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Southeast Tourism Society Selects Virginia Lake Festival as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’

ATLANTA, Ga. (date) – Southeast Tourism Society has named the 42nd Annual Virginia Lake Festival one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for July 2019.

This year’s Virginia Lake Festival aka “Lakefest” is July 18-20th. The STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985.

Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. The complete list is published on two websites: the Southeast Tourism Society and Travel Media Press Room.

For over 41 years, all the activities provided during this event have been free and open to the public. We are very committed to continuing this tradition, although our expenses continue to increase. Our entire community (population 1,400) becomes involved with one aspect or another of this three-day event. Our civic groups are instrumental in lending a hand, as well as our rescue, fire and police departments to ensure that all of those attending have a wonderful and safe time. This year we are celebrating our 40-year milestone, and with that our hopes are to enhancing the elements of Lakefest, festival goers enjoy so much! More vendor choices, Great music, and sculpture, fun entertainment for the children, a great show of Hot air balloons, & the biggest Fireworks show to date!!

“The Top 20 Festival and Event Program is celebrating 34 years of spotlighting the best festivals and events in the Southeast. Our goal is to provide well-deserved accolades for the dedicated event organizers and additional media exposure for their events,” said Monica Smith, president, and CEO of the Southeast Tourism Society. “The Southeast offers so many unique, year-round, opportunities for attendees to create memories and support an industry that is an economic generator for its community.”

Events considered for the STS Top 20 recognition must be at least three years old and have the attendance of at least 1,000. The online nomination link and submission deadlines are available at SoutheastTourism.org or by calling 770-542-1523.

STS, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Roswell, Ga., is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting travel and tourism within 12 states – Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Mark YOUR  calendar and make this the year to come, experience the fun at our 42nd annual event and experience the wonder and fun of LakeFest – you’ll be glad you did! Join us July 18-20th, 2019.

Wednesday , October 31st, from 5:30-7pm Downtown Clarksville Virginia will be hosting Trick or Treat on the Avenue! It’s a the safe & fun way to Trick or Treat and great way to load up on those sweet treats! Spooky NEWS is that the street will be CLOSED this year, so there be a lot of extra fun this year!!

Over 40 merchants and civic organizations will be participating and most will be all dressed up in their costumes and handing out treats from 2nd Street to 8th Street.  All children up to age 12 are invited to this Spooktacular event; each must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult. Please, no masks are to be worn by those 12 years of age or over.

1st place was Whimsical Robyn, Robyn Johnston from Apex ,NC mosaic sculptures

2nd Over the River Artwork, Charlene Woods from Stafford, VA mixed media artwork

3rd Designs by Gerry, Gerry Blanks from Bumpass, VA hand painted nautical window art

Honorable Mention The Tin Man, Scott Tope from Fayetteville, NC hand-crafted aluminum can creations, bottle cap earrings, all recycled materials

Each year we enlist three judges to explore all the craft booths at our event. This is the criteria we ask them to look for and choose their favorites.

• Attractiveness of booth
• Quality, beauty and difficulty of craft
• Friendliness and helpfulness of crafter

Congratulations to this year’s Winners!

Friday, July 15th stop by the corner of 4th & Virginia Avenue, where sand artist, Ed Moore, of Sandy Feat, has already begun his larger-than-life creation, I wonder what it will be this year?

The town will be busy preparing for the night’s activities as the main stage will be rolling in as well as a few selected vendors & Fun Time Amusements of Danville will be setting up all their machines for the all the children’s games & rides.  Around 6:30pm everything should be set & placed into action. At 7pm, the night’s MC, Bill Baker will take stage and welcome our wonderful sponsors to the stage! We couldn’t do it without them! Be sure you thank a sponsor if you see one.

The 2016 Virginia Lake Festival would not be possible without Sponsorships. The great thing is most of our Sponsors have been supporting Lakefest year after year. We are hoping that in the years to follow, more businesses will consider thinking about supporting this event. Your generosity and support brings economic vigor to our community and allows Lakefest to be a dynamic and joyful celebration of Life in Lake Country. It is a TOP TWENTY event in the Southeast, no one else in our area has that tagged with their event.

Lakefest is the largest event in the area and is enjoyed by thousands not only in this town, but in surrounding towns. People travel from all over to come here. Vendors travel from Florida, GA, PA, OH & AL. Our whole county benefits from Lakefest, as well as South Boston & South Hill hotels receiving more guests this weekend.

We salute our sponsors of Lakefest and all their support of the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. Come and give them a big THANK YOU, Friday night as we honor them for their support, along with these other great businesses that supported this year’s Lakefest.

Captains

• Clarksville Ruritans
• VETS, Inc.

