From F3T:
The Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) returned to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History on Friday March 6th and delivered a one of a kind experience focused on entertainment and conservation to a record-breaking sold-out audience.
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History offered a perfect location for the sold-out event and proved to be an exclusive venue for the local sponsors and exhibitors showcasing innovative fishing products, conservation initiatives, service programs and local guiding services.
One hundred percent of the profits from the Fly Fishing Film Tour event on March 6th benefits the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and its conservation efforts for local cold-water fisheries. The F3T raised over $7,000 for the museum. More than 600 people
packed Murch Auditorium for the 2015 premiere which establishes the F3T as one of highest attended events held at the museum in a decades.
F3T Local Director Amos Crowley said, “This is the fourth year the museum has hosted the Fly Fishing Film Tour and this is by far the largest crowd we have ever had.” “Our goal was to create an event centered on the films and allow the opportunity for people to reconnect with friends, explore the museum, have a drink and share their passion for fly fishing,” said Crowley.
Boulder, CO resident and F3T founder Chris Keig kicked off the main event and introduced the 10 short films that anchored the night. The high-definition films shot from around the globe captured the fly fishing experience with professional grade cinematography and story-driven content. Orvis Owner Dave Perkins spoke at intermission about fly fishing the Chagrin River as a child and the importance of conservation. He also raffled off an Orvis Helios Fly Rod and other fly fishing gear.
Conservation was the mission of the event but an essential aspect of the tour’s success is encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to get together and share their passion for fly fishing.
“My favorite moment of the night was during one of the films when a giant brown trout began to rise to a dry fly and at the last second refused the fly and turned away,” said Crowley. “The entire crowd held their breath in anticipation and then sighed in disappointment.” Crowley said, “To literally hear 600 people gasp together over such an image was a great moment and it showed just how connected we all are to this sport.”
Located throughout the museum, the cocktail reception started well before the film and created a pre-party atmosphere for fly fishing enthusiasts to visit sponsors and share a drink with one another. Local sponsors of the F3T event include Orvis, Cortland Line Company, Baker Hostetler, Sweetwater Brewery, The Livingston Group, Clutch Fly Rods, The Backpackers Shop and Chagrin River Outfitters.
An after party was held for F3T staff, sponsors and audience at Ohio City’s Market Garden Brewery where the Iron Fly was held. The Iron Fly is a contest in which participants transform a basket of random fly-tying materials into the best representation of a fly that might actually catch a fish. Prizes were awarded to the best fly in several categories.
Sheffield Village resident Mike Hill joined friends and attended the F3T event on March 6th. “It was a really great event and the films got me fired up for my trip to Alaska this June,” said Hill. “The cinematography was first class and the stories were informative and entertaining.” Hill enjoyed gathering with others and visited local sponsors and industry professionals during the cocktail reception. “It was cool to be able to have a beer and talk with other people that enjoy the sport as much as I do,” said Hill. “Being from Cleveland, I loved visiting the Museum as a kid and I’m glad the Fly Fishing Film Tour brought me back.”
Check out our Facebook page for pictures and comments from the after party. For a tour schedule, film trailers and future show information visit www.flyfilmtour.com.
