RUSSELL LANDS SUMMER EVENTS

STORY BY BETSY ILER & PHOTOS BY KENNETH BOONE

Lake Martin Luau won last year's charity poker run costume contest

Arti Gras draws artists and visitors from far and wide

Jazz Fest brings six bands and a crowd of thousands to concerts in downtown Alexander City and at the Amp

SSome of the biggest and most fun summer events at Lake Martin are hosted by Russell Lands, from Yoga on the Green at 7 a.m. every Saturday to the annual Labor Day concert that closes out the season in September. And many of the events are free, so mark your calendar for these not-to-be-missed great times at the lake. n Friday on the Green: Russell Crossroads is the place to meet your family and friends as they arrive at the lake. There’s a band on the stage every Friday night (except during Jazz Fest), as well as lawn games for the kids. Bring chairs, a blanket for the grass and the family dog on a leash. Pick up a picnic and a bottle of wine at Catherine’s Market or pack your own. This free event is a great way to jumpstart your weekend at the lake. n Yoga on the Green: Start your day with this free yoga session at the Town Green at Russell Crossroads. Bring a mat, towel and water at 7 a.m. for some gentle stretching that will both calm and energize you for a day of fun with family and friends. Everyone is welcome. n RXR Fest: Memorial Day weekend, Russell Crossroads will host music on the Town Green to kick off the summer season at the lake. Friday’s lineup includes local favorites The Bank Walkers, followed by The Big Stitch, featuring Jonathan Bloom. Carolina Story will headline Saturday night’s event, and Adam Hood will start the evening on stage. The music plays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnics and friends to this free event that officially kicks off the summer season at Lake Martin. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for all the details on RXR Fest bands. n Jazz Fest: Now in its 30th year, Jazz Fest comes to Lake Martin Amphitheater on Saturday, June 12, after a Friday night concert at Strand Park in Alexander City. Both concerts are free and feature three great bands in family-friendly settings. See page 24 for details. n Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors Open House: Russell Marine will roll out the welcome mat as residents and visitors return to the lake this summer. There will be bouncy houses for the kids, games, giveaways and special pricing on lake merchandise from T-shirts to tubes, sunglasses and boats. Visit the store Jazz Fest weekend – June 11 and 12. Tour the boats and recreational vehicles outside, browse the used boats and shop the 70,000-square-foot showroom floor inside. Russell Marine Boating & Outdoors is a lake area destination. n 10th Annual Arti Gras: Be sure to visit the Town Green at Russell Crossroads July 2 and 3 as artisans from throughout the Southeast display their works and wares. This two-day juried art show includes original paintings, pottery, metalwork, photography, jewelry, reclaimed wood décor, candles, soaps, textile art and more. Make a day of it and stop in at Catherine’s Market for lunch, visit the Naturalist’s cabin and the

The Amp hosts a summer season of concerts, from Jazz Fest in June to September's Labor Day event

Clock Tower, where the children can apply their hands to the history of timekeeping. The art show opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. each day. For vendor applications, email tmitchell@russelllands.com. n Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade: July 4 is a full day of celebration at Lake Martin, starting at 10 a.m. with the annual Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade at Kowaliga. Cash and other prizes are awarded for the tallest flag, largest flag, most patriotic crew, most patriotic theme and best overall boat and crew. Spectators gather on the banks, and boats line the parade route, which starts from Kowaliga Marina, travels under the bridge to Children’s Harbor and returns. Register to enter at russellmarine.net/events. n July 4th Concert and Fireworks: Close your Independence Day celebration with one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Southeast. Russell Lands hosts this annual event at The Amp on Lake Martin, and this year’s concert features Sweet Tea Trio. The music starts at 5:30 p.m. with The Flying Buffaloes before The Bank Walkers take the stage; Sweet Tea Trio will play before and after the fireworks that start at 9 p.m. Entry is $10 per person. Bring a blanket for the grassy hillside, lawn chairs and libations, but please leave the pup safely at home for this explosive event. Visit theamponlakemartin.com for tickets. n Lions Lake Martin Charity Poker Run: Take fun at the lake to a whole new level when you join the annual costumed poker run to raise money for local charities. Russell Marine coordinates this event, which starts at 8 a.m. at The Ridge Marina. Players visit five marinas around the lake to collect the best poker hand before returning to The Ridge Marina to purchase extra cards, try their keys in the treasure chest and cash in at the prize party. It’s a great way to spend the day at the lake and do something beneficial for the community. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for details. n Naturalist events all summer long: Russell Lands Naturalist Marianne Hudson introduces children and adults to the wonder of nature around them through wildlife presentations and guided trail tours all summer long. In addition to visiting displays at the cabin next to Catherine’s Market, curious lake lovers are invited to attend focused sessions to learn about the various flora and fauna that populate Russell Forest. Hudson also offers scheduled tours that reveal the forest’s secrets. Presentation events are free; there is a nominal fee for guided trail hikes. Visit russelllands.com/blog/events for dates, times, hike registration and subject matter or call the naturalist at 256-496-2710. n Labor Day Concert: The summer concert series at Lake Martin Amphitheater wraps up on Sept. 5 with the annual Russell Lands Labor Day Concert on the grassy hillside. Bring the family, a picnic basket and your favorite beverages or grab some food and drink from the Potz and Panz food truck for this blowout event that celebrates the last few days of summer at the lake. No glass and no dogs, please. For concert details, visit theamponlakemartin.com.

The fireworks show on July 4th is one of the best in the Southeast U.S. The Green at Russell Crossroads is a great place to meet for a weekend at the lake