Save The Date
Please join us on August 11, 2012 at the Smith River Sports Complex, 1000 Irisburg Road, Axton from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.!
Vendor Application
River Race Application
About Smith River Fest
Started in 2008, Smith River Fest is an annual event held in Martinsville - Henry County, Virginia. This event is truly a celebration of all things associated with the Smith River: paddling, hiking, biking, fishing and nature watching!
45 miles of scenic river flow through our community from the base of Philpott Dam down to Eden, North Carolina where it meets the Dan River. Alongside the river and throughout Martinsville & Henry County are nearly 20 miles of shared-use trails that make up the Smith River Trail System.Paddlers will love the variety that the Smith River offers from calm floats to class I/II rapids.
Paddle the river, participate in the river race, browse vendor booths, enjoy children's activities, watch live demonstrations and much more. There really is something for everyone at Smith River Fest!
2012 Exhibitors
- Martinsville-Henry County Tourism - Register for door prizes awarded every hour!
- Dan River Basin Association
- Henry County Parks & Recreation
- Activate Martinsville-Henry County - Free bicycle rides offered throughout the festival!
- Smith River Sports Complex
- Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge - Play corn hole and enjoy free canoe rides (ages 18 and under)
- Blue Ridge Outdoors "Go Outside & Play Roadshow" Powered by Subaru - Register for prizes awarded throughout the festival!
- Amerigroup - Take a break from the heat and hang out in the family health and wellness RV equiped with active Wii & Kinect games.
- Smith River Trout Unlimited - Watch fly tying demos and learn about the Smith River fishery.
- Bath Fitter
- Scentsy Wickless Candles
- Angler's Choice
- More Vendors TBA
2012 Schedule of Events
9-10:15 a.m. River Race Registration
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Music & Prizes from B99 Super Country Radio
10:30 a.m. Last Race Shuttle Departs
10:45 a.m. Mandatory Safety Meeting at Starting Line
11 a.m. River Race Begins
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Racers Arrive at Finish Line
11:30 a.m. Live Demonstration*
12:30 p.m. Live Fly Casting Demonstration by Smith River Trout Unlimited*
1 p.m. River Race Awards Presented at the Smith River Fest Stage
1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Mud Run Registration
1:30 p.m. Live Performance by the Boys & Girls Club Steel Drum Band*
1:30- 3:30 p.m. Kids River Rides (Free for Children Ages 12 & Under)
2 p.m. Mud Run Begins
3 p.m. Live Demonstration*
3:30 p.m. Mud Run Awards presented at the Smith River Fest Stage
4 p.m. Family Fun Float Departs (register at Outfitter Booths)
Scenes From Smith River Fest 2011
See more photos on our Facebook page and feel free to post a few of your own!
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2011 Race Results
Men's Racing Kayak | Women's Recreational Kayak | Men's Recreational Kayak | ||
Women's Recreational Kayak (60+) | Solo Canoe | Solo Canoe (60+) | ||
Paddle Board | Mixed Kayak | Family Tandem Canoe | ||
Mixed Tandem Canoe |
Safety on the River
We want all of our paddlers both beginners and experienced to have a safe and enjoyable time on the Smith River. Please read and follow
the following recommendations. If you're new to the sport of paddling, feel free to ask questions. We love to help new paddlers fall in love with the sport of kayaking and canoeing!
- Always wear a coast guard approved life jacket at all times.
- Beware of strainers and over hanging limbs. Strainers are fallen trees, bridge pilings, undercut rocks or anything else that allows the current to flow through while holding you. Strainers are deadly!
- If in doubt, get out and scout!
- Know your paddling abilities and plan your outing accordingly.
- Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Carry extra clothes in a dry bag in case you flip and go for a swim. Hypothermia is a serious threat on the Smith River. Temperatures from 45 to 55 degrees are the norm for most of the length of the river.
- Call before you paddle! The US Army Corps of Engineers generates peak demand power at Philpott Dam. A water release schedule can be obtained by calling 276.629.2432.
Event Sponsors
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Find Smith River Fest on Facebook!
