APRIL
April 1-30
April is Smyth County Cleanup. April is Smyth County Cleanup month.
Your club/organization is invited to participate in this event. Please choose an
are in your community that needs cleaning and register this area with the
Chamber. Trash bags are available at all Town Halls, all Smyth County Elementary
Schools and the Smyth County Chamber office. A Litter Tribal Council will be
held this spring. Groups and Organizations who participated last fall and this
spring will be given special recognition and immunity for the first event at the
Tribal Councal. Contact the Chamber office for participation signup sheets. This
county wide cleanup is an opportunity to celebrate Earth Day (April 22), Arbor
Day and Governor Warner’s 2005 Stewardship Virginia Campagne.
April 7-22
Annual Telephone Book Recycling Drive sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce of Smyth County. Drop your old phone books off at any Smyth County
School. A cash prize of $100 will be given to school collecting the largest
number of books per student. Fifty dollars will be awarded to the second place
winter. Prize money is to be used for environmental education. This recycling
drive is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Smyth County and Sprint.
April 10 Cotton Patch Gospel – at The Lincoln Theatre. This exuberant bluegrass
musical tells the story of the life of Jesus, but set in modern-day rural
Georgia. A family theatre event of The Springer Theatre, the state theatre of
Georgia. Showtime: 3:00p.m. Tickets: $10.00 general admission.
April 15
Chamber of Commerce $10,000 Raffle. Raffle tickets may be purchased
until this date. The winning number will be drawn on April 15th. Call the
Chamber Office at 276-783-3161 for details.
April 18
Images of American – Smyth County Book Signing and Sale at the
Smyth-Bland Regional Library. Kim Byrd and Debbie Williams will be signing their
new book at the Marion library and the Friends will have copies available for
purchase on Monday from 3:30 – 7:30p.m. For information call 783-2323.
April 22 & 23 Royal Oak Players present "The Nerd" by Larry Shue at The Lincoln
Theatre. 7:00p.m. both Friday and Saturday. General Admission tickets $10.00,
available at Lincoln Box Office or one of the Players.
April 24
Live from the Lincoln - John McCutcheon – at The Lincoln Theatre.
Dubbed "Virginia’s rustic Renaissance man" by the Washington Post, John
McCutcheon is widely recognized as a world master on the hammered dulcimer. He
has produced more than 25 albums in as many years, garnering five back-to-back
Grammy nominations. Support for this event is provided by a
touring assistance grant from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Showtime:
2:00p.m. Tickets: $10.00 general admission
April 27
Administrative Professional’s Day sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce
of Smyth County. Employers are invited to celebrate with the Chamber of Commerce
at the Town house Grill in Chilhowie at noon. Door prizes and entertainment will
be provided. For reservations, contact the Chamber office by April 22.
April 29
Marion Arbor Day Celebration at Riverbend Park on the Riverwalk. Join
the Town of Marion and Marion Tree Board at Riverbend Park on Friday, April 29th
at 12 noon for the Arbor Day Celebration. Bagpipers, proclamations and awards,
"The History of the Crying Tree" by Evelyn Lawrence, planting of commemorative
Round Leaf Birch Tree, Art Exhibit by Cici Vesce and refreshments are all on the
agenda for this event. Everyone invited. Riverbend Park on Baughman Avenue.
April 29
A Night of Inspirational Music at The Lincoln sponsored by the Military
Readiness Group. Friday evening performance at 7:00p.m. featuring The Jody Brown
Indian Family and Mike Sage and Singers. General admission tickets TBA
April 30
Images of American – Smyth County Book Signing and Sale at the
Smyth-Bland Regional Library. Kim Byrd and Debbie Williams will be signing their
new book at the Marion library and the Friends will have copies available for
purchase on Saturday from ll:00a.m.- 2:00p.m. For information call 783-2323.
MAY
May 7
"Song of the Mountains" at the Lincoln Theatre. Old Time Bluegrass concert
Saturday at 7:00p.m. General Admission Tickets TBA.
May 8
Marcolivia – at The Lincoln Theatre. Violinists Marc Ramirez and Olivia
Hajioff, who together form the violin and violin/viola duo marcolivia, have
toured extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, including performances at the
Kennedy Center and
Carnegie Hall. Their repertoire includes both well-known
masterpieces and works by contemporary composers. Showtime: 2:00p.m. Tickets:
$10.00 general admission.
