Archive for the Category ◊ Lakefest ◊

Kaitlin N. Klein, the design contest winner, wearing the Ringer shirt & holding a tank top.

2015 LAKEFEST TEE’s & Tanks Have Arrived.. and are NOW on SALE!!!

The Official 2015 Lakefest t-shirts have arrived and they are spectacular! The artwork shows views of the lake and attractions seen at Lakefest. Kaitlin N. Klein, from Red Oak, VA created the winning Lakefest design. Each shirt also has the official ADMIRAL Sponsor, HP Logo on the right sleeve, & our Captain sponsors, Clarksville Ruritans, McDonald’s of Clarksville & VETS, INC logo imprinted on the left sleeve.

The shirts come in a variety of colors—white, sports grey, carolina blue, electric green, azalea pink & cornsilk yellow and they range in sizes from youth small to adult XXX-large. Youth shirts come in Carolina blue & Azalea Pink and are $15, Adult sizes small to x-large are $20 and 2XL’s and 3XL’s are $22.

TANKS are back too in various sizes & colors….colors for the Ladies are: white, sports grey, & pink & for the men we have sports grey & carolina blue. Sizes & colors are limited so get yours before they are gone! Tanks will be $18 for regular sizes, 2XL are $20.

Representitives from each company sponsor: left to right: HP, Michael Snavely, Clarksville McDonald’s, Janet Powell, Clarksville Ruritan’s Vicki Garrett & VET’s, Aaron Vaughan

NEW! LIMITED SUPPLY OF RINGER shirts! These are so cool! Sports grey with black trim. Sold only in Large & XL. Ringer shirts are only sold at the Chamber office, and are $22.

T-shirts are now available at the Clarksville Chamber Office (105 Second Street), the Virginia Avenue Mall (317 Virginia Avenue). Proceeds from the shirts will help with the various expenses of Lakefest such as live bands, fireworks and hot-air balloons.

Virginia Lake Festival, held the third full weekend of each July in Clarksville, Virginia, was again chosen as “One of the Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society.  This year’s event marks the Town’s 38th Annual Event and July 16-19, promises to be the event not to be missed.

Since 1985, the Southeast Tourism Society has published the Top 20 Events.  Each month, hundreds of the best events across the Southeast compete to be named a Top 20 Event.  Southeast Tourism Society publishes the list of winners quarterly and sends the list to over 800 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, AAA publications and others.  The Atlanta Journal-Constitution prints the Top 20 Events as a regular quarterly feature of its travel section, and the Top 20 Events has recently been featured on the New Orleans-based radio show “Travel Talk Radio,” just to name a few.  The combined circulation runs into the millions.  The Top 20 Events are also listed on the Southeast Tourism Society websitewww.southeasttourism.org and on their consumer website www.escapetothesoutheast.com.  The Top 20 Events pages are consistently among the most visited pages on the STS sites.

The Top 20 Events represents the best festivals the Southeast has to offer.  Events that win this honor benefit from the widespread exposure and prestige that being named a Top 20 Events affords.

Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society is dedicated to the promotion & development of tourism to its member states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.  The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, motels, resorts, convention & visitors bureaus, airlines, car rental agencies, newspapers, magazines and other travel related organizations.

The third full weekend of each July brings a tourism & economic boost to Virginia’s Only Lakeside Town—Clarksville.

Offering, Free tethered hot-air balloon rides, sand sculpture artists, live bands, hot-air balloons, arts & crafts show featuring 200 vendors, children’s games & rides, antique car show, helicopter rides, & spectacular fireworks event.

What Makes the Event Special or Unique?

