Essex Annual Shad Bake set for Saturday

ESSEX » The 2017 Essex Annual Shad Bake will be held 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Connecticut River Museum.

For 59years, the Rotary Club of Essex has been proudly holding this annual rite of spring, nailing delicious American shad onto oak planks and roasting them around a large bonfire.

Share this wonderful Connecticut tradition with your family and friends!

Tickets are now available. The $30 adult (Shad or Chicken dinner option) and $10 child (12 and under) ticket includes the full meal and admission to the Museum.

Tickets will be an additional $5 on the day of the event.

Beer, wine and soda will be available for purchase with a valid ID.

Freshly shucked clams and oysters will also be available at an additional price beginning at 3 pm.

No carry-in alcohol will be permitted.

To purchase tickets go to shop.ctrivermuseum.org or buy them in person at the Centerbrook Package Store or the Connecticut River Museum.

On-site and street parking at the Connecticut River Museum is limited.

On the day of the event, a free shuttle will be running between the Museum and the Essex Town Hall parking lot.

This year’s Bake is made possible through the generous support of Guilford Savings Bank and AJ Shea Construction.

Additional support comes from The JECM Foundation, Norman Needleman & Jacqueline Hubbard, Essex Savings Bank/Essex Financial Services, Middlesex Hospital and many other sponsors.

This year’s Shad Bake will take place while the Connecticut River Museum’s feature exhibit, Connecticut’s Founding Fish, is on view. This new museum exhibit focuses on the history and lifecycle of this important fish that helped shape our region.

The museum’s executive director, Christopher Dobbs said, “We are pleased to host and partner with the Rotary Club of Essex on this iconic event that celebrates part of the Connecticut River’s heritage and supports the many worthwhile projects of Rotary and Museum.”

This volunteer-run event has been organized by the Rotary Club of Essex and is coordinated by Bake Master Joseph Shea.

Shea stated, “We offer one of the most unique culinary traditions in New England and now we are merging it with one of the most majestic and historic locations. It is a winning combination.”

A variety of activities are taking place throughout the afternoon.

Join seasoned Shad Bake pioneers for a story from shad bakes of yesteryear including the year of the big flood.

The Shad Museum in Haddam and the Connecticut River Museum will also offer programs on the history and traditions of the shad fishery.

The museum’s authentic Connecticut River shad boat, Alva Starr, will be on display throughout the afternoon.

For shad lovers, the lure is the secret ingredients and the authentic method of preparing and baking the fish which has been handed down through generations of Connecticut natives.

Nailed onto oak planks with salt pork and placed in front of the bonfire, the fish picks up the smoky flavor of the fire and the seasoned oak boards on which it is baked.

Add to this delicacy homemade potato salad, tossed green salad, and pie from Lyman Orchards and your shad experience is complete.

For those who don’t care for shad, grilled chicken and hot dogs are also available.

In addition to the food, participants will be able to enjoy live music and touring the museum, which will be open until 6 p.m.

The vibrant atmosphere is enhanced with picnickers and the delicious smell of shad baking around the open fire.

For a full listing of museum programs and events, go to www.ctrivermuseum.org or call 860-767-8269.

The Rotary Club of Essex is the local chapter of Rotary International whose membership is made up of service minded professionals.

The club and its members are committed to improving the community, connecting with other professionals, sharing their time and experience with the young, supporting global causes, and using their skills to help others. For more information about the Shad Bake and Rotary Club visit www. rotaryclubofessex.com.