Only surviving US Fly Fishing Show of 2021 hit by venue closure

The only event left standing on the 2021 US Fly Fishing Show calendar as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been cancelled because the venue has gone into receivership.

The Denver Mart is set to close its doors at the beginning of April, putting the final nail in the coffin of the 2021 series of six fly fishing shows across the country.

Fly Fishing Show CEO Ben Furimsky described the news of the venue’s closure as ‘devastating’. He said: “It is with heavy heart that I write about Denver Mart’s impending closure. The property has been in default with its lender since March 2020 and is now being placed in receivership. All events starting on April 1st or later have been cancelled.”

The Fly Fishing Show in Denver was due to take place from April 30th to May 2nd. “There have been many who questioned why we continued to work so hard in the hope of getting cleared for a safe and successful event for 2021 and this closure demonstrates one of the complexities we have been dealing with.

“The event industry has been devastated like no other with the inability to operate, often at times when other large businesses are open. Not only are shows important to the exhibitors who rely upon them, but also to the local economy and the venues.

“Cancellation of the Denver Fly Fishing Show impacts not only exhibitors, show presenters, fly tiers, staff and volunteers, but the area’s motels, restaurants and all other services. The loss to the local economy from our event is estimated to be in excess of $1m.”