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Local nonprofit celebrates fly fishing on Gallatin
Published
11 years agoon
Weekend festival raises river awareness, money for Blue Water Task Force
By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Under sunny skies and warm temps, fly fishing fans big and small gathered at Big Sky Town Center Park on Aug. 4 for an afternoon of angling-centric activities and to pay homage to the Gallatin River.
It was part of Blue Water Task Force’s Big Sky Fly Fishing Festival, which returned after a year hiatus with a full weekend of events, including the 2013 FT3 Fly Fishing Film Tour Saturday night, Aug. 3, and events and vendors on Aug. 4.
Along the festival perimeter BWTF, along with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, American Rivers, Yellowstone Park Foundation and the Big Sky Noxious Weeds Committee, had educational booths set up to inform people about trout and river conservation.
Following Sunday’s festivities, Buck’s T-4 Lodge hosted a fundraising dinner and live and silent auctions, as well as guest speaker Bruce Farling, executive director of Montana Trout Unlimited.
“We just wanted to get involved with users on the river,” said Kristin Gardner, BWTF’s executive director. “But I can’t take all the credit.”
A festival committee helped plan this year’s event, she said, and included representatives from BWTF, Gallatin River Guides, East Slope Outfitters, Grizzly Outfitters and Lone Mountain Ranch.
BWTF raised $10,000 in all, according to Gardner, through film and dinner ticket sales, and through the auctions.
“We were really pleased with the turnout at all of the events and we met the goals, which were to develop more awareness of BWTF and what we do. We’re already scheming lots of ways to improve upon this year’s event,” Gardner said in a later email.
The Aug. 4 activities included casting clinics and competitions, fly-tying demonstrations, kids’ games and vendors. Simms, Gallatin River Guides and Grizzly Outfitters were also on hand giving product demonstrations to festival revelers from around the globe.
Chad Vitito was visiting Big Sky from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. He was practicing his cast with fly-fishing guide and Montana Living – Big Sky Real Estate Associate Ennion Williams, who helped organize the festival.
“It’s been an awesome five days of rafting and mountain biking,” said Vitito, who added that he’ll be teaching his kids to fly fish as soon as they’re old enough.
Others were at the event supporting BWTF and enjoying the local vibe and sunshine.
“We’re having a great time,” said Benjamin Bross, who was visiting Big Sky with his family from Mexico City. Each year the Brosses vacation to a different U.S. national park. This year, they’re touring Yellowstone.
“We are from one of the most populated cities in the world,” Bross said. “We promised the kids that we’d show them there are places like this. The people are friendly and happy in Big Sky.”
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
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July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
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Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
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Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
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July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
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July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
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Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
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July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm
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Len Hill Park