TVA promotes Fannin, Polk with rafting, fly fishing

  • Whether a first timer or a veteran, fly fishing on the Toccoa River was a highlight for those attending TVA’s annual Ocoee event.
    Whether a first timer or a veteran, fly fishing on the Toccoa River was a highlight for those attending TVA’s annual Ocoee event.
  • Fly fishing on the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park was one offering of the annual TVA event to promote the area.
    Fly fishing on the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park was one offering of the annual TVA event to promote the area.
  • Fannin County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Gribble welcomed guests to Ocoee Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing Experience sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority. She talked of the successful partnership between The News Observer’s Welcome magazine and A Visitor’s Guide to Loving Local.
    Fannin County Chamber of Commerce President Christie Gribble welcomed guests to Ocoee Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing Experience sponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority. She talked of the successful partnership between The News Observer’s Welcome magazine and A Visitor’s Guide to Loving Local.
  • RIGHT: Manda Gwatney, right, visits with an exhibit featuring a blind owl during the kickoff event for TVA’s Ocoee Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing Experience.
    RIGHT: Manda Gwatney, right, visits with an exhibit featuring a blind owl during the kickoff event for TVA’s Ocoee Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing Experience.

    The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) hosted its annual Ocoee Whitewater Rafting & Fly Fishing Experience in Fannin and Polk counties May 23.

    TVA spokesman Thomas Satkowiak said, “The two-state event serves as a wonderful opportunity to media to highlight the popular recreation opportunities that exist in Fannin, Polk and other nearby counties.”

    Satkowiak reminded how the 1996 Olympics brought the best slalom canoers and kayakers to the region.

    A reception at Tooneys Music Venue kicked off whitewater rafting and fly fishing the following day.

    During that event, Christie Gribble, president of the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed guests to the area.

    During her comments, she encouraged everyone to take a look at the successful partnership with The News Observer with A Visitor’s Guide to Loving Local now a part of the Welcome magazine.

    The following day, attendees divided into groups that either tackled the fast pace of the Ocoee River rapids or took a more leisurely approach by enjoying fly fishing on the Toccoa River at Ron Henry Horseshoe Bend Park.

    Joining TVA to sponsor the event were the Fannin County and Polk County Chambers of Commerce, Ocoee River Outfitters Association, Trout Unlimited and Tennessee State Parks.