This year in Waynesboro, April 20-21, 2013, the 13th Annual Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival will get underway on the banks of the South River. On both Saturday and Sunday there will be events for anglers of all skill levels starting as early as 8:00 am and lasting until 5:00 pm.
Festival Overview – Events for everyone
On the festival grounds there will be various vendor tents promoting their products including local wineries providing samples for your enjoyment. In addition to the tents are various activity areas that are within easy walking distance. If you are not an angler have no fear, there are plenty of things for you to do on or near the river. From fly-fishing casting demonstrations, wildlife artists, and kayak lessons, there is much you can do and see. If none of those options appeal to you, there is plenty of room to sit near the river and relax, listen to live music, and sip some Virginia wine.
License Conveniences – Two at once
A unique feature of this year’s festival will be the presence of both the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as well as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This will enable people to not only purchase a fishing license on-site but also allows Virginia residents to conduct DMV-related business including drivers license services.
Casting class instruction
In addition to the festival, for $75 you can get personalized instruction through a casting class offered by one of the many experts at the festival over the two days. Class times and space are of course limited so if you want to participate it’s advised you sign up as early as possible to reserve your spot. You’ll also notice when looking at the various class times, there are even casting classes tailored specifically to women which is certainly a treat.
Admission and foundation funding
Admission to the festival for adults is $20 for single day entry or $35 for both days while admission for children under 16 is free. The admission fee covers all seminars held throughout the day on the various trout and fly fishing topics as well as wine tasting for those 21 and older. All attendees will receive a festival program and a collectible wine glass. Half of all money raised at this event will be deposited to the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival Foundation (VFFF) and will be used primarily for river conservation work. Any remaining funds will be directed towards promoting and preparing for next year’s festival.
Foundation dinner – Tasty food and silent auction
In addition to the festival there will also be the annual VFFF dinner that is open to the public. Seating is limited so reservations must be made in advance, but in addition to supporting the foundation, you afford yourself the opportunity to dine with other like-minded anglers and conservationists as well as vendors and industry leaders. Dinner tickets are $50 per person for a prime rib and fried chicken buffet dinner. There will also be a silent auction at the dinner as well as local wineries raffling off their wines for your enjoyment.
Directions – Easy access
Directions to Waynesboro are fairly simple as the town sits just north of Interstate-64, between Interstate-81 and Charlottesville, Virginia, roughly a 25-minute drive west from Charlottesville. From Cabin Creekwood, Waynesboro is virtually a straight shot by getting on SR664/Mt Torrey Road and going north, and takes approximately 25 minutes to reach as well.
More details and information
For more information, visit the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival website for any additional details, including maps, directions, and the schedule of events. The schedule of events is quite lengthy so it is advised you take some time and review everything available and what you would like to do, the choices are virtually endless!