Thousands ‘Jam on Sloss Lake’
Officials estimate that as many as 7,000 people attended the Jam on Sloss Lake Fourth of July celebration Sunday. A car show, children’s games, concerts and a large fireworks display attracted visitors from across the region. Russellville utility boards helped sponsor the day-long event. | Jonathan Willis/FCT
Thousands of people gathered in Russellville Sunday to celebrate Independence Day.
City officials estimate that as many as 7,000 people visited the Jam on Sloss Lake festivities throughout the day Sunday.
“We had a great turnout,” said Russellville City Councilman Gary Cummings.
“We had a very good crowd last year but this year was even better.”
The activities included concerts by local artists, rides and inflatables for children, a car show and a large fireworks display to cap off the ending.
“We want people to see that we are the friendliest town in Alabama,” Cummings said.
The Russellville water, gas and electric boards donated funds for the event.
“The city couldn’t do it without our utility boards helping us,” Councilman David Grissom said.
“They all chipped in to provide something special for our town and I think it helped several of our local businesses because of the amount of people it attracted.”
The first annual Cotton Flats Cruisers car show was also a success. The show was put together on short notice and still attracted 53 entries.
Winners of the show included:
• Bob Grissom People’s Choice Award – Terry Jones, 1940 Ford
• Best of show – Rex Pinkard, 1955 Chevy
• Best Ford car – Don Landers, 1973 Maverick
• Best Chevy car – Rex Pinkard, 1955 Chevy
• Best non-Ford/Chevy car – Dale Watts, 1967 GTO
• Best street rod – Terry Jones, 1940 Ford
• Best truck – Mike Madden, 1965 Ford
• Best sports car – David Grissom, 1978 Corvette
• Best engine – Rex Pinkard
• Best paint – Terry Jones
• Best sound – Hershel Garrison
• Best in process – Charlie Krosp
“The turnout for the car show was wonderful,” said event organizer Sam Scarbrough.
“This thing came together so fast and many people chipped in to make it as successful as it was. It should just keep growing every year.”
For more photos of the event, click photos on the main tab on the front page of our website.
