The Shad Are Back, and so is Windsor's Shad Derby Festival

The American Shad is Connecticut’s state fish, and every year they swim from the saltwater oceans up the Connecticut River to freshwater spawning grounds. It’s a signature mark of spring when Shad are in the Connecticut River, and for residents of Windsor, it means one thing -  Shad Derby Festival.

“All of the events are popular, but the most popular events have to be the parade and the Shad Derby Festival on the Green,” said Deana Stechschulte, co-chair of the 2011 Shad Derby Committee.

The longstanding tradition began in Windsor with the annual fishing tournament sponsored by the Windsor Rod and Gun Club. As more activities were added, the tournament morphed into something much bigger.

The festival now features a series of community events, sponsored by different Windsor civic organizations. Saturday's lineup includes the Windsor 5K Road Race, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and the Shad Derby Parade, sponsored by the Windsor Jaycees.

Two new events were added this year, as well. The Exchange Club of Windsor hosted a fundraiser at Hooker Brewery in February and the Windsor Masons held a Masonic Lobster Fest in April.

“Both of these events were very successful, and we know people are looking forward to these events next year,” said Stechschulte.

If you come out to watch the parade on Saturday, make sure to catch a glimpse of Kaelyn Moore, 2011 Shad Derby Queen, chosen out of 13 contestants and continuing a tradition started in 1966. Kaelyn Moore won her crown at the Shad Derby Coronation Ball, hosted by the Windsor Junior Women’s Club.

Stechschulte said the best place to watch the parade is anywhere along Broad Street, and if you’re lucky enough to get a spot close to the stage, you’ll be able to see the bands and other acts in the parade perform.

 “The Shad Derby is all about respecting the bounties of nature, our beautiful waterways, and how we all interact with our planet,” according to the event’s website.

The Shad are also credited as the “longest surviving line of Windsor residents.”

All proceeds from the events go back into the Windsor community by way of scholarships, senior assistance programs, food and fuel assistance programs,.

“Some people,” Stechschulte said, “like to start the day by running/walking the Kiwanis 5K road race.”

That still leaves leave plenty of time to enjoy the festival, which begins at 10 a.m., and get a great spot to watch the parade. The parade steps off at 12:30 p.m. from Windsor High School, reaching Broad Street around 1 p.m.

Festivities continue on the green until 4 p.m. Be sure to get your copy of the activities on the green map.

Preparations for this year’s Festival began in September, when the Shad Derby Committee held their first meeting. Fundraising began later on in the fall.

For more information on any of the activities or to volunteer contact: Kathy at 860 688-0657 or kakopacz@sbcglobal.net or Deana at  860 683-4149 or dstechschulte@comcast.net. 

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