The 2017 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival (VFFF) will return to The Meadow Events Park, just a few miles outside of Richmond April 8-9. Festival director Beau Beasley noted, "This is the second year at the new location which better accommodates our growing event. It allows us to bring all of our vendors under roof, no longer subject to the vagaries of the weather. I enjoy being outside as much as the next fly angler," continued Beasley, "but rough weather has—quite literally—dampened festival activities and attendance in the past. At our new location, weather is nolonger an issue."The festival—the largest event of its kind in the country, drawing fly anglers from as far away as New York and Georgia—appeals to anglers of all ages and stages. Organizers have deliberately worked to draw new anglers (especially women and children) into the quiet sport and reengage those who may have started fly fishing years ago but gave the sport up for any number of reasons. Festival attendees listen to lectures from various experts and practice hands-on skills at the two-day, family-friendly event. Several wineries from throughout the Old Dominion provide free wine tastings for those 21 and older."Never fear: We have plenty to entice the veteran angler. In addition, the festival will continue to reach out to a nontraditional audience—folks who may not be aware of how easy and enjoyable fly fishing really is," said Beasley. "We are also committed to welcoming more women into the sport—and especially young families. Hey, I've got children of my own. So I'm all for getting kids to put down the cell phone, step away from the game system, and get outside."The 17th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival will be held April 8-9, 2017, at The Meadow Events Park in Dozwell. New this year is an expanded kayak demonstration area sponsored by Wild River Outfitters of Virginia Beach. Those who have enjoyed the outdoor festival environment for years can rest easy: Although the new facility will enable all vendors to be under roof, the events center is surrounded by extensive grounds suitable for outdoor classes and wine tastings.

To learn more about the 2017 Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival, visit www.vaflyfishingfestival.org or contact Beau Beasley (Fishutopia@comcast.net; 703-402-8338).