Smith River Provision Company Named Title Sponsor for 2019 Smith River Fest

Smith River Fest may be close to six months away, but the planning is in full force to make this year’s festival bigger and better than before. The Smith River Fest Planning Committee is pleased to announce that the 2019 Smith River Fest will be presented by Smith River Provision Company. Join us on Saturday, August 10th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex (SRSC), located at 1000 Irisburg Road in Axton, Virginia for all the fun.

Title Sponsor, Smith River Provision Company, is an online apparel and outdoor gear company based in Bassett VA. Offering fishing performance shirts, hoodies, long sleeves, headwear and more, Smith River Provision Company has all the gear that you need for a day on the Smith River.

"Smith River Provision Company is extremely excited to be a part of this great event. We hope to continue working with Smith River Fest and all things Henry County, VA in the future. The Smith River is a natural resource and truly a beauty of this area that needs to continue to be celebrated and protected. Hoping for a great turn out this year and look forward to seeing you all there," says Mark Brogan, owner of Smith River Provision Company.

According to Beth Stinnett, Assistant Director of Tourism for Martinsville - Henry County, “Smith River Fest is a day to celebrate not only the Smith River but all of the outdoor recreational opportunities that are available to enjoy in our area. We will have a lot of the same elements at this year’s event, but with several new additions to enhance the fun, such as the Paddling Demo Pool.”

The Paddling Demo Pool, sponsored by Sovah Health, will offer inexperienced boaters the opportunity to feel what it is like to get on a kayak, while having the security of a shallow pool beneath them, instead of the intimidation of the depth of a river. This will allow many first-timers to get a feel for the basic of paddling and maneuvering through water.

Sovah Health will also have staff on-hand to offer any medical services needed as an in-kind donation to the festival.

Last year, more than 1,500 guests from 11 different states participated in the event and festival organizers expect those numbers to grow. Main events for the upcoming 12th annual event include a 4.8-mile long river race and the Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run. There will be many activities offered throughout the day to give participants a taste of various outdoor activities. Stay connected with Smith River Fest for more details as they are announced at www.SmithRiverFest.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SmithRiverFest.

Smith River Fest is collaborative effort between Henry County Parks & Recreation, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism, Smith River Sports Complex, Dan River Basin Association and YMCA of Martinsville-Henry County. Vendor applications, race registrations and additional festival information can be found at SmithRiverFest.com or by calling 276.632.8006.