Alabama will become the (sweet) home of AquaPalooza this summer when the world's largest boating party comes to Lake Martin from July 23 to 26. Russell Marine of Alexander City, Ala., will host the 2009 Signature Event, the biggest and most exciting of all AquaPalooza celebrations.
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"We're very proud that Russell Marine has been chosen to host the 2009 AquaPalooza Signature Event," said Dave Commander, vice president of marketing for Russell Lands, the parent company of Russell Marine. "We look forward to welcoming the thousands of AquaPalooza fans, and we're eager to show the rest of the world the boating jewel we have here in Alabama. We're confident this will be the event's best year ever."
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Lake Martin is a true natural wonder, with 44,000 acres of sparkling water and 750 miles of lush shoreline. Just a short drive from both Birmingham, Ala., and Atlanta, Ga., it offers nine marinas and 18 boat ramps. Popular spots for boaters to visit include Chimney Rock Island (named for the rock protruding from the top of the island), Willow Point Golf and Country Club (among America's most beautiful lakeside golf courses), Wind Creek State Park (the largest state-owned lakeside campground in the U.S.), Children's Harbor Lighthouse, and literally hundreds of miles of unspoiled coves and sloughs to explore. The Signature Event will be held in the Kowaliga area of the lake.
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For those who can't make it to Lake Martin, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform 150 additional locations into official AquaPalooza party sites, making it easy for boaters to get to and enjoy the fun. Most of the events will take place during the last two weekends in July. "Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray.
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In 2008, the third annual AquaPalooza attracted approximately 12,000 boats and 56,000 guests to 140 events from New York to California and from Austria to Australia. Since its inception in 2006, the multi-location celebration has grown by a whopping 300 percent. "We're not going to settle for less than new attendance records again this year. AquaPalooza 2009 will be part of our year-long 50th Anniversary celebration, so we expect it to be a real blowout," said Noyes. "As always, the event will be open to all boaters and non-boaters alike. AquaPalooza is about sun and fun, great music, and togetherness with family and friends. This event is for everyone who loves life on or around the water."
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Mark your calendars now for the most anticipated on-water boating bash of the summer. For more information, visit www.aquapalooza.com.
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