May 12
Kiwanis Bluegrass Jamboree w/Cousin Zeke at the Lincoln Theatre. Includes
the groups of Bluegrass Brothers, Craig County Boys, and No Speedlimit. Thursday
evening at 7:00p.m. General Admission Tickets $15.00 at Lincoln Box Office or
from any Kiwanian.
May 12
Book Appraisals by Jim Presgraves sponsored by The Friends of the Library
in Marion. Jim Presgraves, owner of Bookworm and Silverfish, Wytheville, VA, has
been buying, selling and appraising books, letters and diaries for over 40
years. He will be appraising books (one book for $5, three books for $10) in the
Copenhaver Meeting Room of the SBRL as a fundraiser for the Friends of the
Library. EVERYONE is invited to have books appraised.
May 12 – 14
Used Book Sale sponsored by Friends of the Library in Marion.
Mysteries, romances, westerns, non-fiction, children’s books will be on sale at
great prices in the Library Garage, Cherry Street, Marion. Thursday: 3-8p.m.
Friday and Saturday 9a.m.-2p.m. Friends Famous Hot Dogs with all the trimmings
will be sold on Friday from 11 – 1. For information please call 783-2323.
May 14
Smyth County Habitat for Humanity 2005 5K Fun/Run/Walk begins at 9:00
a.m. at Marion Baptist Church, 1258 N. Main Street, Marion, VA. Entry Fee: $12
with T-shirt, $8 no shirt. Pre-registration closes Saturday, May 7, 2005. Race
day registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Event will be held rain or shine. For more
information, contact Neil Castrodale at (276) 783-7537.
May 19
"Spring Fling" sponsored by the Friends of the Smyth-Bland Regional
Library. Current and prospective members of the Friends are invited to the
"Spring Fling" held at Treetops, the Graham Cabin in Hungry Mother State Park.
Great food, wonderful fellowship, entertainment by H.B. Beverly and exciting
information about how the Friends support our library will be on the evening’s
agenda. A drawing will be held for Barter Theatre ticket door prizes, donated by
WZVA Radio Station. For reservations or information, call 783-2323 ext. 28.
May 19
Smyth County Business Expo sponsored by Chamber of Commerce of Smyth
County. Thursday from 4:00-8:00 p.m. the first annual Expo will be held at the
Old Mill Antique Mall (former
Spring Ford Knitting) located at 223 E. Lee Highway, Seven Mile Ford. All Smyth
County businesses are invited to participate at no charge. Everyone is invited.
Contact the Chamber office to reserve a spot.
May 19-22
Mayfest, sponsored by The Chilhowie Recreation Department. Lisko
Carnival is the featured attraction.
May 27, 28, 29
South Pacific presented by Marion Senior High School at The
Lincoln Theatre. Rogers & Hammerstein’s classic tale of two love affairs and a
dangerous mission behind enemy lines. Adapted from two short stories by James
Michener. Musical numbers include Some Enchanted Evening, I’m Gonna Wash That
Man Right Outta My Hair, many more - - -. Showtime 7:30p.m. on Friday and
Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $5.00 adults, $3.00 students, general
admission
May 28
"2nd Annual Luau at the Lake", from 6-11p.m. on the beach at Hungry
Mother State Park. For more information, call (276) 783-4190.
JUNE
June 3
Marion Middle School Players present "The Penny Dreadfuls" at the Lincoln
Theatre. Friday performance at 7:00.
June 3, 10, 17, 24
"Lunchtime on the Lawn" Summer Concert Series, Live music and
concessions on the Smyth County Courthouse Lawn each Friday afternoon from 12
noon – 1p.m. For more information call 276-783-4190.
June 4
S.C.A.L.E. Family Fun & Community Awareness Day begins at 9:00a.m. at
Hungry Mother State Park. For more information call 276-783-4190
June 4
Live at the Lincoln Songwriters Showcase featuring Byron Hill, Georgia
Middleman and John Ford Coley. Saturday evening at 7:00p.m. General Admission
Tickets $10.00
June 17
"Song of the Mountains" at the Lincoln Theatre. Old Time Bluegrass
concert on Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. General Admission Tickets $15.00
June 17-18
Smyth County Relay for Life will begin Saturday, June 17 at 6:00p.m.
with an opening ceremony at the Marion Senior High School track. For more
information, call 176-677-3367
JULY
July 1
Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mt. Boys at the Lincoln Theatre. The Library
of Congress named him a "Living Legend," but it was the Coen brothers’ film O
Brother, Where Art Thou? That gained him the national recognition he so richly
deserves. The legendary Doctor Ralph Stanley in concert. Showtime: 7:00p.m.
