April 26, 2008. The Annual Lambertville Shad Fest was underway with decent weather, lots of food and lots of interesting people. The festival celebrates the return of the Shad to spawn after years of Delaware River pollution, which kept them away.
The Lambertville Station Restaurant has always been my favorite place to eat and represents the Icon that shows me I have arrived in town.
To reveal Shad history, several in-costume representatives, explained how the indians and colonists cast nets and prepared the fish for their families.
Of course, there was food everywhere and everyone was stuffing their face. I tried the Shad chowder but passed on the Shad Punch. (The Shad chowder was very good).
Street musicians helped make the day pleasant. Even the ones in the balcony.
Face painting was popular, even with the adults.
For some reason, there were more people with dogs today than at any other festival I have attended.
Vendors were present, selling insurance, vacation trips, storm windows and one popular one that gave away free candy bars.
Big crowds, unusual tee shirts and interesting people everywhere.
I met Frank Lautenberg, Senator from New Jersey.
There were two beer gardens, a horse and carriage ride, a steam boat ride on the Delaware and a walking path along the Delaware Canal.
This is the site where they cast nets and pull in the Shad from the Delaware River.
Click HERE to see the 2010 Lambertville Shad Fest.