The 7th annual Smith River Fest is happening in Martinsville, Virginia, this Saturday, August 8, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The event celebrates the river’s scenic 45 miles, which flows through Henry County from the base of Philpott Dam down to Eden, North Carolina where it meets the Dan River.
There will be a wide range of activities and offerings on land and on water from paddling and running to canoeing and biking. With free admission and a little something for everyone, this day is not to be missed.
For the boaters, the Smith River Boat Race will kick things off at 10 a.m. This 4.8- mile-long river race will take you from the South Martinsville River Access in Martinsville to the festival grounds located at the Smith River Sports Complex in Axton. Free shuttles will be provided to help you get from the festival to the starting line river access.
For all those runners out there, the Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run is a must. There’s still time to register even up until race day. They welcome both competitive and recreational runners. Race starts at 2pm and costs $50 to sign up. Come on out and join the fun with 10 mud pits to get through and over 18 obstacles including a water slide. Walk, trot, or run, just do the hustle!
Like any good festival, there will be live music and demos, food trucks, and a beer garden. The event is located at the Smith River Sports Complex, 1000 Irisburg Road in Axton, just off the Highway 58 Bypass.
