Why Windsor’s Shad Derby May Be At Risk

WINDSOR, CT — Windsor’s Shad Derby could disappear within five years unless more residents step forward to keep the longtime tradition running, town councilors warned.

Councilor Ronald Eleveld raised the concern during the Sept. 22 Town Council meeting, pointing to the age of many people currently doing the work behind the scenes.

“When you have the majority of people that are involved in the organization are over the age of 60, all it takes is 3 of them to move to Florida, and we’re done,” Eleveld said, according to the meeting minutes included in the council’s Oct. 5 packet.

Eleveld said the Shad Derby involves even more complicated planning than the Windsor Jaycees’ Chili Challenge, which was canceled this year. He also pointed to the dissolution of Civitan Windsor and the Exchange Club as examples of what can happen when civic organizations lose members.

As Patch previously reported, the Jaycees canceled the 30th annual Chili Challenge because of declining participation, higher costs and a shortage of volunteers.

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Councilor Will Pelkey said the Chili Challenge’s cancellation reflects a broader decline in local civic groups and community events. He cited the disappearance of the Northwest Park Country Fair and warned the Shad Derby could eventually meet the same fate without new volunteers.

Pelkey said longstanding volunteers remain involved not only because they want to serve, but also because of the “brotherhood and sisterhood” built through that service. He encouraged residents to consider where they could help.

Councilor Kristin Gluck Hoffman, who has been involved with the Shad Derby with her husband for years, echoed the concerns. Councilor Ojala Naeem also agreed with Eleveld’s remarks about the need for volunteers.

No councilor disputed the warnings. The discussion took place during council communications, and no formal vote or proposal involving the festival was before the council.

The Shad Derby began in 1955 as a fishing tournament intended to draw attention to pollution in the Connecticut River. A parade and festivities on the Town Green were added in 1966, according to the festival’s history.

The festival has since grown into a series of more than 20 events, including a parade, road race, fishing derbies, a coronation ball and the main celebration on the Town Green. It is organized by the Shad Fest Bureau with help from 12 volunteer organizations.

The warning does not mean the next Shad Derby has been canceled. The festival’s official website lists the 2027 Shad Derby for May 15.

For more Northern Connecticut news, follow Patch editor Jay Kenney.