The 32^nd Annual TFF Dr. Ed Rizzolo Fly Tying Festival (DrERFTF) was held on January 25, 2025. It was a fun filled and informative festival held at Terrace United Methodist Church, 1203 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055. We had over 80 attendees! Some attendees came from Dallas and San Antonio and have been attending this festival for years! 

The Fellowship Hall worked well for all the fly tiers. However, the church Parlor was too small a room for attendees to sit comfortably for the Fly Tying Presentations. TFF executive committee is looking into remedying this and other concerns for next year’s DrERFTF festival.

The Annual Iron Fly Competition was omitted this year as those who could lead it had other commitments.

Some children attended with their parents and learned to tie a fly or two while others already knew and tied them on their own! TFF had two ‘Beginner’s Fly Tying Tables’ at the festival. Several attendees used TFF equipment and assistance from TFF volunteers to learn the fly tying basics and tied a fly. There was much camaraderie throughout the day.

There were three fly tying presenters during the festival including Scott Fossum (regarding weed guards), “Puck” (regarding Marabou), and feature presenter, Josef Borski (demonstrated tying the Borski Slider and the Chernobyl Crab flies). 

Josef Borski is a dynamic entrepreneur and seasoned outdoors person based in south Florida. As the founder and operator of Borski Apparel LLC, he brings his love for the coastal lifestyle to life through his dad’s unique, custom designs that resonate with fishing enthusiasts and adventurers alike. A licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain and skilled fly-tying specialist, Josef has established himself as a respected figure within the fishing community.

During registration, attendees received a ticket to win one of six door prizes. All enjoyed donuts and coffee in the morning. For lunch, we enjoyed Subway sandwiches (with all the fixings), chips, and cookie with lots of visiting. While lunch was being enjoyed, the numbers for the door prizes were called out, much to the delight of the lucky winners. There was plenty of water and other drinks for the whole day.

Many thanks to Chris Sumers and Howard Finley (Festival Co-Leaders) who organized the festival! Additionally, many thanks to all the other TFF volunteers who helped make this day successful by setting up tables and chairs, the equipment for the Fly Tying Presentations, purchased the food and drinks, worked the registration table, cleaned up, and more.

Photos below are from the festival. Thanks to all who could come!!

Several attendees offered good feedback of possible improvements for future DrERFTF festivals. If you have any suggestions, please contact David D at ddow80 (at) gmail (dot) com.