WHEREAS, the 25th annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held on September 28 and 29, 2013; and

WHEREAS, for a quarter of a century, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival has brought local residents and visitors from across the state and beyond to the scenic Smith Mountain Lake region and Franklin County; and

WHEREAS, Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival attendees have the opportunity to enjoy Virginia's finest wines, delicious food choices, quality crafts, and live music from area bands; and

WHEREAS, the 2012 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival featured samplings from 27 Virginia wineries; had 12 food and 72 craft vendors; and showcased the music of popular local bands Polychrome, Dragonfly, Blue Mule, and Fat Daddy; and

WHEREAS, the Scruggs Fire Department volunteers expertly handle the parking for the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, which expects to draw approximately 12,000 individuals for its 25th anniversary in 2013; and

WHEREAS, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival has a positive economic impact on the Smith Mountain Lake region and Franklin County with thousands of attendees staying overnight, dining locally, and enjoying local shops; and

WHEREAS, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival also provides attendees with the opportunity to visit other attractions in the area and enjoy late summer/early fall travel; and

WHEREAS, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival looks forward to celebrating its 25th anniversary on September 28 and 29, 2013; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce as an expression of the General Assembly's congratulations on the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival and best wishes for the festival's continued success.