• All activities noted above are open to the public at no charge.  In addition to the various food vendors, our community organizations assist our guests in a variety of ways.  Nearly everyone in the town (population 1,400) becomes involved with volunteering for the event to insure that our guests have a wonderful and safe weekend.  We provide a shuttle service to shuttle people from outlying parking area. Likewise, a train which transports 18 people (including packages & baby strollers) travels up and down Virginia Avenue for those who would prefer to ride than walk.  Our rescue, fire and police departments are instrumental in insuring that everyone has a wonderful, but safe time.
• Voted by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2015 as “One of the Top 20 Festivals In The Southeast”, LakeFest (as it is known locally) attracted nearly 70,000 plus visitors in 2014 to view hundreds of attractions including hot air balloons, arts and crafts, live entertainment including music and dancing, great local and ethnic food, and the traditional ‘Gathering Of The Boats’ and fireworks show!
• Largest event in Mecklenburg County & Southern VA.
• It is a community/county event & is sponsored by Businesses & Organization in the area.

The 2015 Virginia Lake Festival would not be possible without the generous support of the business community. Most of all the past sponsors of Lakefest have been supporting this event for many years. We really want to let the public know that sponsorship is open to any business or organization that is interested in helping one of the biggest event in our area. This event benefits not only Clarksville, but the surrounding towns as well. When our hotels & campgrounds are full, many visitors have to go South Hill or South Boston to find accommodations. It reaches beyond our town lines and so we hope that those in other towns reading this, will consider being a part of this event. The event is a fundraiser to help promote tourism & visitors to our area, all the money raised, helps pay for the fireworks, sand artist, hot air balloons, bands & all other cost lakefest incurs and anything left over is reinvested into next years events through advertising and TV commercials and all we do to promote the area. We are also looking to add new features to LAKEFEST each year, but all that depends on the money that we can raise from potential sponsors.

Southern VA needs events like LAKEFEST to help tourism & economic growth to our area. So please consider your Business or organization as an official sponsor for this upcoming event.

Levels of Sponsorship

• Admiral            $8,000
• Captain            $4,000
• Commander   $1,500
• Officer           $1,000
• 1st Mate           $500
• Helmsman        $250
• Deck Hand        $100

Which each level there are increased promotional benefits that your business will receive for your contribution level. Admiral & Captain levels you will be able to have your business logo on the “Official LAKEFEST” t-shirts, but pledges must be in by May 29th. No money is requested until July 1st.  Every contribution helps!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Request a Sponsorship packet by contacting us online or call the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber 434-374-2436.

Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce in southern Mecklenburg County, Virginia is set to once again host the LOVE artwork sign at the 38th Annual Virginia Lake Festival otherwise known as LAKEFEST!

The Virginia Tourism Corporation will bring an oversized LOVE artwork to Clarksville on July 15th as part of a state and local partnership to promote tourism. The artwork, which is 16 feet long and more than six feet high, is part of the Virginia is for Lovers campaign and promotes the message that love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visitors can come see the LOVE when it arrives it will be on display at the pocket park on the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue, near the sand sculpture, through July 22nd.

Visitors are encouraged to take a family picture in front of the artwork and share it on Facebook at Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Twitter, using the special hashtag ‪#‎LOVEVA ‪#‎LAKEFESTVA.

“Our iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand is about love – pure and simple, and has been for more than 40 years,” said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We are excited to share the LOVE at locations throughout the Commonwealth where so many people can enjoy being a part of it. It reminds us that Virginia is an ideal destination for families looking to completely connect on a Virginia vacation.”

We are thrilled to have the LOVE back again this year, it was a fun new feature and we feel that it fits with this festival, and we here in Southern Virginia LOVE LAKEFEST! There is so much to see and do, from the hot air balloon show, to 5k run, antique car show, amusement rides for the kids, to great entertainment, 150 arts & craft vendors, food galore & fireworks! This year, to celebrate Mecklenburg Counties 250th, there will be a boat parade & on Sunday an event called “AFTERFEST” 2015, Tobacco, Taverns & Travelers by the Lake – A step back in time. We want to invite everyone to our free event!

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2010, tourism generated $19 billion in revenue, supported 204,000 jobs and generated $1.3 billion in state and local taxes.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org to learn more or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Could your wallet use an extra $250? Consider putting your talents to work for the 2015 Virginia Lake Festival (Lakefest) and become the winner of the reward. The Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce encourages area artists to enter the winning logo design for the 38th Lakefest that is scheduled for July 16-18, 2015.

