RURAL RETREAT, Va. – Over forty children braved the unseasonably cool temperatures last Saturday to participate in the Rural Retreat Lake’s annual “Kids’ Fish Day.”

The event, which is part of a cooperative effort between the Wythe County Department of Parks & Recreation and the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF), began at 9 a.m. and provided many children with their first opportunity to fish.

With DGIF trucks having stocked the lake’s trout pond the previous evening, the county’s youngest anglers were provided the first opportunity of the season to reel in one of Virginia’s famous Rainbow Trout.

Assisting the fisherman were two DGIF field officers and Wythe County Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Williams. The pair of DGIF officers aided the children in fishing, as well as provided casting and reeling instructions, while Williams drew names for prize winners.

Though all participants left the event with a random assortment of gifts, a few lucky prize winners went home with new fishing poles and tackle boxes; courtesy of local businesses, including Sand Mountain Outfitters, Wal-Mart and Kmart.

Though the temperature remained in the mid-40s throughout the morning, by noon, the water had warmed considerably and smiling children could be spotted all along the banks of the pond proudly posing for pictures with their catch.

“It was great seeing the kids – many of them fishing for their very first time – having a fun time and enjoying themselves,” said Williams.

Last weekend marked the first weekend of the season that the Rural Retreat Lake Campground was open to the public. Williams said the campground’s first week reopened was huge success and park officials are looking forward to another fun-filled season at the iconic lake.

Individuals interested in reserving a campsite at the 90-acre lake are encouraged to call: 276-686-4331.

Rural Retreat, Va. – Wythe County’s Rural Retreat Lake Campground Park will be hosting “Kids Fish Day,” this Saturday, May 17th.

The annual event is made possible by the Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (DGIF), in an effort to provide unique fishing opportunities for young anglers and park visitors.

Registration for the free event is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. at the lake’s trout pond, with youth fishing lasting from 9 a.m. and until 1 p.m. During this time, only children 15 and under will be permitted to participate in fishing at the lake’s trout pond; located on the south side of Lake Rd. Adult supervision will be required for all participants and snacks will be provided to the children.

In addition to having DGIF wildlife experts on site, providing educational opportunities to the young fishermen, the Wythe County Parks & Recreation Department will be awarding door prizes donated by local businesses.

“Youth Fish Day is a great way to kick off the official opening of the campground and we’re expecting many of the county’s young people to participate in the event,” said Wythe County Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Williams.

Though the lake remains open year round for fishing, boating and hiking, the campground opens to the public on Thursday of this week.

“We’re hoping local families will make a weekend of this event and camp at the lake Friday night, then participate in the youth fishing event Saturday morning,” said Williams.

The trout pond will reopen to the general public after the event has ended. The Rural Retreat Lake will remain open to anglers of all ages throughout the entire day Saturday.

Individuals interested in camping at the Rural Retreat Lake Campground are encouraged to make a reservation by calling 276-686-4331.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – This week, Wytheville and Wythe County announced the first annual “Road Market Sale” along Historic US Route 21.

The event, scheduled for July 25, 26 and 27 is the product of the multistate initiative known as “Take a Break from the Interstate.” This 70 mile long yard sale will span from Wytheville to Jonesville, North Carolina.

“The road market event has the potential to bring an incredible number of additional travelers to the community,” said Wythe County Tourism Director Jeremy Farley.

Citing the level of cooperation needed between the communities along the route, Mary Jo Babbitt, Wytheville’s Tourism Development Coordinator added “when you work together, you succeed.”

Both partners agreed that the three-day event creates exciting opportunities for Wytheville and Wythe County.

Residents along Historic US Route 21 are encouraged to save the date and plan to participate in this 70 mile long road market event.

Citizens wishing to learn more about the event are encouraged to contact Frances Emerson at 223-3426 or drop by the Town of Wytheville’s Department of Museums at 115 W. Spiller St. in Wytheville. The Wytheville Department of Museums is also giving away Historic US Route 21 “Take a Break from the Interstate” yard signs to residents living along the historic route.

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WYTHEVILLE, Va. – The Wythe County Department of Emergency Management was notified today that a recent grant application to the Wythe-Bland Foundation netted nearly $200,000 in grant funding for the county’s emergency services.

The county’s department of public information & grants submitted the application earlier this year, requesting funding on behalf of the nine non-profit fire and rescue organizations operating within the county.

“The funding provided in this grant will enable the purchase of several items our county’s first responders have badly needed,” stated Wythe County Emergency Manager, Ikey Davidson.

Those items include portable and mobile radios, helmets for firefighters, sets of turnout gear, as well as a thermal imaging camera, which will aid firefighters in navigating areas where zero visibility exists; increasing the odds of being found for individuals trapped inside a burning structure.

The grant was one of many awarded by the Wythe-Bland Foundation for the spring 2014 cycle.

Originally founded in 1991, the foundation was reorganized in 2005 and has since provided millions of dollars to non-profit organizations operating in Wythe and Bland counties.

Wythe County grant coordinator, Jeremy Farley says that local residents owe a debt of gratitude to the foundation, “The level of assistance they provide to our county’s first responders is incredible. Thanks to their generosity, countless lives will be saved in the days to come.”

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Abingdon, VA – Adam McPeak & Mountain Thunder, Leigh Beamer, and Valley Grass will perform at the 3rd Annual Crooked Road Youth Music Festival. David Chrisley will also perform with Close Kin – Our Roots Run Deep. The festival takes place on Saturday, May 10th from 11 AM–7 PM at Heartwood in Abingdon.

25 bands from throughout Southwest Virginia will be performing on two stages throughout the day, and an “Old Time Square Dance” will take place inside Heartwood from 5-7 PM. The square dance will feature Shawn Brenneman, caller, and The Lee Highway String Band. All are welcome to participate!

“The festival is an opportunity for people to show support for young tradition bearers.” said Jonathan Romeo, The Crooked Road’s Program Manager. “It gives folks interested in the distinctive musical heritage of Southwest Virginia a way to encourage its future growth.”

Festival performers include Adam McPeak & Mountain Thunder, The Blackberries, The Butcher Family, Changing Lanes, Close Kin – Our Roots Run Deep, The Floyd Jammers, The Friendship Boys, Gravel Road, Honaker FFA Bluegrass Band, The Jamming Bobcats from Abingdon Elementary School, Kitty & The Stray Cats, Leigh Beamer, The Loose Strings Band, Mountain Music School String Band, Oh Brother Where Am I?, The Patterson Family, Pike City, Tori Bartfai, Travis Starkey & Cheryl Lunsford, Tyler Hughes, Valley Grass, The Yates Family Band, WiseJAMS–Coeburn, WiseJAMS–Big Stone Gap, and WiseJAMS–Norton.

The Crooked Road Youth Music Festival is sponsored by Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau, Abingdon Olive Oil Company, First Bank & Trust Company, Heartwood, Highlands Union Bank, the National Endowment for the Arts, Pepsi Beverages Company, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, Virginia Commission for the Arts, the Wayne C. Henderson Scholarship Program, and Wordsprint.

Heartwood: Southwest Virginia’s Artisan Gateway is located off I-81 at Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA, and features food, music, and craft of Southwest Virginia. Admission to the festival is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 6-12, and kids 5 and under are free.

For more information call (276) 492-2409 or email: [email protected].

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