Have an interest in Antique and Classic Boats but do not own one? No worries, you do not have to own an Antique boat to join the club. On display will be a 1948 Chris Craft.
See a live demonstration of aquatic weeds, including invasive weeds you might find at SML.
The Patrol Boat will be onsite between patrols and will be staffed with two officers. Deputies will talk about safe navigation on the lake and hiring opportunities with the department.
Dock like a professional.This demonstration will show you how to dock your boat gracefully, without damage or panic.
Visit a buffer landscaping demonstration garden. Talk with buffer landscaping experts about proper plant selection for your property. Learn why buffer gardens help the water quality of SML. Enter for a chance to win selected potted plants on display.
Bugs in the Streams
Save our Streams team members will introduce the critters who live in our streams. See these bugs up close through microscopes. Learn why SMLA collects, counts and identifies these inhabitants.
Carefree Boat Club
Find out about Smith Mountain Lake’s option to boat ownership – boating without owning!
Coast Guard Auxiliary
Get boating safety information and learn what the Coast Guard Auxiliary does at SML. This a volunteer organization supports the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The mission is to promote boating safety and provide support to the Coast Guard in a wide range of non-law enforcement activities.
County of Franklin Marine Unit
The Office of the Sheriff, County of Franklin Marine Unit provides law enforcement services related to the navigable water of Smith Mountain Lake. This program includes lake patrols, responding to emergency calls for lake-related service, and educating the public about water safety practices.
EcoKids Fun Tent and Lakeside Scavenger Hunt
Visit the EcoKids Fun Tent for the Lakeside Scavenger Hunt with prizes. Enjoy activities like coloring pages, puzzles, kiddie fishing, stickers, and more!
Ferrum College Boat
Visit the Ferrum College Water Quality Monitoring Vessel. Find out how SMLA knows the lake is healthy. Have fun checking how clear the water is with various instruments. Learn more about SML’s Water Quality Monitoring program.
Tour a SML fireboat. This all-volunteer public safety organization responds to hundreds structure and boat fires, medical emergencies, watercraft collisions and boaters in distress each year. See how the Emergency Response Dive (ERD) team supports underwater search and recovery operations.
Fish Habitats
Check out the fish habitat structures that SMLA and DWR put into the lake to provide places for small fish to hide. See a map of the habitat locations.
Stop by the Sea Tow booth and participate in water safety games for prizes.Attempt the timed life jacket challenge or try your hand at “Throw Don’t Go”.Snap a “Vest Friends 4 Ever” or “Kiss Me I’m a Sober Skipper” selfie.Enjoy a free root beer while they last.