It’s a big weekend in the City of Lambertville as the Lambertville Chamber of Commerce’s popular Shad Fest takes place.
The rain or shine festival will take place Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. each day in the downtown and along the Delaware River.
There will be live music, food and drink specials, art, crafts, games, and demonstrations for the event that is a big draw to the city. Attendees can find shad to eat and also plenty of other offerings.
Along the Delaware River, Steve Meserve, who runs the Lewis Fishery, the last commercial shad operation along the river, will offer shad fishing demonstrations at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
While there is a chance of showers both days, the National Weather Service is mostly calling for clear weather for Saturday and Sunday. Saturday will be mostly cloudy and Sunday will be mostly sunny.
The popular event draws people from around the region and also faraway places. They often return to take part in the unique festival, the largest of its kind.
This year’s Shad Fest will be special as it marks the festival’s 40th birthday.
Lambertville residents hosted the first Shad Fest in 1981 to highlight the local art scene. The Shad Fest tradition was born as spring blossomed, the shad made their way upriver, and the locals strolled through town enjoying the arts and crafts of their friends and neighbors.
Shad Fest returned last year after a two-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Shad Fest takes place in Lambertville, New Hope Borough’s streets and businesses are often packed with visitors who walk across the bridge.
Lambertville authorities said the below streets will be closed Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. due to Shad Fest:
• North Union Street between York Street to Bridge Street
• Church Street between North Main Street to North Union Street
• South Union Street between Bridge Street to Ferry Street
• Ferry Street between South Union Street to the canal
• Klines Court
• York Street westbound between North Main Street to North Union Street
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