Laura Richards
On Monday, more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake fans gathered to celebrate Full Pond Day, which marked the 50th anniversary of the man-made attraction becoming a lake.
Though already 50 years old, Smith Mountain Lake is sparkling brighter than ever.
Dubbed the Jewel of the Blue Ridge, the man-made lake reached capacity March 7, 1966. To mark the 50th anniversary, more than 100 Smith Mountain Lake supporters gathered Monday morning for Full Pond Day.
Held at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center, the event included remarks from Rep. Robert Hurt, Del. Charles Poindexter and Vicki Gardner, who serves as the executive director of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.
"Who would've thought," Rep. Hurt said, "even after it reached full pond 50 years ago, that we'd be here appreciating all the beauty that's been built."
Michael Pulice, an architectural historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, introduced three historical markers for the counties bordering the lake — Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania.
Administrators from each county spoke about what Smith Mountain Lake has meant to them, both personally and professionally.
"I can associate a lot of milestone moments with [the lake]," said Franklin County Administrator Brent Robertson, who recalled learning to fish and waterski there. "I'm looking forward to my role ... here. It's a challenge and a joy at the same time."
In addition to the markers, a "lake quilt" made its debut at the event. Created and donated by Cindy Clark of the Laker Quilters Guild, the blanket depicts various scenes along Smith Mountain Lake. During a raffle, Terry Jones, assistant event manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, was chosen as the quilt's new owner.
Jones plans to give the quilt to her mother to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their family moving to Franklin County.
Photo Gallery:
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Laura Richards
Though already 50 years old, Smith Mountain Lake is sparkling brighter than ever.
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Laura Richards
Musician Jerry Hale sings "The Jewel of the Blue Ridge," a song he wrote in commemoration of Smith Mountain Lake's 50th anniversary.
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Laura Richards
Smith Mountain Lake resident Jim Laseter performs "Jewel of the Blue Ridge." The song, written by fellow musician Jerry Hale, kicked off Monday's Full Pond Day at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center.
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Laura Richards
Wendy Lewis of Moneta sings along to "Jewel of the Blue Ridge." Her husband, Pete Lewis, is president of the Smith Mountain Lake Association.
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Laura Richards
Bill Piatt, chair of the 50th anniversary steering committee, opens the program. "It's a beautiful day at Smith Mountain Lake," Piatt said. "This is the best summer ever for making memories at the Jewel of the Blue Ridge."
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Laura Richards
An attendee takes a video of Rep. Robert Hurt on her phone. "Who would've thought, even after it reached full pond 50 years ago, that we'd be here appreciating the beauty that's been built," Hurt said.
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Charlie Walker (left) of Moneta photographs Del. Charles Poindexter and Vicki Gardner. "It's good to be home today," said Poindexter, who is called "Mr. Smith Mountain Lake" by friends in Richmond. He read a resolution commemorating the lake's 50th anniversary.
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Catori Taylor, 1, sits on her grandmother's lap. During his speech, Rep. Hurt spoke of the hopeful future of the lake and the accomplishments generations ahead will be celebrating during the 100th anniversary.
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Chris Collins, a representative from Sen. Tim Kaine's office, presents Vicki Gardner with a flag that has flown over the United States Capitol.
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Katie Larrington
Vicki Gardner is presented with a letter of congratulations.
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Laura Richards
Michael Pulice, an architectural historian with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, introduces three historical markers for the counties bordering the lake — Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania.
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Pittsylvania County Administrator Clarence Monday (left) is joined by Jessie Barksdale, chairman of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. "I'll always have special memories of Smith Mountain Lake," Monday said. "Smith Mountain Lake adds to the history of Pittsylvania county."
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Katie Larrington
Bedford County Administrator Carl Boggess helps dedicate the new Bedford County historical marker.
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Monday presents Vicki Gardner with a proclamation commemorating Smith Mountain Lake's 50th anniversary.
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A section of the "lake quilt" by Cindy Clark of the Lake Quilters Guild.
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Del. Poindexter selects a raffle ticket for the winner of a commemorative Smith Mountain Lake-themed quilt, donated by Cindy Clark of the Lake Quilters Guild.
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Katie Larrington
Vicki Gardner announces the winner of the 50th anniversary quilt.
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Katie Larrington
Terry Jones, assistant event manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, hears her name called as the winner of the quilt. Jones plans to give the quilt to her mother to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their family moving to Franklin County.
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Laura Richards
Terry Jones, assistant event manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, hears her name called as the winner of the quilt. Jones plans to give the quilt to her mother to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their family moving to Franklin County.
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Nicole Taylor of Franklin County, looks over at her mother, Terry Jones.
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The Bedford County marker is unveiled in front of the Smith Mountain Lake State Park Discovery Center. The Franklin County marker was placed near Bridgewater Plaza and the Pittsylvania County's was installed near the Smith Mountain Lake Dam.
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Katie Larrington
The new historical marker in Bedford County is unveiled.
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Katie Larrington
The new historical marker in Bedford County is unveiled.
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Barb Nocera, special projects manager for the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, wears a "50 Years of Making Memories" shirt. Nocera was in charge of writing the text for the three historical markers.
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Patti Gerhart of Bedford County and a member of Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park looks on as the Bedford County marker is revealed. "I wouldn't have missed this for the world," Gerhart said.
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Katie Larrington
Attendees pose with the Bedford County marker.
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Attendees pose for group photo next to the Bedford County historical marker.
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Attendees peruse the special 50th anniversary edition of the Smith Mountain Lake Visitors and Newcomers Guide.
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Katie Larrington
Attendees peruse the special 50th anniversary edition of the Smith Mountain Lake Visitors and Newcomers Guide.