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.Â
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