Shad Fest Is Lambertville’s Yearly Event Visited By Thousands
July 21st, 2009. Published under Outdoors. No Comments.
Always in the mood for a celebration, Lambertville New Jersey and New Hope Pennsylvania residents hosted the first Shad Fest in 1981 to highlight the local art scene. The Shad Fest tradition was born as spring blossomed, the shad made their way upriver, and the locals strolled through town enjoying the arts and crafts of their friends and neighbors.
Almost 30 years later, Shad Fest has grown from a local event to an award-winning tourist attraction. People new to Shad Fest ask a lot of questions. Here are the answers to a few.
What is a shad? The American Shad is the largest fish in the herring family. Every spring, shad migrate from salt water to fresh water to reproduce. Fishermen call this the “annual spring shad run.” What’s the best way to eat shad? Chefs prepare shad in a variety of ways. A lot of people like it smoked. One of the best local shad recipes is from Paul Eschallier of Bell’s Tavern: Shad & Shrimp Fritters. Yum.
What if I don’t like fish? No worries, Shad Fest welcomes lovers of all foods. There are so many things to do, see and eat at Shad Fest; you’ll love it whether you like fish or not. Spend some time exploring our website to plan your perfect day!
Is there a rain date? The fun doesn’t stop in Lambertville due to a few rain drops. Shad Fest takes place rain or shine. Be sure you dress for the weather. A wise friend once told me, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”
Top 5 Ways to Enjoy Shad Fest: Number 5. Shop. Honor the roots of Shad Fest by purchasing local arts and crafts. You can buy gifts for the entire year at the booths up and down Union Street! Be sure to stop by the Poster Display and Auction at the First Presbyterian Church, 31 N. Union Street. Local artists donate original poster designs for auction to fund scholarships for local students heading to college to study art. The auction starts at 3pm on Sunday.
Number 4: Play. Shad Fest 2009 has lots of ways for families to join in the fun. The Kids’ Bazaar in the North Union parking lot gives kids of all ages the chance to create their own arts and crafts, from making candles to printing T-shirts. And, the Lambertville Station parking lot has carnival rides!
Check out the Shad hauling demonstrations Sat & Sun at 1pm on Lewis Island at the end of Lambert Lane. The Lewis family has been fishing these waters since 1888, and holds the only remaining commercial license to catch shad with nets.
Number 3: Support. Local non-profits use Shad Fest as a venue to raise awareness and funds to support their important missions. Stop by the North Union parking lot to learn about animal rescue groups like Tabby’s Place, the Setter Rescue and the Peaceful Mountain Horse rescue. Discover the Howling Woods Wolf Education project, and have your picture taken with a wolf. And, get introduced to an American hero, a K-9 soldier.
Number 2: Listen. Live music fills the air at Shad Fest. Acts ranging from rock to country & western to blues and funk perform from 1pm to 5pm Saturday and Sunday at the River House Brewing Company, 80 Lambert Lane. Click here for the concert schedule. While you’re at the River Horse, indulge in an award winning Tripel Horse. Dan Doretti, President of the Great American Beer Club, says, “Tripel Horse Belgian Ale is the best beer I have ever had.This beer is an incredible experience for your palate.”
Number 1: Taste. Shad Fest delights all five senses with local culinary specialties. Come hungry and expect intense satisfaction.
Scope the Food Court early to plot your eating course for the day. There you’ll find the Bell’s Tavern Shad and Shrimp fritters, festival staples like hotdogs and Triumph Brewery’s pulled pork and beer. Sample wines from two local vineyards at the wonderful World of Wines, 8 South Union Street. Try Crossing Vineyards from 2pm to 5pm Saturday, and Alba Vineyards from 2pm to 5pm on Sunday. Stop by Hamilton’s Grill at 8 Coryell Street from 12:30pm to 3pm both days for a Shad Roe cooking demonstration, complete with samples.
Dan built Shad Fest http://www.shadfest.com as it is such a great yearly event. Dan is the CEO of http://www.TipTopWebsite.com