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In the fall of 1990 while attending a football game at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Wayne & Frances Fulmer discovered Warrior River access to the campus. Wayne, being a lifetime boater and a graduate of Alabama had been to Knoxville, TN and observed the University of Tennessee "Volunteer Navy" in action. He thought how "cool" it would be to be able to go to campus by boat to attend a football game. After coming back to his marina on Bankhead Lake the next weekend, he shared his discovery with everyone who would listen. Most everyone seemed to like the idea and the buzz of how to make it happen was the subject of many conversations. During the summer of 1991 five people (George Williams, President of the Warrior River Boating Association, Wendell Latham, Franklin Ferry Marina, Sam Belgard, United States Coast Guard, along with Wayne and Frances Fulmer) spent almost four months communicating and negotiating with the University about something they call, "Homecoming by Boat". After many face to face meetings with the University Officials and rule setting by the authorities, the go ahead was given. When the announcement came from the University that something called "Homecoming by Boat’ would be a reality all the boaters in the area were beyond excitement. The first year cost of liability insurance was $1500.00 for one million dollars of coverage, which was paid by individuals who believed this was a worthy event. Approximately ten men gave almost a week of their time cutting trees, cutting pathways, putting up rope fences and stringing electric lights in order to be in compliance with the University rules. That year forty-eight boats came to the University campus. The second year it was sponsored by the Warrior River Boating Association but after that season their legal counsel informed members that "Homecoming by Boat" was too much risk, leaving the event without a sponsor. In the spring of 1993 the following people: Carolyn & John Outlaw, John & Ann Simmons, George & Dana Williams, Wayne & Frances Fulmer, Jimmy Wells, Grethel Withers along with Timothy M. Fulmer, Legal Counsel, formed what is now known as Boat Alabama, Inc. Today all boaters who are fans of the University of Alabama are proud to say we are part of the "Bama Navy". Boat Alabama 2010 Scheduled Events
Poker Runs
June 12 July 17
Other Events May 8 & 9 Blue Angels- Plans are now being made to move Big Al (the game-day barge) to the old Oliver Lock Wall to view the May 8 & 9th Blue Angels airshow. Please note there is no road access to the old Oliver Lock Wall. Participants must arrive by boat. August 21 Dinner Cruz
Football 2010
Sept 11 Penn State Oct 2 Florida Oct 16 Mississippi Nov 13 Miss State Nov 26 Auburn For more information, contact Richard Shivers 482-5493
Boat Alabama, Inc. P.O. Box 129 Dolomite, Al 35061
Boat Alabama is a non-profit corporation dedicated to boating safety, mutual enjoyment, and recreation. In addition to other social boating events, our main purpose is the organization and support of Homecoming by Boat. Membership fees for one year are $30.00, January 1 – December 31. Date: ____/____/____ Membership # _______________________ Name ____________________________ Date of Birth ________________________ Spouse ___________________________ Date of Birth ________________________ Address ___________________________ City _______________________________ State ______________ Primary Phone ______________________ Secondary Phone ____________________ Occupation _________________________ Employer ______________________________________________________________ Wedding Aniversary _________________ Family Information Name Relationship Date of Birth Sponsored by _______________________ ___________ _________ ___________ Comments _________________________ ___________ _________ ___________ __________________________________ ___________ _________ ___________ __________________________________ ___________ _________ ___________ Membership Status: Paid By: New Renewal Check Cash
