The First Friday celebration on December 1st in downtown Gadsden will see the return of an event started last year to bring folks downtown-the Coosa Christmas Boat Parade!
The boat parade, being presented by the Neely Henry Lake Association, will take place in conjunction with the First Friday activities, which begin at 4:30 p.m.
“We had a great turnout last year, especially in the number of spectators.” said Hugh Stump III, executive director for Greater Gadsden Area Tourism.
The boats will assemble at the Jack L. Ray Family Park on River Road underneath the I-759 bridge at 5 pm and at 5:30 pm will parade north up the Coosa to downtown Gadsden, under the three bridges and circle back to the park to disperse. There is no entry fee and there are no prizes, but new this year is that boats must register and sign a waiver to be considered an official participant in the parade. Please call 256-490-5959 for info on how to register.
Prime viewing locations would include the Ray Family Park, the Coosa Boardwalk on Hwy 411 across from Moragne Park, the lawn of City Hall and the new Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing.