FREEPORT — Lefty Kreh, Lou Tabory and best-selling fishing writer Chris Santella will be available at the store on Saturday and Sunday to visit with customers, share stories, sign autographs, books and more during L.L. Bean’s 22nd annual Spring Fishing Weekend on March 16-18.
According to a news release, Bill Gorman, greatgrandson of Leon Leonwood Bean and host of the L. L. Bean “Guide to the Outdoors” television show, will be at the store on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., signing copies of L.L. Bean’s 100th anniversary edition of “ Hunting, Fishing and Camping,” originally written by L.L. in 1942 and updated with 21st century annotations by Bill.
Former Red Sox Cy Young Award winner Jim Lonborg will be there as well, along with the 2004 and 2007 Red Sox World Series trophies on Saturday from 11 a. m. to 2 p.m. And the famous Bootmobile, a larger than life, roadready replica of the iconic Bean boot, will be at the store all weekend.
Celebrity fly tyers for Saturday and Sunday include David Klausmeyer, Don Bastian and Sharon E. Wright.
Wright, who learned to tie flies at L.L. Bean, will be presenting L.L. Bean staff with a special 100th anniversary streamer fly she tied in honor of L.L. Bean’s 100th anniversary at 2 p. m. on Saturday. The fly, tied with a variety of fur from iconic Maine animals, will also be featured on the cover of Fly Tyer magazine.
Other weekend highlights include free fly- casting lessons, family and kids’ activities and a variety of demonstrations, clinics and seminars, including presentations by Tyler Befus, who at only 14 has already traveled to many of the world’s most unique fly fishing destinations, in addition to being the youngest member of the Ross Reels, Scientific Anglers and Simms pro staff teams.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to see L.L. Bean’s 100th anniversary product showcase. These products, heritage-based in their inspiration, give a respectful nod to a company history that’s deeply rooted and steeped in the outdoors and pay homage to a commitment, both then and now, to the outdoor lifestyle that not only spawned the company, but has helped shape it throughout the years.
Some of these products are of heirloom quality and are available in limited quantities. Examples include a handmade canoe by Old Town, a handmade bamboo fly rod by Thomas Rod Company of Brewer and more.
And new this year, from March 16 through 18, L. L. Bean will be offering up to 50 percent closeouts from L.L. Bean, Sage, Tibor, Lamson, Scientific Anglers, Simms and more. Other special promotions include 20 percent off all L.L. Bean-branded fishing rods, reels, waders and wading shoes.
All event activities are free. For more information, visit www.llbean.com/freeport, or call 877-755-2326.
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