Blog
Celebrate Smith River Week
Recently, both the Henry County Board of Supervisors and Martinsville City Council declared the second week of August, the 3rd through 10th, as Smith River Week. This Saturday marks the beginning of that week-long celebration of our area's natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Smith River Week kicks off with the annual 30 Mile Smith River Clean-up where participants are encouraged to help keep our community clean and beautiful. Throughout the week, residents and visitors can go to the Virginia Museum of Natural History's new exhibit, "Wild Watersheds" to discover more about the Smith River and protecting our region's valuable waters.
On Friday, you can enjoy a variety of comical and inspiring films made by local paddlers at the Smith River Film Fest.The week concludes with the main event on August 10th: the 6th Annual Smith River Fest at the Smith River Sports Complex.
This year's Smith River Fest is going to be even bigger and better than before with more than 100 vendors and activities for your enjoyment, along with a variety of performances and demonstrations as well. The festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex.
Members of The Smith River Chapter of Trout Unlimited will demonstrate fly casting techniques at the 
stage beginning at 9:30 a.m. and offer festival participants an opportunity to try the fishing skill. B99 Super Country Radio will be onsite from 10 a.m. to noon for a live remote, playing music and giving out exciting prizes.
New to Smith River Fest this year is a parade presented by the Triad Highlanders Bagpipe Band.
Nature Freaks Apparel of Spencer will lead a guided nature hike for all ages, beginning at 11 a.m. and the Virginia All-Steel Orchestra (VASO) presented by Boys & Girls Club of the Blue Ridge will perform at noon.The musicians will march through the festival grounds at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Prior to the second heat of the Helgramite Hustle Mud Run at 1:45 p.m., The Ray Hollingsworth Dancers will lead race participants and spectators in a festive warm-up and do the hustle!
Watching participants in the mud run is a performance in itself as they run, climb, dive and slide through the mud and many obstacles scattered throughout the course.
Closing out the day, from 3-5 p.m. festival goers can enjoy live music from Dr. Z & The Riff Raff, 
featuring Will Zimmer. A beer garden will be open from noon to 4:45 p.m. for adults to enjoy during the various performances.
Smith River Sports Complex is located at 1000 Irisburg Road, in Axton, Virginia. Information on the festival and a complete list of activities and vendors can be found online at www.SmithRiverFest.com or by calling 276.632.8006.