. Concessions will be available.

The Lake Martin Amphitheater is on Highway 63 approximately 1 mile south of Kowaliga Bridge. From U.S. Highway 280 in Alexander City, take Highway 63 South approximately 16 miles.

No boat traffic will be allowed to or from the amphitheater shoreline — access is by car only.