In addition to the cash reward, the winning artist will have their design featured on the official 2015 Lakefest t-shirts and on brochures, flyers and other media promotions of the three-day event, plus be promoted in area newspapers for their accomplishment.

Those wanting to enter the contest may download an entry form here, pick up an entry form at the Clarksville Chamber of Commerce, 105 Second Street, or pick one up at the Virginia Avenue Mall or call the Chamber and one will be mailed to you. For artwork designs to be considered in the judging, original and signed entries must be delivered to the Clarksville Chamber Office or submitted by mail to the Lake Festival Committee, P.O. Box 1017, Clarksville, VA, 23927, no later than March 13th, 2015. For more information call the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at (434) 374-2436 or contact us.

Each year we send out secret judges to rate & award 4 crafters for Best in Show with 1st place , 2nd , 3rd & honorable mention & those three judges go their own way & span 7 blocks to hunt for their favorite display. They rate them for attractiveness of their booth, quality, beauty and difficulty of craft and friendliness of crafter. Below you’ll find this year’s winners.

Gamaliel’s Wood Carvings won first in show awards him with $150, He is from Franklinton, NC

Linda Patrick Studios, artwork of watercolors of rural VA, awarded $75, is from Lyndhurst VA

The Reinvented Home, awarded $50 to Darlene Kelly with her Repurposed furniture & accessories, from Beaufort, SC

Colonial Wagon & Wheel, Metal Lawn & garden art, awarded Dave Anders Honorable mention of $25 and is from Lancaster, Ohio

Here comes the 37th Annual Lakefest! This year is looking to be a wonderful time of celebration here in Virginia’s only Lakeside Town. Below you’ll find detailed information on some of this year’s happenings; from Helicopter Rides to The Antique Auto Show, and a 5K Run/walk-hosted by the Clarksville YMCA. For registration details and to sign up to participate in the 5K Run call 434-374-5858 or download the application here. Please use the links below and to the left to explore just some of this year’s offerings.

photo by Justin Eubank

• Juried Arts & Crafts Show
• Bringing the LOVE to Lakefest
• Antique Auto Show
• Games & Rides
• Sand Sculpture Artist
• Helicopter Rides
• Free Kids Balloon Rides
• Musical Guests ~ Friday and Saturday
• T-Shirts
• Outdoor Summer Fun LAKEFEST Raffle
• Shuttle & Parking Information
• 2014 Lakefest Schedule
• Top Twenty Event

The Official 2014 Lakefest t-shirts have arrived and they are spectacular!  The artwork depicted on the back of each shirt depicts snapshot pictures —the hot-air balloons and the fireworks; Jaqueline Eubanks created the winning Lakefest design.  Each shirt also has the official ADMIRAL Sponsor, HP Logo on the right sleeve, & our new Captain sponsors, Clarksville McDonald’ s logo imprinted on the left sleeve.

The shirts come in a variety of colors—White, Sapphire Blue, Lime, Red, black & Pink, they range in sizes from youth small to adult XXX-large.  Youth shirts are $14 each, adults up to x-large are $18 and XX’s and XXX’s are $20. We also have brought back a limited supply of TANKS, ladies tanks are white & Black and unisex tanks are Lime & Sapphire, sizes & colors vary from small to XL sizes. Get yours before they are gone!

New & exciting this year is the official LAKEFEST branded accessories!! They are available while supplies last!! Water bottles & tumblers are $8 each. Mini water squinter is only $5, and Lakefest decals are $4 for small or $8 for large. Hurry and get yours today!!!

T-shirts & tanks are now available at the Clarksville Chamber Office (105 Second Street), the Virginia Avenue Mall (317 Virginia Avenue), and the Clarksville Town Office (321 Virginia Avenue).  Proceeds from the shirts will help with the various expenses of Lakefest such as live bands, fireworks and hot-air balloons.  The 37th annual Lakefest is scheduled for July 17-19.

