Fly Girls Event In Corning Full of Great Resources
May 2nd, 2009 Categories: Fun Places On The River, Miscellaneous, Real Estate
As a Realtor specializing in Riverfront Property, I consider it my professional duty to attend any and all events that have anything to do with water, fishing, or riparian recreation (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it!) So I signed up to attend the May 2nd event at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning called Fly Girls – Casting For Recovery. Despite the slick commercial that you may have seen (if not, here’s a link – it’s pretty cool: http://www.rollinghillscasino.com/flygirls/) I assumed the event would consist of several dozen women with borrowed waders and hand-me-down rods lined up along the banks of the casino’s bass pond attempting to cast into the water without hooking each other in the ear. Maybe have a meat-and-cheese sandwich and a soda before heading home. Wasn’t I surprised when my friends Jan and Mary and I were greeted by an impressive array of fly-fishing aficionados and a gourmet spread that stretched from one end of the casino’s banquet hall to the other! We lost track of time chatting with a number of fly-tying celebrities (that’s what their name tags said anyway) who lined up conveniently right next to the entomology booth (bugs) so we could see their uncanny abilities to take tiny bits of feathers, wrap them to a minuscule hook and make it look exactly like a caddis nymph a zug bug, black gnat or hundreds of other insects that fish find irresistible. The Eagle Creek Fly Shop was there letting everyone try on and order stylish and proper-fitting waders, vests, hats, and other must-have items for the female fly fisher. There was also fishing guide Todd LeBoef who, with wife Linnea, also owns River Romance – a unique dinner-on-the-river experience gondola style. Combining sports and style in a new and unique way was a cool new company called Girls With Guns (another good name for it might be ‘Bullets with Bling’!) Check out their site: http://www.gwgclothing.com/.
Another original vendor was ‘Cleavage Creek’ Winery. Combining their business of making wine with supporting the fight against breast cancer. 10% of all of their gross proceeds are donated to breast cancer research and support. They gave a complimentary bottle of wine to each attendee – I chose the 2004 Merlot Shiraz, but was very tempted by several other excellent varieties also. They offer fantastic discounts: 20% to breast cancer survivors, and 10% to breast cancer supporters. Their labels are gorgeous – check out their site: http://www.cleavagecreek.com/.
There were lots of great folks from the Shasta Trinity Fly Fishers: www.ShastaTrinityFlyFishers.org. All generously offering information, insight, and of course, fish stories to all who attended. There actually was no fly fishing, as the rain made the conditions at the pond too muddy for the 120+ attendees – but let it be said, the women were ready to fish – rain or shine – and look forward to the rain check date that the organization has kindly offered! There was a fun casting demonstration by Chrissy, and a fashion show narrated by Peg Misken with CFR, and a unique outfit by Rolling Hills’ Kate Grissom that was kind of an Orvis-meets-Victoria’s-Secret theme – enough said. What happens at Fly Girls, stays at Fly Girls.
There were also a number of tres chic boutiques with bags and bling, supporting Peg Misken’s assertion that just because women fish, doesn’t mean they have to give up style!
I can’t sign off without tipping my rod to the great food and drink – we had pastries, fruit, quiche, mimosas, coffee and tea all morning, then were treated to a lovely lemon chicken lunch with a dessert bar that completely wiped out my past two months of dedication to Jenny Craig – but it was worth every bite! While we enjoyed the sweets, we were treated to a special blend of humor and tears by comedienne Kat Simmons.
They wrapped up by announcing winners of some very generous raffle prizes, of which I went home with two! My only complaint is that there was no printed program that I could bring home with me, so I could remember and write here the names of the great gals who put this event on. I will send out a personal note of thanks to Elizabeth Soder who patiently responded when I complained after hearing that there would be no fishing. I am so glad I went anyway – it was well worth the trip – thank you Elizabeth!
This was a fabulous way to spend a morning – I highly recommend it to anyone – fly fisher, cancer fighter, or just someone who likes to shop or eat!
Lisa Collins
Is a Realtor in Northern California
Specializing in Riverfront Property
Lisa@ReddingRiverQueen.com
530-953-8542
www.ReddingRiverQueen.com
