One of the region’s largest outdoor festivals will return to Henry County this summer as Smith River Fest celebrates its 18th year on Aug. 22.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex in Axton. Admission and parking are free.
Smith River Fest highlights the area’s outdoor recreation opportunities and natural resources with activities for all ages, including river events, races, live entertainment, vendors and family activities.
Festival attractions will include the Smith River Race, kayaking demonstrations, fly-fishing lessons, a kid’s bike course, bounce houses, a climbing wall, tubing, a petting zoo, craft vendors and live performances. Equipment loans and shuttle services also will be available.
The Helgramite Hustle 5K Mud Run is returning as part of the festival and begins at 11 a.m.
Registration for the mud run costs $30 through Aug. 7, $35 from Aug. 8-21 and $40 on race day. Registration includes a T-shirt, post-race refreshments, access to a beer garden drink ticket and admission to festival activities.
Smith River Fest is presented by Sovah Health-Martinsville and organized by Henry County Parks & Recreation, Martinsville-Henry County Tourism, the YMCA, the Dan River Basin Association and the Smith River Sports Complex.
More information is available at www.smithriverfest.com or by calling (276) 634-4640.
