CULLMAN, Ala. – Trident Marina hosted the fourth annual Boatin’ and Boilin’ crawfish boil on Saturday, May 16, an event supporting Alabama Lakewide Charities and its search-and-recovery efforts on Smith Lake.
Jason West, a founding director of the organization, said the event served as a kickoff to the summer season and drew one of the largest crowds in recent years.
Attendees spent the afternoon enjoying crawfish, live entertainment and time on the lake while gathering with the Smith Lake community. West said many visitors especially enjoyed the crawfish and the chance to reconnect at the start of summer.
The event raises awareness and support for Alabama Lakewide Charities, which assists with search-and-recovery operations on Smith Lake. West explained the organization purchased its first underwater remotely operated vehicle three years ago, capable of depths over 500 feet, to aid recovery missions. Earlier this year, it also acquired its first dedicated vessel to support those operations.
“What we do at Alabama Lakewide Charities at Smith Lake is bring closure to any drowning victim or event that happens here,” West said.
Boatin and Boilin is one of three major events hosted annually by the organization. Other events include the Poor Man Poker Run in August and the Spook the Lake event in October.
West said community support has grown over the years, noting this marked the ninth year of hosting the event series at Smith Lake.
“To see the community come together for so many years and support each other doing what we do is something nobody’s ever seen,” West said. “I see it grow every year.” West encouraged people to learn more about the organization’s mission and the role it plays on Smith Lake. “It’s not a great thing to talk about, but it’s a great thing to support. Closure is the main thing.”
Learn more at www.facebook.com/lakewide.