June 2010 Prez Says I want to start off by saying it has been a great spring so far. The river has been busy with many boating opportunities. We have had several successful river runs and a trip to Tuscaloosa to see the Blue Angels, many hours on the hook with the grills and blenders going. If you have not spent a weekend tied up to one of our club buoys, you are missing a treat. The time you spend on the river with great friends in the sun is the most relaxing time you can ever spend. We are getting ready for the next river run. It will began at the new improved Franklin Ferry Marina on Saturday July the 17th. Be sure to tell all your friends, and come out and have a great time and take a chance to being the BIG WINNER! What a bonus having a great time and bringing home a pocket full of cash! If you have not purchased your chances for the dinner cruise aboard the Freedom, you need to contact me or any board members for your chance. We will be drawing on August the 2nd, and the winner will board on Saturday, August 21, for a diner for four adults. We are also setting the plans for the up coming football season, so stay tuned for more info for the season. I want to thank all that helped in the Warrior River clean up. In two days the Alabama Power and team filled up a construction dumpster with all kinds of bad stuff that did not need to be in the river. On Saturday the public pitched in to complete the job. Remember, each time you pick up one thing out of the river, that is one thing that will be gone forever, so think before you put anything in the river that does not belong. Lets go boating soon, your prez Richard B. Shivers 205-482-5493 Sponsor Spotlight I want to thank all of our sponsors but this month. I want to thank a few of them for special services. A special thanks to Jill & Connie at Red Top Market, they helped our club by supplying us with some needed supplies after the first River Run after party at the dock. The Boston Butts were great, so if you need any fresh cut meats or fresh seafood don't forget to stop by. We have several sponsors that offer Gas for your boat and ice cold Beer, don't forget that you get a Free bag of ice with boat fill up at Steve's Grocery, Red Top , Vick's 1 & 2 so be sure to stop in and stock up. If you are Hungry on the way to the river don't forget for some of the best dogs in town see Roger and Karole at Nanny's Hot Dogs. If you need any boat fiberglass work see Jeff at J&J Marine. They carry parts for your boat and have a nice selection of used Boats. And, for you bar hoppers, we have two of the best, see Tammy at Time Out and Mike at The River Cafe for great food and cold beer. A special thanks to all the marina's that are hosting our River Runs. Thanks to Mike at Smith Camp, and Anne at Quinns Landing. Both are a full function marina with boat launches, food and gas. Until next month, thanks to our sponsors, and lets go boating! Thanks again! This month I want to thank the staff at Holiday Inn Express on Academy drive in Bessemer. Derra Franklin and her staff have been so great in allowing our club a meeting room every first Monday of each month. This is a great place, so clean and friendly. Don't forget all the great marinas that are supporting our club. For a great meal, Ann Quinn at Quinn's landing offers some great food and gas. Smiths’ has all kinds of supplies and also gas. For one of the best boat dealers in town go by and see Ken Hollis at Airport Marine in Alabaster. He has a full line of hard to find parts, and they have helped me with several items. For you fisherman, they carry all the best boat lines. For the ones that are trying to get in that summer outfit, go by and see Dixie Owens at Inch by Inch. She can help get your summer look. I want to thank all of our sponsors for all they do, and don't forget to tell them that you saw their add in our news letter. Until next month let’s see each other on the river. Your prez and fellow boater Richard B. Shivers
Click this link for Raft up photo album, or click the Photo Gallery tab on the left menu, then go to UofA Raft-ups, pick the year of your choice. http://www.eaglecovemarina.com/index.php?option=com_expose&Itemid=44 Under construction. Check here for the latest Boat Alabama Newsletter It's Thursday, October 30th and we are ready to head out for Homecoming Big Al and Lady Al have been docked at Hide-A-Way Marina since the last home Ron has contacted Richard and there seems to be a problem; Lady Al will not The old girl is up and running now so we are on our way again. We have picked Everyone is rafted and settled now so it must be 5 o'clock somewhere. It It's dinner time and we are having a spaghetti supper for everyone on Big Al. Friday is here and it looks like another good day. We had a great turnout A few made it to the Pep Rally and returned to find the River Band setup The rolling Friday and Saturday nights were a success with about 40 people Game day dawned bright and beautiful and after breakfast everyone helped Saturday night! Party night! Everyone brought their chairs and gathered A big thank you to everyone who came together (Boat Alabama and the Pirates) Here is what to expect at the raft-up at Lock # 12 Riverview Park at the University of Alabama
RAFTING RULES There will be NO CHILDREN on the lock wall unless accompanied by an adult. Children under 12 years must wear a life jacket at all times. DO NOT ASSUME someone else is watching your child or children. |