Tickets: $25.00 reserved seating.
July 2
2005 Annual Car Nuts Car Club, Inc. Car Show held in Chilhowie Park, Exit
35, I-81. Registration is from 8:00a.m. to 12 noon with awards at 3:00p.m.
Proceeds from 2005 show will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation anad other
local charities. For more information e-mail: info@carnutsclub.com
July 4
Marion’s Hometown Independence Day Celebration. Live music and fireworks
spectacular at Marion Senior High School Football Stadium from 6-10p.m.
Admission is free. For more information call 276-783-4190.
"Little Salty" Birthday Celebration will be held from 1:00-3:00p.m. at the Museum of the Middle Appalachians, Saltville, VA. For further information, call 276-496-3633
July 11 – 16
Missoula Children’s Theater – The Wizard of Oz at The Lincoln
Theatre Monday through Saturday. Shows at 3:00 and 7:00p.m. on Saturday only.
Tickets: $5.00.
July 15-17
Hungry Mother Arts & Crafts Festival Arts and Crafts at Hungry Mother
State Park each day at 10:00a.m. For more information, call 276-783-2901 or
visit www.hungrymotherfestival.com
Downtown Days Festival. Arts and Crafts on the Smyth County Courthouse lawn each
day at 10:00a.m. July 15th: Chili Championship, Show & Shine Car Show, "Street
Dance with Phantom". July 16 "All Star Music Jam" with local musicians. July 17
Downtown Gospel Sing. For information, call 276-783-4190 or e-mail:
kheath@marionva.org.
July 15 & 16
Salt Fest ’05 held at the Saltville Show Grounds on Friday from
6:00p.m. – 12:00 midnight and on Saturday at 11:00 – 12:00 midnight. Featured
will be the best bands of SWVA and East Tennessee. For more information, call
276-496-5342
July 16
Smyth County Humane Society Rummage Sale held on the grassy lot at
Wal-Mart in Marion from 8a.m – 3p.m. For more information call 276-677-3996
July 22 & 23
Song Of The Mountains. Be part of a live studio audience for “Song of the Mountains” concert series at the Lincoln Theatre in Marion. Blockbuster Bluegrass Weekend on July 22 & 23, featuring seven bands each night, with both shows videotaped by Blue Ridge Public Television for later broadcast on PBS. Shows start at 7:00pm. General admission seating $20. Call the theatre for tickets and details at 276-783-6093.
July 29
Rich Valley Fair & Horse Show begins at Rich Valley Fairgrounds. For
more information, call 276-624-3263
AUGUST
August 1-6
Rich Valley Fair & Horse Show at Rich Valley Fairgrounds. For more
information, call 276-624-3263
August 20 & 21
8th Annual War Between the States Battle Re-enactment will be
held at Battleground Avenue in Saltville at 2:00p.m. For more information, call
276-496-5342
SEPTEMBER
September 1-5
35th Annual Labor Day Celebration. The days in Saltville are full
of music, food, and fun. For more information, call 276-496-5342.
September 3
Hungry Mother Shuck ‘n’ Cluck Oyster Roast & Beach Party. Live
music, fresh seafood and more on the beach of Hungry Mother State Park from
6-11p.m. For more information, please call 276-783-4190 and e-mail
kheath@marionva.org.
September 9-11
19th Annual Summer Festival & 7th Annual Old-Time & Bluegrass
Fiddler’s Convention. Events include music, food, horse pulling contest, tractor
and kiddy tractor pulling contest and much more. For more information call
276-783-8855.
September 9-10
VA Women 1830-1920 Exhibit – Smyth County Museum,
16-17, 23-24, 30 Marion, VA 10:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.
Period Costume and Clothing Exhibition – Staley Collins House, Marion, VA 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
September 10
SHERWOOD ANDERSON FESTIVAL Kick-off Events:
9:00a.m. – Tour in Marion (Smyth Bland Regional Library, Round Hill Cemetery,
etc.) and of Ripshin Farm in Troutdale.
12:00 noon - Sherwood Anderson Short Story Awards Luncheon & Speaker, The
Lincoln Theatre, Marion, VA.
7:00p.m. - Sherwood Anderson and the American Modernists Two-Gallery Exhibit
Grand Opening at the William King Regional Art Center in Abingdon, VA. An
examination of writer Sherwood Anderson and his role in the early Modernist
movement in American art.
