The Current SML

We apologize in advance for this lengthy post!
WE WILL BE AT MANGOS FOR FRIDAY NIGHT AND THEN WIND VINEYARDS FOR PIRATE FUN, ACTIVITIES AND VENDORS ON SATURDAY.....

We are equally as disappointed that this years event will not be at a waterfront venue but please bear with us as we try to explain.

First, we looked into every possible venue that could possibly handle hosting our event. We chose to not return to our previous venue for a great many reasons outside of our control. Many venues could not handle our event due to lack of usable space, lack of parking, lack of facilities, lack of docking space, and honestly a lack of WATER.

A number of venues that we approached declined our requests to host this years event because they believed that they were incapable of handling the volume of patrons that may come to participate. Many of these venues believed that the volume of patrons attending would be a detriment to the businesses on their property because they would inundate the existing businesses and overload them.

The Water Battles that occur during Pirate Days were never the head lining event of Pirate Days, they were something that materialized over the years. These water battles were also not something that Pirate Days regulated, controlled or oversaw. We have always tried to make suggestions and spread safety bulletins regarding the water battles in an effort to make these events safer for all boaters on the lake. These events materialized and turned into huge events. We can make suggestions about the time and location of events that we knew would occur on their own. We often suggested locations in an effort to keep all of the participants safe. In years past, water battles have occured in locations that, in retrospect, were not the safest place to do them.

With the current water conditions of the lake unlikely to improve much by July 18th, it would not be prudent to promote events that would encourage increased boat traffic in areas and conditions that could be detrimental to the participants. We take the safety of participants of Pirate Days very seriously. Encouraging the Water Battles under current conditions would force these events into already congested areas and many of the potential participants would be new boaters that lack the experience to safely navigate large crowds and restricted navigable waters.

We are certain that water battles will still occur as they have become synonymous with Pirate Days but we cannot and will not control these occurrences. We are not saying that they will not continue. We are suggesting that these events be put on hold for this years event and that if they are to occur anyway, that they be downscaled and done in asafe and courteous manner.

Myself, the Pirate Days Team and many a business owner have put countless hours into this event for the last 12 years. None of us want to see this disappear. Cancelling the event entirely for this year would be detrimental to the longevity of the event as a whole.

SML Pirate Days has been repeatedly voted as “The Best Annual Community Event at the Lake”. We take this title to heart. We are doing every thing possible to keep this event rolling FOR THE COMMUNITY. We understand that it is impossible to make EVERYONE happy with every facet of this event but we are honestly trying to accommodate as many people as possible.

Please understand that the Pirate Days Team and the Sponsors of this event are people too. We all have families, we all have regular jobs, we all have other commitments and we ALL want what’s best for the Lake, the community and public in general.

Berating us, belittling us and accusing us of not putting forth every possible effort towards this event is disheartening and demoralizing. Please know that decisions pertaining to the success of this event are not made haphazardly or without regard to the overall general consensus.

We sincerely hope that each and every one of you that sees this post comes out to our “modified” event this year and has fun while supporting our Sponsors, Charities and Organizations that benefit from the event!

***EDIT****
I have hidden a few responses simply because of language or the fact that the post was negative towards other individuals or companies, not us or Pirate Days. I asked for you not to bash us so likewise, please dont bash anyone else on this post. We would prefer to keep this family friendly and not point fingers for any reason.

Issue 122
+ Call for Submissions
+ Seasonal Bucket List
+ Weekend Concert
+ Fun for the Kiddos
+ Gardening Q&A
Read it all here >>>> https://tinyurl.com/yyn2ev8x

What flower gardening questions can I try and answer for you in our next issue? Leave them in the comments below!

Issue 121:
⚓️SML Fine Wines Celebrates their 3rd anniversary by throwing a Summer Extravaganza for the community
⚓️The SMLA Water Safety Council hosts Water Safety Round-Up at Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater
⚓️Summer Hosting Tips
⚓️Smith Mountain Arts Council sign-ups are live for youth summer camp
⚓️Southwest Virginia Jigsaw Puzzle Community kicks off new chapter with a swap/friendly competition/social
Read it all here >>> https://tinyurl.com/5n7yry76

Research: Where can I find the most authentic Pina Colada on the lake??

Woah! This issue is getting SO much feedback already! Check out #120 - our themed issue on KINDNESS - here >>> https://tinyurl.com/ypwrpn8h
This is one for sharing with all your non-lake friends, too. Everyone could use a little extra smile and a little restored faith in humanity these days! Hope you enjoy the read. ♥

Issue 119 dropped this week and included info on the upcoming Take Pride in SML Cleanup Day hosted in part by the Smith Mountain Lake Association, The Lake Players Bonnie & Clyde tickets (which are selling fast), and a heart-warming story about Ducked: Franklin County
Read it all here >>>> https://tinyurl.com/3afx9m8a
Image by: Kathy Coulahan

Still looking for spring (flowering) images of the lake to populate our second April issue! Horizontal - blue sky - crisp.

Issue 118:
+ 2026 Dates/Locations Announced for Free Boat Safety Checks
+ Wine 101 Class at SML Fine Wines Now Enrolling
+ New K9 Joins the Rocky Mount Police Department - Virginia Force
+ Smith Mountain Arts Council Photo Show Accepting Entries
+ Another Installment of "What's in a Name" By: Beatrice Iceman
Read it all here >>>>> https://tinyurl.com/yvkr9v8c
Image by: Patti Black

In each issue of The Current, Hunting Hills Family Dentistry brings you a Moment for Mindfulness. Dr. Hunter Simpson, managing partner of HHFD, was honored this year to be part of The Roanoker Magazine's elite "40 Under 40". Dr. Simpson and his family are residents of SML and have a passion for serving the community. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/3u2cze45