Sea Ray Boats and Russell Lands On Lake Martin 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.
“We are extremely pleased at how things turned out at our AquaPalooza Signature Event this year,” said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. “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.
“Lake Martin is a beautiful location, the weather was fantastic, and the community really supported us in making this a successful event,” Noyes continued. “I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended, and I would especially like to thank our host dealership, 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.”
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 Hacker Craft, and played hit songs from his current platinum album, “Good Time.”
During the show, which was taped for CMT’s Labor Day 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.
The event not only provided a good time for all, but also energized the boating community. “Thank you for doing this,” posted AquaPalooza attendee Jonathan Kinsely on Sea Ray’s Facebook page. “You are doing the boating world a great service.”
In addition to the Signature Event on 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.
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.
ABOUT BRUNSWICK
Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill “Genuine Ingenuity”(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land ‘N’ Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Kayot, Lowe, Lund, Maxum, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables.