For information and reservations, please call 783-2323 ext. 33
September 11
Patriot’s Day Commemoration – on the Smyth County Courthouse lawn
at 11:00a.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 276-783-4190 or
e-mail: kheath@marionva.org.
September 12-15
Sherwood Anderson Festival - Tours
Sites include: Smyth-Bland Regional Library
Sherwood Anderson Archive
Miller Law Office
Round Hill Cemetery
Lincoln Theatre
Ripshin Farm (Troutdale, VA)
Group Reservations: 276-783-2323 ext. 22
September 13
Sherwood Anderson Festival - Sherwood Anderson Birthday Celebration
at Smyth-Bland Regional Library, Marion, VA
12:00noon – 5:00p.m. Anderson Exhibit and Videos, Birthday Cake and Punch
5:30p.m. Smyth County Chamber of Commerce Mixer
For information and reservations, please call 783-2323 ext. 33
September 17-25
53rd Chilhowie Community Apple Festival. Saturday, September 17
is the kickoff celebration on Main Street in Chilhowie from 4-9p.m. featuring
the band Phantom and local food vendors. Various activities are scheduled
through the week including beauty pageants, craft and food vendors, art shows,
amusement rides, topped off with the Apple Festival Parade, band competition and
fireworks on Sept. 25th. For more information, call 276-646-8213
September 22
Sherwood Anderson Festival Lecture Series – Wharton Esherick and
his connection with Sherwood Anderson, presented by Halsey Bascom, Wharton
Esherick Museum, Paoli, PA. 7:00p.m. Copenhaver Meeting Room, Smyth-Bland
Regional Library, Marion, VA. For information and reservations, please call
783-2323 ext. 33
OCTOBER
October 1 – 31
Sherwood Anderson Festival - Sherwood Anderson and the American
Modernists Two-Gallery Exhibit at The William King Regional Art Center,
Abingdon, VA. An examination of writer Sherwood Anderson and his role in the
early Modernist movement in American art.
October 1, 7-8
VA Women 1830-1920 Exhibit – Smyth County Museum,
14-15, 21-22 Marion, VA 10:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.
Period Costume and Clothing Exhibition – Staley Collins
House, Marion, VA 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
October 2
8th Annual Civil War Troops Memorial Service will be held at
Battlefield Overlook, Buckeye Street in Saltville. For more information, call
276-496-5342.
October 3-6, 10-13
Sherwood Anderson Festival – Tours
17-20 Sites include: Smyth-Bland Regional Library
Sherwood Anderson Archive
Miller Law Office
Round Hill Cemetery
Lincoln Theatre
Ripshin Farm (Troutdale, VA)
Group Reservations: 276-783-2323 ext. 22
October 8
"Song Of The Mountains" At The Lincoln Theatre- This unique music series, featuring old-time and bluegrass performers from the heart
of the region where it all began, continues at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Marion.
The show starts at 7:00pm and will be taped for later broadcast by Blue Ridge Public
Television. General admission seating $15. Call the theatre for tickets
and details at 276-783-6093.
October 13
Sherwood Anderson Festival Lecture Series – Eleanor Copenhaver
Anderson presented by biographer Margaret Ripley Wolfe, ETSU. 7:00p.m.
Copenhaver Meeting Room, Smyth-Bland Regional Library, Marion, VA. For
information and reservations, please call 783-2323 ext. 33
October 15
Sherwood Anderson Festival – Buck Fever presented by Isaac Freeman,
Eleanor Copenhaver Anderson presented by Henrika Schuster, Music by The
Appalachian Singers – Live at The Lincoln Theatre. 7:00p.m. For information and
reservations, please call 783-2323 ext. 33.
October 15
Fall Fear Mountain Bike Race. For applications, more information
about the race or local accommodations, contact Smyth County Jaycees by calling
276-781-7412.
October 22
Mountain Dew Days Parade & Band Festival. The Mountain Dew Parade
will begin at 11:00a.m. in Marion Downtown with the band competition at Marion
Senior High School Stadium at 12 noon. Admission fee at stadium. For more
information call 276-783-4190
October 29
Downtown Marion Halloween Madness – Books and apple "treats" to our
local children from the Friends of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library. More
information to follow.
October 29
Donald Davis Storytelling at The Lincoln Theatre.