The Clarksville Chamber is very excited & thankful to have teamed up with our T-shirt Sponsors for this year’s Lake Festival! Pictured below displaying the official Lakefest t-shirt with their logo on the sleeves of this year’s design, is Holly Elliott of HP and Jayson Jones, swing manager at the Clarksville McDonalds.

This year’s Lakefest raffle host prizes that will give the winner many reasons to spend their time outdoors with their family or friends this summer with a great LAKEFEST after party celebration and for many weekends to come.

This set include Four Adirondack Chairs donated by Talbert Building Supply in Clarksville, these chairs will compliment any patio, front porch, campsite or beach front space at your desired location.  Your attention will be centered on the custom made fire pit made right here in Virginia by the Virginia Fire pit company located in Axton, VA. They will be attending as a vendor selling their fire pits at Lakefest, so if you don’t win this one you can get one custom made just for you. Another talking piece will be your LAKEFEST galvanized beverage ice tub & stand, keeping your favorite beverages nice and chilled in the warm summer heat and cooled if you’re near the fire pit grilling your favorite outdoor BBQ or even S’mores for the kids.

Kids aren’t forgotten in this raffle or even the big kids for that matter, the chamber has donated two new “Official LAKEFEST” squirt guns, Lakefest’s first branded toy.

The Chamber also has donated two Lakefest branded Water bottles & two beverage tumblers and you will be sporting two new Lakefest t-shirts also donated by the Chamber.

(We have purchased additional Squirt Guns, water bottles & tumblers and will be available soon for purchase at the Chamber office & at Lakefest while supplies last).

If you’re cooling down in the Lake or Pool this summer, you will love the EZ Lounge Float, donated by Southside Marine & Auto.

It wouldn’t be summer, without a night of camping outside even if yours own backyard, with this Coleman tent you will have no reason not to.  Also included in this raffle are outdoor decorative accessories to make your summer entertaining fun.

So purchase your tickets to this summer fun host of prizes, and when you win, this will be a LAKEFEST you won’t forget!

The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will win:

• Four Adirondack Chairs
• Custom made Cast Iron Fire Pit
• “Welcome to the Lake” sign, donated by RE/MAX Perspective
• Galvanized drink Tub and Stand
• Coleman – 2 person Tent
• Obrien EZ Lounge Float
• 3 fish shaped serving dishes
• 3 Beach Niks- donated by RE/MAX Perspective
• 2 Lakefest T-shirt
• 2 Lakefest Tumblers
• 2 Lakefest water bottles
• 2 Lakefest Squirt Guns

The drawing will be held on Friday evening during one of the band’s breaks on July 18, at the main stage area (behind Wells Fargo Bank) and you need not be present to win. This raffle is valued at more than $700.

Tickets for the LAKEFEST OUTDOOR SUMMER FUN Raffle are available at the Clarksville Chamber Office (105 Second Street); they are $5 per ticket or three for $12 or six for $20.  Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Lakefest funds that help to supplement the costs involved with the hot air balloons, fireworks and many other venues of the 37th annual event (slated for July 17-19).  For more information on the raffle or the festival, call the Chamber at 434-374-2436.

Lakefest Highlights start on Thursday…Come out and enjoy the beauty of the hot-air balloons! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and spend the evening watching the balloons inflate and provide fun, FREE hot-air balloon rides for children 12 and younger. This event is scheduled forThursday, July 17, starting at 6 pm at the Lake Country Business Park located on Noblin Farm Road (next to Clarksville Elementary School).

Hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks and ice cream treats will be available, courtesy of MeadowView Terrace. Children’s games, a dunking booth and other activities will be available at the event, too, all courtesy of Halifax Regional Health System. A minimal fee will be charged for the food and activities; however, all proceeds will be donated to the Southeastern Alzheimer’s Association.

With the weather cooperating (pilot can fly only when the wind is less than 10 mph and there are no storms within a 60 mile radius), all activities will continue until dusk. For more information, contact the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce at 434-374-2436.

