What a great weekend it was to be in Ketchum! A variety of Fly Fishing events paired withNational Championship Mountain Bike Races and perfect weather provided thousands of big smiles and great memories for all. The weekend kicked off early with a fundraising raffle event benefiting Idaho Rivers United at theCornerstone Bar and Grill on Thursday night. Then Friday it was over to the nexStage Theater for SCO’s 6th annual Fly Fishing Film Festival benefiting SVAS & their program  Higher Ground. A great variety of films rolled across  the screen and the crowd responded, one film even making grown men cry! Saturday brought a well-attended product fair, with all the new goods and wares displayed by reps from the finest names in the sport. Live art was a hit as Boise artist and fish bum Ed Anderson casually brushed out stunning fish images. Apple’s cooked up the finest “all you could eat/drink” breakfast and lunch menu found in the valley, all “on the house” provided by SCO. Sunday myself and the sport of Fly Fishing’s leading Super Hero Brian O’Keefe presented a photo clinic on all the in’s and outs of pointing cameras and clicking shutters on fish chasing adventures. Down the hill along the river the greatest pedal pushers in the country locked bars and dug deep for a spot on the US Olympic team. (Watch for a race report coming up in part II).  Thanks to all who came out and enjoyed a great weekend along with us, and for those who missed out, take a look at a few of the fun times we shared!

John McLaughliln took one for the team at the Cornerstone.

Lining up for food, drinks, and Fly Fishing Films!

Bryant Dunn did the talking...

... while the little buddies chucked loot into the crowd!

Representatives had a chance to explain their causes.

There was lots to see and do in the Silver Creek Outfitter's parking lot.

It's a shame for those who missed out on the complimentary food and beverages!

Ed Anderson brought his bag of tricks.