HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

STORY BY BETSY ILER PHOTO BY KENNETH BOONE Create lifelong memories when the family enters the Russell Marine July 4 Boat Parade

SSelf-starter Andrew Jannakos will headline the July 4th concert and fireworks show at Lake Martin Amphitheater. The Georgia native’s online presence has skyrocketed since his Season 16 tenure on NBC’s The Voice and the viral response to his Gone Too Soon indie country release in September 2020. The concert will open at 6 p.m. with The

Bank Walkers, a local band comprised of professional businessmen that play together across the Lake Martin area. Playing favorite tunes from a spectrum of genres, The Bank

Walkers’ sound appeals to young and old with a mix of classic rock, folk, Americana favorites and Southern jams. Gates open for the concert and fireworks show at The Amp at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at theamponlakemartin.com. Coolers and picnics are welcome at The Amp, but please leave the pup safely at home for this event. Jannakos will play two sets, one before the spectacular fireworks display and one after. He also will kick off the sky show with the national anthem. Growing up in a family that appreciated music, Jannakos listened to a variety of artists and genres as he developed his own popforward style. He posted videos on Facebook and YouTube and played for friends and family, and by the time he was 24, he knew his future was in music. Though he was eliminated in the battle rounds on The Voice,

Jannakos had developed a global fanbase through the television exposure. When his wife posted a TikTok video of him singing Gone Too Soon while cooking dinner, the spot hit 250,000 likes within 24 hours. A month after the song’s release, it had garnered more than 15 million streams.

The song made Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, and Jannakos debuted at No. 1 on the

Emerging Artists list. “He’s making a lot of noise, and we’re excited to bring him to The Amp,” said

Robert Gunn, director of events and marketing operations at Russell Lands. And while the July 4th concert and fireworks show is the pinnacle of the holiday weekend at the lake, the festivities begin on Friday and roll all weekend long, from

Jonathan Bloom at Friday on the Green to the 11th annual Arti Gras juried art show, the boat parade and other local celebrations. Start the weekend with friends and family at the free concert on the lawn at Russell

Crossroads’ Town Green. Bring lawn chairs and a blanket to spread on the grass, as well as a cooler and picnic supper. There will be lawn games for children and adults as the music plays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The next morning, come back to the Town Green to browse the works of regional artisans at this year’s Arti Gras juried show. More than 50 artists will exhibit their handmade goods, from jewelry to pottery, paintings, furniture, candles and more. The show will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

July 4th dawns with great anticipation as boaters prepare vessels and crew for the traditional Russell Marine July 4th Boat Parade. Entrants vie for cash and gift certificate prizes in a contest for tallest flag (must fit under the bridge), largest flag, most patriotic crew, most creative theme and best overall boat and crew. The parade launches from Kowaliga Marina at 10 a.m., and spectators line the banks, as well as the on-water parade route. Entrants will be accepted until 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

Catch the Blue Creek parade on Olana Drive in Dadeville at 11 a.m. on July 4. Participants in this neighborhood golf cart event throw candy and trinkets as they pass spectators on the route to Niffer’s on the Lake.

Head into town on Sunday night for the 18th annual Celebrate Freedom event on the front lawn at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. The stage will host three Christian acts, starting with Southern gospel from the Griffith Family, followed by comedian Mickey Bell. Headliner Colton Dixon will appeal to young audiences, said event emcee Steve Culberson, and the fireworks will explode over the high school after dark.

There will be food trucks on site, as well as baked goods and ice cream from local churches. The event is hosted by Marshall Street Baptist Church and is free and open to the public.

Join the patriotic fun at Lake Martin this July 4. There’s no better place to be.