Enter your antique automobiles in the 20th annual Antique Auto Show, which will be featured at Lakefest in Clarksville on Saturday, July 19, at Century 21 On the Lake (412 Virginia Avenue) and the lawn areas adjacent to realty office. Great trophies will be made in the categories of

1. Hard Luck Story,
2. Oldest Vehicle,
3. Longest Distance Traveled,
4. Diamond in the Rough and
5. The most important trophy of the show; Tom Lilly BEST IN SHOW Award.

Among those who have registered their vehicle in the show, there will be two prizes of $50 each that will be given away that afternoon.

To register your vehicle for the show, complete a registration form (available at Century 21 On the Lake or at the Chamber Office or Click Here to Download/Print) and return with the $10 fee prior to festival or $20 day of the show. The application can be mailed out or faxed to those interested in participating. For more information about registering your vehicle for the show, contact Century 21 On the Lake (434-374-2279) or the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce (434-374-2436) or HERE.

Paul Jackson, Helicopter Pilot, has been flying since June 2006. His generosity supports such organizations as:

• Trucker’s Parade for Cancer, Charlotte County & Nelson County, Va.
• Farmville Chamber of Commerce
• Ruritan Club of South Hill Va.
• Phenix Volunteer Fire Dept.

He also spearheaded the fun fundraisers of a Golf Ball and Easter Egg Drop for numerous organizations.

Paul has been flying excited children and adults in helicopter rides at Lakefest for four years now. He and his Helicopter were recently featured on the popular reality TV show:  “Lizard Lick Towing”.

You will see Paul flying over the beautiful Buggs Island lake most any weekend in his green & gold Helicopter (his preferred means of travel). Be sure to give him a wave when you see him hover over.

We are lucky to welcome back Paul Jackson to Lakefest again this year! Take advantage of seeing Lake Country from the air! It is a memory you will never forget.

What does Flying Super Spinner, Scooby Doo, Thomas the Train, Fun Slide, Jurassic Adventure, Windjammer Kite Flyer and Rock Climbing Wall mean to Lakefest?  Too much fun!

Back in by popular demand is the  Euro-Bungy trampoline jump which provides acrobatic heights and flips to exhilarate little daredevils.

The trackless tram will be running the streets again Saturday 10am-5pm.

To give an extra boost to the entertainment possibilities in Clarksville for Lakefest weekend, the Chamber has contracted with Fun Time Amusements of Danville to insure rides and games for all ages will be available.  A total of nine activities will be in Clarksville for all to enjoy.

Fun Time Amusements has been providing family entertainment for more than 55 years and they plan to bring a wonderful array of rides and games that will enhance the main stage area adjacent Third Street (access at the corner of Third and Virginia Avenue) on Friday night, Saturday and Saturday night.  Most of the rides and games will be located on the grassy lot adjacent to the area.

The company’s top priority is that of safety for their patrons and their guests.  Safety mechanisms on all rides are constantly monitored on an on-going basis, and the rides are inspected by Virginia State Safety compliance.  Likewise, they perform their own electrical and safety checks before equipment operation and then, the State of Virginia’s safety officials’ follow-up with their inspections.  In addition, employees of Fun Time Amusements who will be operating the rides are experienced and specially trained on an on-going basis.  Besides the rides, Fun Time Amusements will also provide two “prize every-time” game booths that will be well stocked with prizes for the young and the young-at-heart.   Games will be dart balloon bust and kids fishing game.  As always, we will have cotton candy, candy/caramel apples, popcorn, sno-cones, and fresh lemonade.

(Click Here to View, Print and/or Download the Parking & Shuttle Map)

Parking? We get that question a lot here in our office, and to make life a little less stressful for Clarksville during Lakefest, the Chamber has hired a shuttle bus from Carolina Livery-Mobility Solutions. This service will  help with the age old question on where to park? This way you don’t have to worry about being stuck on the side street with all those others trying & hoping to find a spot nearby.

Parking & Shuttle Service—Festivalgoers are encouraged to Park & Ride.  Parking $5 per vehicle; there is no charge to ride the shuttles to and from the festival.  Parking will be at the Lake County Business Park, on Noblin Farm Road.  The Shuttle will run from 8 am until 6 pm.