This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Sometimes small local events can offer big time educational benefit while providing a fun atmosphere.

The seventh annual Heber Valley Fly Fishing Festival, scheduled Friday and Saturday in Midway, looks like one such event.

The free event runs from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. at the Hamlet Park, across from the Legacy Bridge on the corner of South Johnson's Mill Road and East Main Street. A community barbecue and live music will continue until 8 p.m. Saturday.

The festival features vendor booths and classes. Proceeds from the event benefit Utah veterans and active duty personnel via the Salt Lake City Chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.

According to event organizer Julie Zicha, the festival has doubled in size, both in the number of Utah companies and organizations being represented and the amount of free fly fishing instruction being offered.

Fall River Fly Rods Company, Trout Unlimited, Travz Art and Sundance Mountain Resort have returned as sponsors to allow the event to remain free.

Guides and outfitters such as Fish Head's Fly Shop, Spinner Fall and Western Rivers Flyfishers will be on hand as will gear providers such as Tacky fly Fishing, Rising Fish, Blue Halo and Flycraft USA.

The Heber Valley Fly Fishing Festival will offer instruction aimed at anglers of all skill levels with classes ranging from Ladies Only to kids to clinics on the water. They include casting instruction, fly tying demonstrations, nymphing techniques, fishing the Provo River and advanced courses.

For information and a complete schedule, log on to http://www.hebervalleyflyfishingfesitval.com.