The fog cleared just in time for the sunshine to brighten up the 37th annual Lambertville Shad Fest. By the official opening of the big day, there were already boats on the water, fish on the grill, prizes on art and people enjoying the sights and smells of Shad Fest.

The handiwork of local artists was on display in the Presbyterian Church and the Shad Fest posters made by local children were posted in the window of the building known as the Acme building at 25 South Union Street. The different takes on the Shad Fest Poster were on full display, with paintings that ranged from fish to landscapes. Some masterpieces were up for sale, with an auction set for Sunday and others were adorned with prizes like most humorous for a Merman wearing maritime tattoos. 

The Main Streets were flowing with hungry visitors as people stopped to grab treats at the food truck food court. On order were popular Festival favorites like Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda, with barrels full of unique sodas and birch beer, served by pull tap. There were also fried festival favorites like fries and fried Oreos. On the river near the bridge, Lambertville Station was pumping the smell of a fish into the air with their blackened shad fish fry.

Kids got into the action too, with booths set up for kids to stay busy with face painting, games and sand art. A steady stream of adults lined up for the grown-up version of face painting at the Henna booth. 

At the center of the action was the Tie Dye Hillbilly Dance Party Band kicked off the event with a high-energy bluegrass set. The stage was set for an entertaining day and a stage packed with entertainers. Even the streets had entertainment with guitarists playing from porches and The Fiddlesticks Duo playing fiddle on the sidewalk for passersby.

The Shad Fest continued through Sunday, ending with an art auction, with proceeds to benefit future art students, through scholarships. As always, the event was rain or shine, and this year it had plenty of shine. 

Lucy Littlewood