The 9th annual Fly-Fishing Festival: A Taste of the Great Outdoors was the most successful festival to date. A wide variety of fly fishing exhibitors and food vendors combined to create an unforgettable experience for the over 700 people who attended. Fly tiers such as Kevin Ramirez, Bill Sylvester, and Mike Rice spent the sunny day tying both freshwater and saltwater flies. In attendance also was Rhey Plumey who demonstrated tying the Vermont state fly, the Governor Aiken Bucktail Streamer – named for George Aiken, Governor of Vermont and long time U.S. Senator. Paul Sinicki spent the day instructing children and adults how to cast, while Douglas Outdoors set up a casting competition and the winner received a brand new Upstream rod. Folk Americana band Dear June provided an easy listening sound track for the event while attendees sampled from food vendors or discussed fly fishing with the other vendors.

The Museum wishes to thank Mulligans of Manchester, Finn & Stone, The Vermont Country Store, rk Miles, Vermont Kitchen Supply, Mrs. Murphy’s donuts, and Tall Cat Coffee for their sponsorships. We are grateful to all who volunteered.