 | Smith River Fest 2013A Celebration of Nature & Outdoor Recreation!
August 10, 2013 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Smith River Sports Complex 1000 Irisburg Road, Axton (Just off of Hwy 58) |
Quick Links:
Featured Activities:
Smith River Boat Race | Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run | Vendors | Beer Garden | Free Bicycle Rides | Climbing Wall
Bounce Houses | Live Music | Free Kid's Canoe Rides | Petting Ranch | Canoe & Kayak Rentals | Fly Fishing Demos | Corn Hole
About Smith River Fest:
44.5 miles of the scenic Smith River flows through our community from the base of Philpott Dam down to Eden, North Carolina where it meets the Dan River. Paddlers enjoy the variety of experiences that the Smith River offers from calm floats to class I/II rapids.
Alongside the river and throughout Martinsville & Henry County are nearly 20 miles of shared-use trails that make up the Smith River Trail System.
In 2007 Henry County Administrator Benny Summerlin, who was a strong advocate for outdoor recreation, expressed his vision to the Dan River Basin Association and its Martinsville-Henry County Rivers & Trails Group to have a community-wide festival in celebration of the Smith River and all the recreational opportunities it provides.
In August 2008, Smith River Fest was born and since then it has been continually growing thanks to the support of many partners working together. The annual event held in Martinsville - Henry County is truly a celebration of all things associated with the Smith River; 44.5 miles of paddling, hiking, biking, fishing and nature watching.
To mark the 5th anniversary of Smith River Fest, the 2012 festival was dedicated in honor of Benny Summerlin to give thanks for his vision and inspiration. Sadly, we lost Benny in the following days after a tough battle with cancer but his legacy of appreciation for the outdoors will live on in the form of many Smith River Fests to come.
Scenes From Smith River Fest
See more photos on our Facebook page and feel free to post a few of your own!
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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 Partners
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Sponsorship opoortunities are available; contact Roger Adams for details at 276.634.4640.
Find Smith River Fest on Facebook!
