Marinas gear up for a busy weekend

By Katie Cole (Contact) | Dadeville Record

Published Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Lake Martin marinas big and small are preparing for a busy Fourth of July weekend as lake traffic picks up in the days leading up to the holiday.

Two of the bigger marinas, Chuck’s Marina and Harbour Pointe Marina, are offering live music to draw a crowd on Friday night.

Chuck’s will feature Robert Hall, an Auburn guitarist who will play cover music on July 3 beginning at 5 p.m. Jane Garrett, who handles public relations for the marina, said people usually have plans for the Fourth of July, but they need an activity for the days surrounding the holiday.

“On Saturday night in years past, everybody is heading to the fireworks show or having a family celebration,” Garrett said.

Chuck’s is also promoting Bomber sunglasses, lightweight sunglasses that float in the water, over the weekend. They plan to have sample giveaways during breaks in Hall’s music on July 3.

“We’re looking forward to a great Fourth with music, pizza and Chuck’s atmosphere,” Garrett said.

Photo by Kenneth Boone

Busy weekend: Tourists will be coming to Lake Martin for the Fourth of July this weekend. Local marinas say when Independence Day falls on Saturday, they usually see big business the week before and the week after the holiday.

Harbour Pointe will feature Dave and the Swangers, a cover band that will play a mix of country, oldies and other songs, at their ship store on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Susan Harper, Harbour Pointe’s ship store manager, said the store’s already seen an increase in lake customers.

Pleasure Point Marina isn’t offering any promotions this weekend, but owner Lousanne Walter said business picked up beginning Monday.

“Typically, over the last 20 years I’ve been at the marina, when the Fourth falls on a Saturday, we’re usually very busy the week before and the week after,” Walter said.

Austin Singleton, the owner of Blue Creek Marina, also expects a big crowd and attributes the lake’s continued popularity during the recession to the fact gas prices are so low.

“We don’t feel anything as far as what’s going on with the economy,” Singleton said.

“Part of that is because gas prices are so low. Gas prices are almost half of what they were this time last year.”

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---