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 1st through the 16th). Some of the events that have already taken place include the Fishing Tournament, the Shad Derby Gala, and the Coronation Ball.
Saturday night, May 9th, features the Shad Derby Lobster Dinner!
There’s plenty more coming up: tonight (Saturday, May 9th, 2015), is the Shad Derby Lobster Dinner Night, with seatings at 5 and 7 p.m., and takeout available. Enjoy fisherman’s chowder, a lobster, cornbread, potatoes, coleslaw, and melted butter. The HotShot Basketball Tournament for teens takes place Wednesday night. Shad Derby Day, the culmination of the festival, will be next Saturday the 16th: the parade leaves Windsor HS at 11:30 a.m. and will arrive at the town green around noon. Food (learn how to cook shad!), games, vendors, and family fun activities at the green will begin at 9 a.m. and run until 4 p.m.
For details, see the Shad Derby Festival website.
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