LakeFest’s Back! Bigger, better, more Story by Linda Long
LakeLife 24/7 Archive photos Submitted photos
Bigger, better, more entertaining entertaining than than ever ever W
hen the dogwoods bloom, and tulips and daffodils compete for color, you know it’s springtime in the South. You also know it’s party time in Pell City! The traditional must-attend event of the year is just weeks away, Logan Martin LakeFest and Boat Show, the Southeast’s largest in-water boat show, May 20 – May 22 at Lakeside Park. And why not? Where else can you be filled with music, carnival food, more music, barbecue and what some call the best crab cakes anywhere around? And you just might go home with a brand-new boat. According to LakeFest Eric Housh, who organizes the annual event with Justin Hogeland, some 35,000 folks are expected to attend this year, up from 5,000 at the first one 12 years ago. And they’ll be coming by boat or car – maybe on foot – lawn chairs, kids and pets in tow. “Yeah,” laughed Housh, “a guy brought a pet snake one year. But mostly, we get dogs. It’s the biggest party on the lake – one of those events that’s family friendly and pet friendly.” Housh says while the three-day festival offers something for everyone, the boats are by far the biggest draw. Seven boat dealers are showcasing their products this year with everything thing from bass boats to pontoons, tritoons and personal watercrafts. “The boats are in the water,” said Housh. “People can actually test drive them on the lake, something they can’t do at dealerships. Of course, our presenting sponsor is America’s First Federal Credit Union, so they’re on site with their equipment. If somebody finds a boat they really like, they can finance it right there and basically go home a boat owner.” 58
LAKELIFE 24/7 MAGAZINE Logan Martin & Neely Henry | May and June 2022
Eric Housh, left, and Justin Hogeland, right, with ATV winner James Acton at the 2019 LakeFest.
Everyone gets a chance to win this ATV
