Music in the Park

Take a warm Smith Mountain Lake night, add a scenic waterfront setting and toe-tapping bluegrass music, and you’ve got a recipe for success at this summer’s SML State Park’s Music in the Park program.

            The recurring lake event, which is presented by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, takes place the fourth Saturday of each month, May through August, from 8 to 10 p.m. The cost is $5 per person with the park’s normal parking fee paid by the Friends group.

            Jim Fischer, a member of the nonprofit organization who has helped manage the concert series the past three years, said about 150 people attend each performance. Music in the Park features a different bluegrass band each month, but the Old Dominion Cloggers are a standard attraction.

            “It’s held down at the beach area – right at the lake,” said Fischer, who recommended attendees bring their own folding chairs. “It has a covered pavilion but if it looks like it’s going to rain, bring an umbrella.”

            Earl Jaquot, who is spearheading this summer’s concert series, said several talented bands are on the schedule. Valley Pickers will play on July 24 and Lonesome Pine on Aug. 28. Witcher Creek Band and The Guard played earlier this summer.

            The Friends group, which has about 85 members, also sells hot dogs, snacks and drinks during each performance. All funds raised are donated to the state park.

            “The money that we generate helps to buy things for the park around the year,” explained Jaquot.

            Nate Clark, assistant park manager, said the concert series is an asset to the SML community and requires little effort from park staff.

            “[Friends volunteers] do all the work,” Clark said. “It’s a really nice event that they sponsor. It’s a real nice program.”

               Group members also organize trail clean-up efforts, hayrides and fishing clinics at the park, and assist with landscaping projects.

               Clark said he particularly appreciates the volunteer and fundraising efforts the group has made for the park’s new Discovery Center. Not only is money being raised to furnish the facility, but the Friends group provides volunteer staffing each weekday during the summer.

              “I really can’t say enough nice things about [Friends of SML State Park],” Clark said. “They are very good friends to have.”

For more information on the SML State Park, visit dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml or call 540.297.6066. Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park’s website can be found at smithmountainlakestateparkfriends.com.