NOVEMBER
November 1-31
Sherwood Anderson Festival - Sherwood Anderson and the American
Modernists Two-Gallery Exhibit at The William King Regional Art Center,
Abingdon, VA. An examination of writer Sherwood Anderson and his role in the
early Modernist movement in American art.
November 1-3
Sherwood Anderson Festival – Tours
7-10, 14-17 Sites include: Smyth-Bland Regional Library
Sherwood Anderson Archive
Miller Law Office
Round Hill Cemetery
Lincoln Theatre
Ripshin Farm (Troutdale, VA)
Group Reservations: 276-783-2323 ext. 22
November 4-5
VA Women 1830-1920 Exhibit – Smyth County Museum,
11-12, 18-19 Marion, VA 10:00a.m.- 4:00p.m.
Period Costume and Clothing Exhibit – Staley Collins
House, Marion, VA 10:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
November 5
"Tellabration" – Storytelling at The Lincoln Theatre, Marion, VA
November 10
Friends of the Smyth-Bland Regional Library Annual Meeting featuring
Sherwood Anderson Lecture Series speaker. Program information will be announced.
November 12
"Song Of The Mountains" At The Lincoln Theatre- This unique music series, featuring old-time and bluegrass performers from the heart
of the region where it all began, continues at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Marion.
The show starts at 7:00pm and will be taped for later broadcast by Blue Ridge Public
Television. General admission seating $15. Call the theatre for tickets
and details at 276-783-6093.
November 20
Holiday Kaleidoscope Parade- All along Main Street, parade starts at 3p.
Sponsered By Town Of Marion, Marion Rotary Club, and Marion Downtown!
November 20
Hot Dog Supper With Santa- 4 to 6:30pm, at the First United Methodist Church. This event is sponsered by the Marion Kiwanas Club
DECEMBER
December 1 – 31
Sherwood Anderson Festival - Sherwood Anderson and the American
Modernists Two-Gallery Exhibit at The William King Regional Art Center,
Abingdon, VA. An examination of writer Sherwood Anderson and his role in the
early Modernist movement in American art.
December 1-15
Sherwood Anderson Festival – Tours
Sites include: Smyth-Bland Regional Library
Sherwood Anderson Archive
Miller Law Office
Round Hill Cemetery
Lincoln Theatre
Group Reservations: 276-783-2323 ext. 22
December 3
Saltville Christmas Parade. For information call 276-496-7284
December 4
Rye Valley Christmas Parade. For information call 276-677-3318.
December 5
Santa Visits The Smyth-Bland Regional Library- With joyous holiday
music playing the tree will be lit, refreshments will be served, and the famous
"jolly one" himself (Santa) will drop in from the North Pole. Celebrate with us
at 5:00p.m.! Event lasts until 6:30p.m.
December 10
"Seasons Greetings From Smyth County" Concert- The "Seasons Greetings From Smyth County" concert will be held at the Lincoln Theatre at 3p.m. Come on out and celebrate with us!
December 10
Lighting Of The Smyth County Community Tree- 5:00p.m. at the Smyth County Courthouse Lawn. Sponsered by the Town Of Marion, Smyth County, and the Chamber Of Commerce Of Smyth County.
December 10
Candlelight Tour Of Historic Homes- 5:00p.m. to 9p.m. Sponsered by the Smyth County Historical and Museum Society.
December 10
Downtown Open House- "Late 'til 8". Sponsered by participating downtown businesses and Marion Downtown!
December 10
"Song Of The Mountains" At The Lincoln Theatre- This unique music series, featuring old-time and bluegrass performers from the heart
of the region where it all began, continues at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Marion.
The show starts at 7:00pm and will be taped for later broadcast by Blue Ridge Public
Television. General admission seating $15. Call the theatre for tickets
and details at 276-783-6093.
December 11
Tour Of Historic Homes- 1:00 p.m. until 5:00p.m. Sponsered by the Smyth County Historical and Museum Society.
December 17
"Merry Christmas USA" Concert with James Rogers- 4:00pm at The Lincoln Theatre.
December 17
Downtown Open House- "Late 'til 8". Sponsered by participating downtown businesses and Marion Downtown!
January 7 (2006)
"Song Of The Mountains" At The Lincoln Theatre- This unique music series, featuring old-time and bluegrass performers from the heart
of the region where it all began, continues at the Lincoln Theatre in downtown Marion.
The show starts at 7:00pm and will be taped for later broadcast by Blue Ridge Public
Television. General admission seating $15. Call the theatre for tickets
and details at 276-783-6093.