Southern Virginia web site, does story about Spring events in Patrick County, Virginia. www.workitsova.com

'Exciting time of the year for Patrick County'March 16, 2012 • Work It, SoVa By Patti Okeefe Work It, soVa Patrick County's 467-square-mile area was carved from neighboring Henry County in 1791 and one-third is in the rolling Piedmont plateau and the remaining two-thirds in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains where the Blue Ridge Parkway straddles the line with Floyd and Carroll counties to the north and west. The name comes from Patrick Henry, first governor of the Commonwealth, who lived at Leatherwood, near Martinsville, from 1779 to 1884. April through October is very busy in Patrick County and everyone is gearing up. “It kicks off with the big Martinsville race the first weekend in April and goes right thru October and foliage season,” said Tom Bishop, Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce. “The Park Service also opens their facilities on the first of April. It is an exciting time of the year for Patrick County.” According to Bishop, the county will host visitors from each of the 50 states and many foreign countries. He said they come every year to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, visit Fairy Stone Park and enjoy the Crooked Road Music Trail. And then there is the sparkling water of the Philpott Reservoir. “We will get approximately $18 million from tourism associated with the Philpott Reservoir,” explained Bishop. Bishop said that every year Patrick County has 40 to 50 festivals, the biggest being Floyd Fest which lasts four to five days and sees more than 18,000 visitors. And Bishop and the chamber of commerce staff assure that every event and every business is listed on the chamber website, whether they are chamber members or not. A glance at the website informs visitors about the strawberry festival, beach festival, covered bridge festival, bluegrass festival, peach festival, civil war reenactments, an Easter bonnet tea party and much more. In fact, in May alone there are more than 30 events listed. Bishop feels the every business, event, meeting and festival helps boost the county’s economy and the website is one way to help the businesses. According to Bishop, “We really keep it up to date. It helps to tell others that Patrick County has a lot to offer.” Something seems to be working. During his seven years as director of the Patrick County Chamber, Bishop has seen major progress in the area. Century Link is installing broadband and ATT has just completed towers between Stuart and Martinsville that will bring the newest 4G technology to the area. US Cellular and Verizon are also in the process of building new towers. Primland Resort has finished a multi-million dollar expansion on their facilities to include a lodge, health spa, golf course and observatory. “I hear buzz from the local realtors that business is really picking up,” said Bishop. “All that investment would not be made unless those businesses saw something happening in Patrick County.” Bishop invites you to come by and see for yourself. To see the many events visit PatrickChamber.com. Each business is listed under attractions. Patti OKeefe is a freelance writer and photographer from Danville. OKeefe owned a successful gourmet chocolate and nut shoppe in downtown Albany, N.Y. She sold the business in 2001 and the operation remains open and doing well. After moving to the Dan River Region, she ran an ice cream shop in Blairs for three years.