Jam on Sloss Lake draws 12-13K

When the city of Russellville began hosting the annual Jam on Sloss Lake Fourth of July celebration three years ago, officials had no idea how successful the event could be.

But if Monday’s attendance is any indication, the answer is – very successful.

An estimated 12,000 to 13,000 people took part in the daylong Independence Day celebration, city councilman Gary Cummings said.

“It was unbelievable,” Cummings said. “People were coming and going all day and the park was completely filled during the evening for the fireworks show.”

Activities throughout the day included concerts by local artists, rides and inflatables for children, a huge car show and a large fireworks display.

“This has proven that if we do these types of events for the people, they will come out to them,” Cummings said.

The Russellville water, gas and electric boards donated funds for the event.

“We couldn’t do it without our boards stepping up to do this for the people of Russellville,” councilman David Grissom said.

“They all chipped in to help offer something special for our town. This kind of thing only helps the city. There were people here from all over the area.”

Cars lined Alabama 24 from the Parade station to Pinkard Funeral Home and along Lawrence Street. There were tags that indicated visitors from Colbert, Lauderdale, Marion, Winston, Lawrence, Morgan and Cullman counties came to the city for the show.

The Cotton Flats Cruisers, a local car club, held their second annual show in the FMI plant parking lot.

Club member Tommy Allen said there were about 170 entries, which would make the show one of the largest held in northwest Alabama this year.

“We had about 50 or 60 cars last year so it grew quite a bit,” Allen said.

“It was a good day. The people in town were real good to us and we were able to give a way a lot of money and prizes.”

Cummings said the car show began attracting visitors early Monday morning and crowds continued to pass through all day.

“The people should be commended for they way they acted and the manner they all conducted themselves in,” he said. “There was a huge crowd all day and we had very little problems. It was just a great day all the way around.”

Cummings said Sloss Lake is an asset the city should utilize more often, not just on the Fourth of July each year.

“I hope we can really develop it and make it a place that people want to come to and spend the day with their families,” he said.

“If we could add campsites and more recreational activities, that is a place that could really serve and benefit the city of Russellville.”