Annual film fundraiser to be held online
Southeastern Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited Chapters’ popular fundraiser Fly Fishing Film Tour will be online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Typically it is held during the spring in Phoenixville, Chester County, at the Colonial Theatre. The last three years the show has sold out, according to Brenda Bittinger, president of the Tulpehocken Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers, as are many social events, and with restrictions in place many chapters are hoping that this virtual event will help supplement (the fundraising),” she said. “The more viewers and raffle entries, the more good we can do around the region for our cold-water streams.”
The Fly Fishing Film Festival is a two-hour film, composed of several mini films. The films are shot around the world and cover the sport of fly fishing and conservation.
“If you’re a fan of any sort of fishing, these films do not disappoint,” Bittinger said. “The stories (are) heart-pounding, emotional, educational, and at the end have you wanting to get out on the water.”
The proceeds from the event and raffle will go to the Southeastern PA Trout Unlimited Chapters to help fund streamrestoration projects, Trout in the Classroom and other conservation efforts.
Viewing window is from Aug. 27 to Sept. 2. Tickets ($18 for individual; $30 for a family pass) can be bought at: https://flyfilmtour.myeventscenter.com/event/ Pennsylvania-Phoenixville2020-F3t-Digital-Event-38575
Raffle: https:// go.eventgroovefundraising.com/ f3t2020patu
Among the short films is one that explores Lefty Kreh’s legacy with some of the sports greatest living legends.
Flip Pallot, Blane Chocklett, and Bob Clouser explore the backwaters of inland Florida — one of Lefty’s favorite fishing areas — and discuss how Lefty’s presence influenced their own trajectories in a life of fly fishing.