On Friday and Saturday, June 14th and 15th, fly fishing enthusiasts gathered in downtown Rangeley at the Rangeley Inn for the 3rd Annual White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival.
The event started with a Fly-Fishing Hall of Fame ceremony inducting the late Don Palmer, as well as the famous Edward “Ed” Grant, a reception, and an auction on Friday night.
Storytellers such as Leslie Hilyard talked about the history of White Nose Pete, the famous mythical fish out at Upper Dam Pool, and authors such as Dee Dauphinee, author of When You Find My Body, The Disappearance of Geraldine Largay on the Appalachian Trail were amongst the avid fly fishermen and women telling fish tales over the weekend.
Author, guest speaker and fly tyer, Leslie Hilyard at the 3rd Annual White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival Stephanie Dellavalle
Each year monies raised from the auction are shared with a worthy cause. This year, part of the proceeds went to Operation Reboot, a non-profit that helps veterans and law enforcement officers through the healing benefits of outdoor recreational activities.
Chris Farmer acted as emcee, seen here auctioning off a reel and rod.
Chris Farmer was the auctioneer and did a fine job of helping to raise the bids with the unique and generously donated items that included an original Carrie Stevens Blue Devil trolling streamer, plenty of great fly-fishing gear and beautiful works of art and craft.
Fly casting lessons, exhibitors and vendors could be found at the 3rd annual White Nose Pete Fly Fishing Festival held at the Rangeley Inn.
Great weather welcomed visitors on Saturday for outdoor fly-casting for kids as well as single and double hauling with Brenda Spears, Dave Steeves of Far Bank demonstrating various fly lines, rods and reels, Glenn Tippy offering indoor fly-tying instruction, and of course a variety of vendors.
Author Leslie Hilyard with the Blue Devil after having explained it’s distinguished provenance. Stephanie Dellavalle
This event worked out great for Father’s Day. Last minute gifts were purchased, and I even talked my way into learning how to tie a Wooly Bugger, in what was supposed to be a kid’s clinic.
Lucky me and thank you to my teacher Glenn Tippy!
Glenn Tippy giving fly tying instruction Stephanie Dellavalle
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