A flurry of snow didn’t stop new and seasoned fly anglers from venturing to the annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia.
With 19 years of operation under its belt, the festival has grown into “one of the largest fly-fishing events in the country,” drawing thousands of people from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Anglers and exhibitors came from near and far – Washington D.C., Virginia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and other surrounding states. The festival was held January 12-13 of this year.
The Old Dominion State is replete with innumerable trout waters, and our wine selection isn’t too shabby either, often rivaling that of California’s. It makes for the perfect location for a festival centering around fishing and vino.
“We work hard to demystify fly fishing,” said Festival Director Beau Beasley. “Many are simply too intimidated by fly fishing and fly tying to even give them a try. We believe that the quiet sport is for everyone, so we find casting and tying experts who make it simple and fun. Because of our unique approach, our event draws, on average, several times more women than similar sporting events.”
Sponsors for this year’s show included the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Temple Fork Outfitters, Fish Partner, Green Top, Mid Valley Press, Virginia Sportsman, Reilly Rod Crafters, American Angler, Fly Tyer, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Alaska Magazine, Harman’s Luxury Cabins, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Steam Bell Beer Works.