The Floating Lotus Event
June 23, 2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tiffany Haworth
(336) 627-6270
thaworth@danriver.org
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN THE SMITH RIVER
(BASSETT, VA) A celebration of life took place when 1,000 lotus flowers, symbolizing memories and celebration of loved ones, were released on the Smith River in Bassett, Virginia at the Floating Lotus event on Saturday, June 23, 2018. The event supported local programs provided by the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA) and Gateway Streetscape Foundation. Almost 100 spectators stood on the banks and bridge in Bassett and cheered as the flowers floated down the river. Each flower was purchased by people as a celebration and remembrance of a special person, pet or event in their lives.
"This is the only event like this in Virginia," said Tracy McKoy, Executive Director of Gateway Streetscape Foundation. "The idea for the event came to me after my mother passed away in January of this year. She loved to sit by the Smith River and found peace along its banks. I wanted to do something in her memory and to give others a way to celebrate their loved ones. I contacted DRBA because they are the experts when it comes to the river and the Floating Lotus event was created."
More than 30 volunteers were needed to help out at the event to put the flowers in the river at the starting point, follow the flowers in kayaks and gather the flowers at the end of the float.
"DRBA wanted to make sure the event did not cause any negative impact to the health of our river," said Brian Williams, DRBA's Virginia Program Manager. "It took a lot of planning and people to ensure both the volunteers were safe and the flowers were collected. It was worth all the planning though, the event was just beautiful and I think everyone who and came out to see the flowers felt inspired knowing that each one of those flowers represented the celebration of someone who was loved very much."
On DRBA's website, people were able to write why they bought their lotus flowers. Flowers were bought in memory of passed loved relatives and pets, for living relatives and friends, and for new births, weddings and special occasions.
"I heard people saying the names of their loved ones as the flowers floated down the river," said Tiffany Haworth, DRBA's Executive Director. "It was an honor to be part of such a unique and beautiful way to celebrate the lives of so many people and I truly hope this becomes an annual event. We can't thank our sponsors and all the volunteers enough for making this event a reality."
The Floating Lotus event major sponsors included Jones/DeShon Orthodontics, Everything Outdoors and EMI Security. Ad Art donated posters and postcards to promote the event, Ridgeway Signs donated the event banner, and Little Caesars of Collinsville and Mountain Valley Brewing for sponsoring the After Party. Other event sponsors included Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Dam Good Equipment, Hugo's Casual Quality Dining, Red & Mae's Restaurant, Radial and Wright Funeral Services and Crematory.
To learn more about Gateway Streetscape Foundation and its projects that contribute to a healthier environment and create an attractive community, call (276) 634-4674, email tmckoy@co.henry.va.us or visit http://www.henrycountyva.gov/Gateway-Streetscape.html.
To learn more about DRBA's impact and programs that protect and conserve our natural resources, call (276) 634-2545, email drba.va@danriver.org or visit www.danriver.org.
The mission of the Dan River Basin Association is to promote and protect the natural and cultural resources of the Dan River basin through education, recreation, and stewardship. DRBA works to fulfill that mission by building river accesses and trails, educating people of all ages about protecting our natural resources, and protecting our water resources through water quality monitoring efforts. The Dan River basin is 3,300 square miles including sixteen counties throughout Virginia and North Carolina. To learn more about DRBA and how you can protect our natural and cultural resources, visit www.danriver.org.
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Caption for picture above: Aman Sarwary, owner of Hugo's Quality Dining in Martinsville, volunteers to help gather the flowers.
Caption for picture above: The Floating Lotus After Party
