Where is the fishing vest?

firstPhil Shirley is telling quite a story about that fishing vest worn by Burt Reynolds this week at Oconee’s High Falls Park. The famed Hollywood actor was supposed to be wearing a fishing vest as part of his wardrobe for the “Elbow Grease” filming at the Lake Keowee park. But when it came time for lights, camera, and action—there was no fishing vest available. Thanks to the quick thinking of park ranger Lynn Forester, Reynolds was able to borrow Forester’s vest, which had been left nearby, and eventually return it to the ranger with a personal Burt Reynolds autograph across the shoulder. Phil Shirley, director of Oconee Parks, Recreation and Tourism, said he considers it a privilege to have been Reynolds’ host for a day which consisted of driving the actor around on a golf cart from scene-to-scene and providing him a place to sit and rest between action. “Mr. Reynolds was extremely approachable, signing multiple autographs throughout the day and never once did he turn down a request to meet someone or take a photo with people on the set,” Shirley said.