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For Media Inquiries: Janet Price, Russell Lands, Inc., 2544 Willow Point Road, Alexander City, AL 35010. (256) 212-1425
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Press RoomWhat's Happening at Russell Lands Back to Headlines
AquaPalooza® Thrives in Alabama
35,000 Attendees, 4,000 Boats, Alan Jackson Make Fourth Annual Signature Event Biggest Ever
LAKE MARTIN, Ala. – July 28, 2009 – Russell Lands On Lake Martin and Sea Ray Boats announced today that more than 4,000 boats and 35,000 people attended Alan Jackson’s headline performance at Saturday’s AquaPalooza Signature Event on Lake Martin, Ala. The event, held at Kowaliga Bay in the heart of Russell Lands On Lake Martin, set a record for any Aquapalooza Signature Event. Officials from the Alabama Marine Police, who were among several official agencies in attendance, confirmed the numbers for the day. This year’s Signature Event attendance numbers represent an increase of more than 50 percent over last year’s numbers, making it the largest Signature Event in the four-year history of AquaPalooza. “It goes without saying that we’re proud of our team for coordinating this event, but we’re also proud of the boaters from Alabama and the surrounding states, who really came together to create an outstanding celebration,” said Dave Commander, general manager of Russell Marine and vice president of Russell Lands. “We showed the world what Russell Lands and Sea Ray can pull off when we work together.” The weekend event, held July 24 to 26, featured a concert by Jackson, as well as up-and-coming artists Matt Stillwell, the Carter Twins, Caitlin and Will, and Jypsi. Boats were packed stem to stern for over a mile, and many fans donned their inner tubes and water noodles to paddle close to the water-pit at the bottom of the stage. Jackson pulled up to the dock at the Russell Lands’ Kowaliga Marina in his 1923 Hack Craft and played hit songs from his current platinum album, “Good Time.” During the show, which was taped for CMT’s Labor Day Weekend special, Alan Jackson AquaPalooza Live on Lake Martin, Jackson spoke movingly about childhood visits to Lake Martin with his family. Jackson’s encore included a performance of the Hank Williams classic “Kaw-Liga,” which Williams penned at his historic cabin on the lake. “Lake Martin is a beautiful location, the weather was absolutely fantastic, and the community really supported us in making this a successful event,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. “I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended, and I would especially like to thank the folks at Russell Marine and everybody in the communities surrounding Lake Martin, who not only supported AquaPalooza, but rolled out the red carpet and Southern hospitality for all. “We are extremely pleased at how things turned out at AquaPalooza this year,” said Noyes. “It shows that Sea Ray continues to invest in the future of boating. AquaPalooza is about sun and fun, great music, and togetherness with family and friends. That’s why it is open to all boaters, not just Sea Ray owners, and it will always stay that way.” In addition to the Signature Event at Lake Martin, this year’s AquaPalooza consisted of more than 100 events held around the world during the last two weekends of July. “Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating AquaPalooza events in their local areas,” said Noyes. “They have made it their goal to unite boaters from coast-to-coast to celebrate the unmatched excitement and luxury of life on the water.” Sponsors like Mercury MerCruiser®, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, GMC®, Sony®, National Boat Owners Association, Raymarine®, and Sebago® generously supported the activities. For additional information on AquaPalooza 2009 and the Signature Event, please visit www.russelllandsonlakemartin.com or www.aquapalooza.com Images are available for review at www.davidkwitty.smugmug.com (click on “Galleries” and then “AquaPalooza 2009”). ABOUT RUSSELL LANDS ON LAKE MARTIN In 1834, Russell family settlers from England fell in love with a tract of land in central Alabama. The Russell’s love for the land continued throughout the years. Nearly 100 years ago, news came of a huge new lake that would soon meander deep into their beloved forest. The Russell’s could envision the hundreds of miles of beautiful shoreline encompassing Lake Martin and today they continue to brag about the 44,000 acres of deep blue water that surrounds the old Russell Forest. That place is Russell Lands On Lake Martin. The company is one of uncommon vision, diversity and commitment to community - whose endeavors go beyond creating fine lake homes and communities. Willow Point Golf and Country Club, owned and operated by Russell Lands, is one of the most revered private clubs in Alabama and considered to have the “most beautiful lakeside golf course” in the country. Russell Crossroads, the new central town hub of Russell Lands On Lake Martin’s 25,000 acres of land holdings, is designed to reflect the agrarian era with period architecture of the 1920s promoting “walkability” of the town. Today, the town consists of the Discovery Center, Catherine’s Market and SpringHouse restaurant. Russell Marine offers boating enthusiasts world-class sales and service through four Lake Martin locations and is nationally ranked in the Top 10 Boat Dealers for the third consecutive year. Russell Do-It and Home Décor Centers in nine locations make it easier for homeowners to build and personalize the homes in which they live. In 1998, Russell Lands constructed the Lake Martin Amphitheater - a unique venue for celebrating culture and the creative arts. And the company continues to serve the community through Children's Harbor - the not-for-profit organization created by Russell Lands Chairman and CEO, Ben Russell - whose mission is to strengthen children and families through a variety of programs, services and good works. For more information, go to www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com. ABOUT SEA RAY Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 60 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com. # # # # Contact: Janet Price Russell Lands On Lake Martin (256) 212-1425 Back to Headlines
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