Troutfest 2010 and a shout out to TFO and other sponsors
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Hey guys –
It looks like Troutfest 2009, held last May in Townsend, Tennessee, is going to turn into something of a springboard. Byron Begley and the fine folks at Little River Outfitters deserve a whole lot of credit for putting that event together. If you missed my articles in American Angler and Trout magazines, the thing is basically a fly fishing fair with a strong conservationist bent, supported by the local mountain crafts, music, and outdoor retail communities. It’s really a great time and I strongly recommend you mark your calendar for next May.
Several of the board sponsors have also been involved, like Scott Fly Rods through their local rep James Buice, and Orvis (which set up a very nice full-on show booth), but most notably TFO. TFO’s President Rick Pope has really stood by the whole concept of a regional fly fishing show over the last few years. He arranged to have both Lefty Kreh and Bob Clouser at the Troutfest event, and those guys are huge draws who can really put on a show for attendees. I know TFO has had a lot of junk thrown at it on the internet over the years, but I just want to go on record as saying that in my experience, they have been the company most directly involved in supporting regional grassroots events like this, which I think are crucial to fly fishing’s continued growth. Every time I have been to a Sowbug Roundup, or a Troutfest, or even a local TU banquet, it seems like TFO has been involved, giving product and providing expert appearances at no cost to the show organizers. I like this business model very much and I think they need some recognition.
Next year, Troutfest is really looking like it’s going to take off. Byron mentioned that several of the remaining national manufacturers are looking to get involved (many of them are a long way from the Smokies, too). Last year’s event was attended by over 4,000 people and raised more than $35,000 for the Smokies fisheries conservation programs. That’s huge. I’m glad to see this tradition building in our area and I think this is going to wind up being a big deal.
Zach
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