TVA event stresses importance of recreation to area economy

  • Several Polk County officials were present for the opening reception of the annual TVA Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Fly Fishing Event. Among them were, from left, Director of Schools James Jones, commissioners Samantha Trantham and Kelley Morgan, County Clerk Jackie Rogers and Road Superintendent Roy Thomason. County Executive Robby Hatcher was also present. The event was held at Tooney’s in McCaysville.
    Several Polk County officials were present for the opening reception of the annual TVA Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Fly Fishing Event. Among them were, from left, Director of Schools James Jones, commissioners Samantha Trantham and Kelley Morgan, County Clerk Jackie Rogers and Road Superintendent Roy Thomason. County Executive Robby Hatcher was also present. The event was held at Tooney’s in McCaysville.
  • John Jenkins, right, of the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, helped at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park with fly fishing instructions.
    John Jenkins, right, of the Blue Ridge Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, helped at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park with fly fishing instructions.
  • There was no better place for a fly fishing lesson than the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park.
    There was no better place for a fly fishing lesson than the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park.
  • The Ducktown Basin Museum was one of the many organizations represented last Thursday night at Tooney’s as visitors learned the importance of recreation to the Ocoee/Toccoa area. Here, Myrna Brooks discusses the museum with a visitor.
    The Ducktown Basin Museum was one of the many organizations represented last Thursday night at Tooney’s as visitors learned the importance of recreation to the Ocoee/Toccoa area. Here, Myrna Brooks discusses the museum with a visitor.

    An array of elected officials, community leaders, representatives of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Trout Unlimited, and whitewater rafting outfitters came together to celebrate the importance of recreation on the Toccoa and Ocoee rivers last week.

    The annual TVA Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Fly Fishing Event attracted approximately 250 people to the Toccoa/Ocoee area last Thursday and Friday. The event was held in partnership with the Ocoee River Outfitters Association, Toccoa River Outfitters and Tennessee State Parks.

    The two days began with a reception at Tooney’s Music Venue in McCaysville Thursday. Numerous agencies were on hand with displays showing their involvement as well as their importance to the region.

    Friday morning, attendees split into the group of their choice, either fly fishing at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park or whitewater rafting on the Ocoee.

    The program introduces those attending to the many recreational opportunities the region has to offer while showcasing its economic importance to the immediate and surrounding area.