The First Friday celebration on December 7th in downtown Gadsden will see the return of an event started two years ago to bring folks downtown-the Coosa Christmas Boat Parade!
The boat parade, being presented by the Neely Henry Lake Association and sponsored by the City of Gadsden, Downtown Gadsden, Inc., and Greater Gadsden Area Tourism, will take place in conjunction with the First Friday activities, which begin at 5:00 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 p.m. and at 530 p.m. will parade north up the Coosa to downtown Gadsden, under the three bridges, and circle back to the park to disperse. New this year are cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place for the Best Decorated Boat. There are no entry fees, but 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, Coosa Landing boat docks and Riverwalk Park at Coosa Landing. Bleachers will be provided at City Hall as part of the First Friday Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m.
