Wednesday, July 26, 2017

Fly Fishing Vendors, Food Trucks, and Live Music to Highlight 10th Annual Fly Fishing Festival

Manchester, Vermont - The American Museum of Fly Fishing's annual Fly Fishing Festival returns for a very special 10th anniversary this August 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The annual summer celebration will feature fly fishing vendors, casting and fly tying instruction, kids activities, food trucks, and live music.

The event will feature some of today's most exciting fly fishing brands, highlighted by Douglas Outdoors of Phoenix, New York. Douglas will be hosting a fly casting accuracy competition for the third consecutive year, giving away an Upstream pocket water rod to the lucky winner. Festival goers can also browse a collection of fly-fishing gear from the Deerfield Fly Shop. Mike Didonna, owner of the Deerfield Fly Shop, is enthusiastic about becoming a first-time festival exhibitor, saying, "It's very exciting to be invited to this event's 10th anniversary. We are looking forward to experiencing New England's enthusiasm of fly fishing." While Douglas Outdoors, Scott Fly Rods, Finn Utility, Sunny Brook Nets and others bring the modern goods, there will be plenty for vintage tackle enthusiasts and collectors as well. Bob Selb of The Classic Fly Fisherman and Dana Gray of Carlson Rod Company will be selling classic fly fishing equipment and will be available for on-site appraisals.

Casting instruction will be offered throughout the entire day with local legend Paul Sinicki. Patagonia and Scott Fly Rods pro Rachel Finn will host a seminar on "Fly Casting to Trout" at 11:30 followed by a saltwater fly fishing demonstration by Orvis' Pete Kutzer covering casting, tactics, and fish fighting. In addition to casting, there will be a colorful assortment of fly tying gurus on hand as well. Some of the tiers featured throughout the day include pike fishing experts The Vermont Fly Guys, Mike Rice of Mud Dog Flies, and Rhey Plumley, who will hold special demonstrations on how to tie the State Fly of Vermont. Kids can cut their fly tying teeth at the adjacent activities tent tying clown flies, as well as other fish-themed arts and crafts.

There will be many creations by local Vermont companies celebrating our special 10th anniversary. The brilliant minds from Mad River Distillers and Shacksbury

Cider are currently working on a collaborative cocktail that will be featured at the event. Another 10th anniversary exclusive will be the fly-fishing themed "Tie, Fly, Lie" candle by the talented Melissa Klick of Icy Palmer Candle Company of Arlington, Vermont. This special-run candle will only be sold at the festival.

Live music will be provided by Burlington artist, Kelly Ravin. His blue collar country rock will be the perfect pairing with food from Raven's Den Steakhouse, Mio Bistro Mobile and other food vendors. Chef Edward St. Onge of the Raven's Den will also be holding a demonstration on how to shuck shellfish and prepare a variety of seafood sauces at 1 p.m.

What began as a small cookout called the "Battenkill Bash" has become one of our signature public programs at the museum and one that brings hundreds of enthusiastic anglers (and some non-anglers) to Manchester. Whether you are an avid fly angler or just passing through town on the weekend of the Manchester Outlet sidewalk sales, we encourage you to experience this one-of-a-kind event.

For more information about the Museum and its 10th annual Fly Fishing Festival please visit http://www.amff.org/2017-fly-fishing-festival/.

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About the American Museum of Fly Fishing:
The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly-fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and, through a variety of outreach platforms, uses these resources to engage, educate, and benefit all. The Museum fulfills this mission through our public programs (including exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events, and presentations), our publications, and our quarterly journal, The American Fly Fisher.

Media Contacts:
Peter Nardini | Communications Coordinator | 802-362-3300 ext. 207 | pnardini@amff.org