As a fly fisherman, you probably know the name Dave Whitlock. We have been fortunate enough to sign Dave up as our headline celebrity at the upcoming Billings Magic City Fly Fishers Expo on March 8, 2008. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center this year, which will give us plenty of room for exhibitors and indoor fly casting—even with spey rods.

The event will begin at 8am with a fly tying demonstration by Dave Whitlock. The demonstration will last 3 hours and will cost $20 per person. Reservations are being accepted now since we expect many visitors from surrounding areas. Dave is known worldwide for his techniques, artwork, and his signature flies. You probably used the Dave’s Hopper on the Yellowstone or the Beadhead Red Fox Squirrel tail on area waters. Dave Whitlock is the inventor of these. At the Expo, he will have his unusual artwork and informative books available for sale.

An absolutely fun time scheduled will be an evening dinner with Dave Whitlock and his wife Emily on Friday, March 7th. We can only seat 10 to 15 people at this event, which we will hold at Enzo’s Restaurant in Billings. Reservations for this “Dinner with Dave Whitlock” will cost $200 per person and be on a first come, first served basis. Call Roger Lee at 656-3312 or Bob Thiesen 252-3759 if you are interested. Remember, all profits go toward the Billings Magic City Fly Fishers Foundation. There is also the possibility of hosting a fishing trip on the Bighorn with Dave Whitlock on Thursday, March 6th.

This year’s Grand Prize Raffle will be a two-man WaterMaster raft (with seats and aluminum rowing frame) or a Scott S4 4pc 5# rod with a matching Nautilus Reel and Rio Fly line. The tickets will go on sale the first of December for $10 for 1; $25 for 3: $50 for 8; and $100 for 20. The first winner picked decides which prize he wants; the second winner will receive what’s left. Anyone buying tickets before December 31st will receive 20 FREE bucket raffle tickets (about a $15 value) to be used at the event. Be sure to bring your checkbook to the December meeting. The prizes will be on display then and the tickets will be for sale, too.

Our Expo Banquet and Auction will be held on that Saturday night, March 8th, and will begin at 5:30pm right next to the exhibition hall. Tickets for this will also be available at the December meeting on December 4th at $30 per person. If you buy two tickets by December 31st you will also receive 20 FREE bucket raffle tickets. Again, please bring your checkbook.

There will be programs and workshops to help you either perfect your fly fishing skills or provide help in you becoming a fly fisherman. There will also be kids programs available for your kids or grandkids. The ever popular fly tying event will be held again this year; along with insect identification and fly casting classes.

So mark this date down on your calendar: Saturday, March 8, 2008, at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. And plan to have a fun time of information, raffles, auctions and the evening Banquet.

Any questions you might have can be directed to any Board of Director or Roger Lee, Expo Chairman.