Master Commandant

• McDonalds of Clarksville

Commanders

• Benchmark Community
• Lake Motel & Magnuson
• SENTARA
• The News Progress
• Lake Country Satellite
• The Mecklenburg Sun
• Lakes Media/US 98.3

Officers

• VCU/CMH
• Century 21
• Simmons & Associates Realty

1st Mates

• A & K Dock Service
• Carter Bank & Trust
• Citizens Community Bank
• Clarksville Marina
• HHM Porta Toilet LLC
• Mecklenburg Electric Coop
• Rudd’s Creek Marina
• State Farm-Buchanan Insurance
• Sunoco A Plus/Papa Johns
• Talbert Building Supply
• Virginia Avenue Mall

Helmsmen

• Clarksville Auto Supply
• Matthew’s Sanitation
• Moore’s Chevrolet
• Preddy Memorial Foundation
• Southside Marine & Auto

As soon as we are finished with taking the sponsor photo, the live entertainment for the evening takes stage….The Pizazz Band.  We will be selling LAKEFEST t-shirts by the Clarksville Ruritans Thrift Shop, and also raffle tickets for the “Hooked on You” Raffle.

The Clarksville Chamber is very excited & thankful to have teamed up with Three T-shirt Sponsors for this year’s Lake Festival! Pictured above displaying the official Lakefest t-shirt with their logo on the sleeves of this years design, is Holly Elliott of HP, Heather Carson, of Wells Fargo & President of the Clarksville Ruritans Club, Julie Ames.

The Official 2013 Lakefest t-shirts have arrived and they are spectacular! The artwork depicted on the back of each shirt depicts a Virginia License plate—the hot-air balloons and the fireworks; Chris Clark of Mountain, WI created the winning Lakefest design. Each shirt also has the official ADMIRAL Sponsor, HP Logo on the right sleeve, & our two Captain sponsors, Clarksville Ruritans & Wells Fargo logo imprinted on the left sleeve.

The shirts come in a variety of colors—White, Metro Blue, Irish Green, Purple & Pink & Yellow and 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 in white & purple this year from small to XL sizes. Get yours before they are gone!

T-shirts are now available at the Clarksville Chamber Office (105 Second Street), and will be available at the Virginia Avenue Mall (317 Virginia Avenue) and at 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 36th annual Lakefest is scheduled for July 18-20.

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

The newest addition this year is called the Windjammer Kite Flyer.  It is a family ride adorned with brightly colored lights that has six hang glider type chairs that whisk you up, down, and around mimicking a flying effect.

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.

Show your patriotism to the great United States of America and salute our Veterans—by being a participant or a spectator at the 2013 Independence Day Parade in Clarksville On the Lake! This year’s event, sponsored by the Clarksville Ruritans, is slated for Historic Downtown Clarksville on July 4, at 11 am.

Entry categories include floats, antique cars, trucks and tractors, golf carts, fire trucks and bands, plus, all area youth are encouraged to decorate their vehicle of choice—tricycle, bicycle or battery operated mini-vehicles. Each entry into this year’s parade must be decorated in the patriotic theme and the first 1,000 participants and attendees will receive an American flag upon arrival. Parade applications may be printed by clicking HERE —there is no fee to register or participate; requested date for application return is June 30.

Immediately following the parade, everyone will be treated to free hot dogs and soft drinks, compliments of the Clarksville Ruritans. For more details about the parade and the cook-out, contact Ruritan Committee Chair Charles Lee at jcharleslee@nullaol.com or call 434-374-0794.

Come and celebrate the fall season the first Saturday in October at the Annual Harvest Days Festival! Vendors will line the streets facing the storefronts and sidewalks along Virginia Avenue offering seasonal crafts, specialty items, antiques, collectibles and antiquities (items of an era) from 9 am to 3 pm. In addition to the vendors, the one-of-a-kind specialty shops and restaurants will offer specials throughout the downtown area, along with a host of games & crafts for the kids to participate in and a galore of farm animals to see, & ponies to ride. Come out and enjoy the beautiful autumn weather and the activities that are available. The event is opened to the public and there is no admission charge. This year the festival will continue into the late afternoon & evening, 4 pm-9 pm with the Lake Country Cruise-in & local music talent to dance too. Harvest Days Festival is hosted by the Clarksville Lake Country Chamber of Commerce. For more information call (434) 374-2436 and/or see our fact sheet/application.

This year’s 2012 Lakefest Juried Arts & Craft show winners from July 21st are:

Best in Show ~ Leland Williams

Leland Williams of Crescent City, Florida-Oil pastels on sandpaper of wildlife, landscapes and still life subjects

2nd Place ~ William Hunter & Kathryn Nioy-Cukier

William Hunter & Kathryn Nioy-Cukier of Sole Artist from Arden, NC. Crystalline Pottery & Artwork

3rd Place ~ Randy Chapmen

Randy Chapmen-Happy Scraps of Fuquay Varina, NC. Welded Metal art creatures (click this image to visit www.happyscraps.net)

Honorable Mention ~ Fred Cartwright

Fred Cartwright of South Hill, VA. Metal Artwork

The Official 2012 Lakefest t-shirts have arrived and they are spectacular!  The artwork depicted on the back of each shirt has two major Lakefest components—the hot-air balloons and the fireworks; brother sister team Kaleigh Gilliland & brother Matt of Clarksville created the winning Lakefest design.  The front of the shirts the has a hot air balloon graphic surrounded by the words “35th Annual Virginia Lake Festival, Clarksville, VA.Each shirt also has the Clarksville Ruritan logo imprinted on the left sleeve & HP Logo on the right sleeve, which reflects their Lakefest 2012 Captain Sponsorship.

