Golden Moments: A Look Back at the 50th Anniversary of Smith Mountain Lake

When SML turned 50 in 2016, the milestone was more than an anniversary. It marked a moment of collective reflection, pride and possibility.

The celebration that followed was the result of years of planning by community organizations, volunteers and leaders who believed the lake’s golden anniversary deserved to be recognized in a meaningful, lasting way.

Years before the first event took place, conversations were already underway. Spearheaded by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, civic leaders, businesses and volunteers worked together to honor the lake’s history while strengthening its identity for the future.

The result was a year-long celebration that blended history, recreation and community spirit and left behind accomplishments that extended far beyond 2016.

Throughout 2016, the lake came alive with events designed to engage residents, visitors and athletes alike. Signature celebrations highlighted the lake’s natural setting and its culture of recreation.

The community also rallied around a Guinness World Record attempt at Bernard’s Landing for the most people floating in a single, continuous line. While the attempt ultimately did not meet Guinness’ technical requirements for certification, it captured the inclusive, can-do spirit that defined the 50th anniversary.

A highlight on the water was the 50K Around the Lake sailboat race (pictured at top), organized by the Blackwater Yacht Racing Association and Pelican Point Yacht Club. The race tested sailors with a wide range of weather conditions, from calm, hot morning winds to heavy rain and strong gusts, making it one of the most challenging and memorable sailing events in the lake’s history.

Creativity took center stage at the Cardboard Boat Regatta, held at the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center. Several hundred spectators watched as 18 teams representing a mix of community organizations members, businesses and churches raced handmade boats built entirely from cardboard and tape. The regatta was part of a larger day of activities, including a picnic-style jamboree and family-friendly events.

Cycling gained new visibility during the 50th anniversary year as signage plans advanced for the 50-mile Smith Mountain Lake bike route, located entirely within Bedford County.

Spearheaded by lake resident Mike Dittrich, the route travels along Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, through SML State Park, and continues along Dundee Road and Tolers Ferry Road. Improved wayfinding helped highlight the lake’s growing appeal for on-land recreation and reinforced efforts to make the area more accessible for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Another milestone reached during the anniversary year was the recognition of Smith Mountain Lake as an official USPS postal region.

The designation allows residents across multiple ZIP codes surrounding the lake to use Smith Mountain Lake in place of a town name when addressing mail. Areas include Moneta, Huddleston, Hardy, Penhook, Union Hall and Wirtz.

While the lake had long served as a shared point of identity, the USPS recognition provided formal acknowledgment of Smith Mountain Lake as a distinct community that spans county lines rather than a collection of separate towns.

In addition to races and festivities, the 50th anniversary placed a strong emphasis on documenting Smith Mountain Lake’s history.

Oral histories, photographs and shared memories were collected and shared. One was a video interview with Dr. Jeffrey Fong, the engineer behind the design of Smith Mountain Dam.

These efforts helped newer residents connect with the lake’s early years while allowing longtime residents to see their own experiences reflected in the broader story of SML.

To further preserve that history, Blue Ridge PBS produced a documentary chronicling the creation and evolution of Smith Mountain Lake.

Featuring archival footage, photographs and interviews with longtime residents and community leaders, the film explored the lake’s transformation from power project to destination and community and introduced the story to audiences well beyond the shoreline.

The anniversary also inspired new creative expressions and forward-looking gestures.

The year culminated with the dedication of a time capsule designed to capture a snapshot of life at SML in 2016. It was organized by the SML Regional Chamber and American Electric Power.

Containing mementoes from the 50th anniversary celebration, it is housed at the Vipperman Visitor Center above the dam and will be opened on March 7, 2041, during the lake’s 75th anniversary.

This article is part of SML Insiders’ ongoing coverage of the history, infrastructure and stewardship of Smith Mountain Lake. For more, explore our Smith Mountain Lake History hub, including links to documentaries, interviews and recommended reading.