Smith Mountain Lake Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary September 9th – Be There

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The docks of Smith Mountain Lake

Right now if all goes well, and lots of planets need to line up, we are trying to bring the Barrel Back Barn Find Racer to the Big Smith Mountain Lake show in a couple weeks. But this time with a dramatic twist. We will put her in the water for the first time in decades right there.

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A stunning lake nestled in the hills of Southern Virginia with a fantastic community

No pre-testing, nothing. If she sinks, you can see it live, and better yet, if she floats. You get to be part of the experience. We are working on getting her cleaned up and running, but will she float? She should? But you never know? And isn’t that all part of the fun? She will also be there with Miss America IX so it will be a fun all American moment having them both out there. Will you be there? We certainly hope so. Bring Life jackets. That reminds me, call Hagerty Marine Insurance. You can find out more about the show and stuff by CLICKING HERE.

19 replies
  1. Tuobanur
    Tuobanur says:

    I’m sure you have filled her with water by now, have you cranked the engine yet?
    Did you ever figure out why she has the post war script on the sides?

  2. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    I think there is something odd about having the first relaunch in a lake that didn’t even exist until nearly 3 decades after the boat was built.

    • Phil Jones
      Phil Jones says:

      I was wondering why Matt called the other day asking where the deepest part of the lake was. I thought he was going to get some cat-fishing in while here. Hmmmmm:):):)

  3. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    OK Now I am really confused.

    You are toting this as the 50th Anniversary and on their own page they can’t decide if its the 25th or 26th Annual event.

    50 Years of what? The lake, the chapter,………….?

    • Alan Frederick
      Alan Frederick says:

      Troy –
      It’s the club’s 26th Annual Show this year but we’re also celebrating the 50th year since the lake reached high pond @ 795 ft. above sea level.
      The lake is 40 miles long but boast over 500 miles of shoreline with great mountain views and lots of quiet coves to discover.
      We don’t have the 100 yr. old marinas that some of you may have up North but we do have a great number of WoodyBoaters and boats of all vintages navigating our waters. Plus, we actually have destinations to go to on the lake rather than just “cruisin’ around”.
      There’s four seasons, and guess what, the lake doesn’t freeze over in the mild winter, so if you’re so inclined, you can take your woody out and play with it all year if you’re so inclined.
      So come on down and we’ll show you why it’s called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge”. Who knows, maybe you’ll be like me and decide to move to Virginia’s best kept secret.
      The show is open to the public on Sat., Sept. 10th from 10 AM to 4 PM but there are cruises and meals for all boaters on Friday before the show. The show site is Mariners Landing Resort with docks just outside your door.
      Anyone needing more info. give me a holler @ (540) 352-8653.

    • Alan Frederick
      Alan Frederick says:

      Gene –
      It’s STILL a pristine lake but no longer just a reservoir. Sorry to burst your bubble, but that’s what happens when people hunt down those (barn) finds. According to the real estate people here on the lake, only 20% of the residents are full time so except for major holidays the lake is virtually empty. Other than a few fisherman (yeah, the fishing is top notch too), the lake is just another day in paradise.

  4. WoodyGal
    WoodyGal says:

    Just have a couple of big buckets handy! When you back the trailer in & let her sit a bit, she may look great. You get underway & she may leak like a colander! Have fun, I’ll be at the Grand Lake OK show.

  5. John Rothert
    John Rothert says:

    I will be there! Several Virginia events in Sept:

    Smith Mountain Lake beings on the 9th

    Reedville (Woodyboater headquarters) 17th

    Topping Airport Wings and Wheels and Keels on the 24th

    Y’all come!

    John in Va.

    • Wilson
      Wilson says:

      Carla:

      Maybe you ought to provide inflatable pontoons to attach to this little jewel before they dunk her in the water.

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