Week long Salmon Festival and derby starts Saturday in Angus

Posted September 7, 2012

The annual Essa Salmon Festival and Riverbank Derby turns 10 this year and includes a week long celebration that kicks off Saturday morning at 10 am with a parade from Peacekeepers Park to the Recreation Centre in Angus.

After the parade the Rec Centre the Home and Leisure, Arts and Crafts, Health and Wellness and Beauty and Spa Show will take place at the recreation centre from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The first 200 visitors will receive a "passport" that includes a chance to win a prize at the end of the day. Outdoors, the lumberjack competition will take place starting at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., while a skateboard competition goes off at 12:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m., Dj's Pizza and CafŽ located at the Rainbow Mall plaza will host its Seafood Night (reservations required).

At 7 pm, it's mayhem in the ring as Maximum Pro Wrestling show will take place. Tickets will be sold at the door or can be bought in advance at Naturally For You Health Store in Angus, the Baxter Corner Store and Herbert's Western Boots in Alliston.

on Friday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m., the Angus Legion will host the So You Think You've Got Talent competition.

As for the fishing itself, that will take place starting on Sat., Sept. 15 starting at 6 am to 6 pm and again on Sunday from 6 am to 2 pm at the Nottawasaga Fishing Park and the Don Ross Fishing Park. Registration takes place Saturday at the Nottawasaga Park at 380 Mill St. starting at 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Registration can also be made Sunday starting at 6 a.m.

Also on the Sunday, the Rubber Salmon Race at 2 p.m. hosted by the Nottawasaga Steelheaders.

Mark Cox holds the catch record at 90.5 centimetres, set last year. There are about 700 anglers currently registered with an eye to winning the $3,000 prize, donated by Devonleigh Homes & Sarjeant's Co. Ltd. The second-place prize is $1,000 and $500 for third.

In honour of the derby's 10th anniversary, there will be a bonus $250 prize for adults and the winner of the kids division will take home a shiny commemorative silver coin.

The derby is run by the Essa Economic Development Committee with proceeds directed towards riverbank restoration and improvements in the four Essa fishing parks.

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