Posted by Bruce Bilmes and Sue Boyle
, May 08, 2009 14:17
Each year in Windsor, CT (a little bit north of Hartford) shad (the state fish of Connecticut) swim up the Connecticut and Farmington Rivers to lay their eggs in fresh water (similar to salmon). The people of Windsor observe this biological fact with their own annual event, the springtime Shad Derby Festival. The festival is really a series of sponsored events spread throughout the month of May (this year, from the 2nd through the 17th). Some of the events that have already taken place include the Fishing Tournament, the Shad Derby Gala, and the Coronation Ball.
There’s plenty more coming up: today (Friday, 5/8/09), until 8 pm, the Windsor Jaycees have stocked the pond in Washington Park with trout, and families are invited to come and do some fishing. Fishing poles, bait, and dinner are supplied! Tomorrow, the Lions Club is holding their annual Arts and Crafts Festival on the town green, from 9 am until 5 pm. Shad Derby Day, the culmination of the festival, will be next Saturday the 16th: the parade leaves Windsor HS at 1230 pm and will arrive at the town green around 1 pm. Activities and food at the green will continue until 4 pm.
This might also be a good time to head downstream to Higganum and the Haddam Shad Museum to complete your shad-centric weekend along the Connecticut River.