The Clarksville Chamber is excited & thankful to have teamed up with two CAPTAIN Sponsors for this year's Lake Festival! Pictured above displaying the official Lakefest t-shirt with their logo on the sleeves of this years design, is HP manager, Paul Krysiak and President of the Clarksville Ruritans Club, Julie Ames.

The shirts come in a variety of colors—Red, White, Blue, Lime Green, Violet & Orange and they range in sizes from youth small to adult XXX-large.  Youth shirts are $12 each, adults up to x-large are $16 and XX’s and XXX’s are $18.

T-shirts 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 35^th annual Lakefest is scheduled for July 19-21

Here comes the 35th 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. 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
Antique Auto Show
Sand Sculpture Artist
Helicopter Rides
Games & Rides
Free Kids Balloon Rides
Friday Night’s Live Band – The Konnection Band
Saturday Night’s Live Band – Eric & Laurie and Hicksboro Station
Lakefest IDOL Competition
T-Shirts (coming soon)
Lakefest Fun for Two Raffle
Shuttle & Parking Information
Schedule of Events

This year’s Lakefest raffle is a host of prizes that will open up Buggs Island lake in a whole new way to 1 lucky winner!

This year’s “Lakefest Raffle ~ Fun for 2 at the Lake” , valued at over $600, includes:

• 2 Potomac RAM X Kayaks with paddles
• His & Hers Life Vests
• 2 Buggs Island Beach Towels
• Mini-cooler
• 2 Hands Free Beach Chairs

The drawing will be held on Friday evening during one of the band’s breaks on July 20, at the main stage area (behind Wells Fargo) and you need not be present to win.

The person holding the winning ticket will win all of the gifts in the “Lakefest Raffle ~ Fun for 2 at the Lake”.

Tickets are $5 each, $12 for three and $20 for six. You can purchase tickets at the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, 105 2nd Street. All proceeds will benefit The Chamber’s future projects.

The arts & crafts show is juried and the jury has been kept busy reviewing applications and photographs since early in February. Artists this year are coming from not only Virginia, but also other states–Florida, Ohio, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Maryland, Georgia. The crafters have been extremely active in applying for this year’s show. Water ink, acrylic and oil paintings…even face painters, pottery, leather products, birdhouses and garden accessories, carvers and sculptures, jewelry made from bicycle spokes, items to be personalized on the spot, blown glass jewelry, photography, clothing, home accessories and even pet attire–just to name a few.

What are some of the food vendors on tap for this year? As of this moment, we have more than 20 food vendors…only two of similar offerings are approved by the jury…thus, there will be an extraordinary amount of variety. In addition to the typical festival foods such as polish sausages, gyros, blooming onions, kettle corn, coated nuts, deep-fried candy bars/cookies and funnel cakes with your choice of toppings…the ethnic choices will include Caribbean–jerk chicken, shawarma, stuffed grape leaves; Mexican–fajitas, quesadillas, burritos; vegetarian offerings, Seafood–shrimp, Mahi Mahi, crab cakes, and calamari; Thai choices–Satay, vegetable cakes and spring rolls; Items to cool one down on a hot summer day…fresh squeezed lemonade, smoothies and icees, frozen drinks such as Pina Colodas and Bahama Mamas, snowcones, homemade ice creams and old fashioned floats.

You are invited to enjoy the nearly 200 vendors that will be in place on Virginia Avenue on Saturday, July 21, 9 am-5 pm. The street will be closed to traffic from 4 am until midnight.

Live and on-stage on Saturday night at the 35th Annual Lakefest in Clarksville will be one of the finest bands around—the premier party band in the Carolinas and in Virginia—Eric & Laurie and HICKSBORO STATION–  They are your Professional Live Entertainment…Playing Country, Rock, R & B, Oldies.

This dynamic DUO and Hicksboro Station have played many venues throughout the region and has opened for many national acts including Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, Craig Morgan, Darryl Worley, Rodney McDowell, T Graham Brown, Exile, Confederate Railroad, Ty Herndon, etc. .

HICKSBORO STATION BAND (HSB)- The talented group currently consists of Percussionist, John Wrenn – Bass Guitarist/vocals, Kenny Lynerd – Lead Guitarist, Joey Miller, along with Laurie Wilson (Lead Vocals and Keys) and Eric (Lead Vocals and Rhythm guitar). Eric and Laurie and HSB continue on today, playing professional energetic performances with the band as well as performing as a duo.

Don’t even chance missing one of their songs—the live performance will start at 7 pm on July 21 on the main stage (entrance at 3^rd Street and Virginia Avenue).  Wear your dancing shoes, bring your lawn chairs, and prepare yourself for a super evening of musical entertainment.  Food and beverages will be available on the site.  The show is open to the public with no admission charge.