Orvis has long been a participant at the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. This year, however, the 164-year-old purveyor of all things outdoor is stepping up its presence at SEWE, serving as a corporate sponsor, providing lessons and demonstrations in several locations in downtown Charleston and even offering discounts at its retail store on King Street in the Holy City.
The partnership will reap benefits both for SEWE and Orvis, according to SEWE Executive Director John Powell.
“Orvis is jumping in full force,” Powell commented. “They are a perfect partner. They are known for quality, and they have reach through their catalog across the country and beyond. One piece of our mission is economic, and they are helping to send people to SEWE. They are a great brand alignment for us and a well-respected company.”
“As a company whose brand roots are in fly-fishing, wing shooting and working dogs, SEWE is a natural fit for Orvis. We believe the outdoors is better with a fly rod in hand and dog by your side, and our role is to help introduce new passions and to inspire those who are already out there to stay curious and passionate,” Orvis Public Relations Manager Maggie Edmunds added.
Orvis’ presence will be pervasive throughout SEWE’s three-day celebration of wildlife, nature and art. From Feb. 14 through Feb. 16, the company will offer complimentary fly-fishing casting lessons in front of the Gaillard Center, and Tom Rosenbauer, a legend in the world of angling, will be on hand all day Sunday.
“You’ll be able to go down there and work with fly fishermen who will help you focus on your strengths or needs, whether it’s process or product,” Powell said.
Another fishing legend, artist Tim Johnson, will be burning images into the cork grip of limited-edition fly rods, and you’ll be able to talk with him at the SEWE Marketplace inside the Gaillard Center.
At Brittlebank Park, Orvis and Brad Arington, a hunting dog trainer from Mossy Pond Retrievers in South Georgia, will present retriever demonstrations during all three days of SEWE: at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. You’ll be able to register to join the Orvis Dog Club, pick up some complimentary swag for your best friend and win some great prizes playing cornhole. You’ll even be able to take a shot a winning a restored Toyota Land Cruiser.
Your SEWE ticket will be worth a $25 discount at Orvis’ King Street outlet, but the partnership extends well beyond its economic value. Powell pointed out that SEWE is pumped up about being aligned with Orvis for other reasons as well.
“The Perkins family has long been a supporter of conservation and wildlife art,” Powell said. “The match just makes sense, and we’re excited about it. I hope this is year one of a bigger partnership.”
“SEWE brings people together to shine a spotlight on the wild places and species we all enjoy and the outdoor passions that make our lives richer,” Edmunds said. “It’s an exciting opportunity for us to continue to engage with the Charleston community and celebrate our passion for fly-fishing and wing shooting and raises awareness of the importance of conserving and protecting our natural environment so generations to come can continue to enjoy these pursuits.”
For ticket and more information, go to www.sewe.com and check out the Orvis events.
