Forget the NFL draft, there is a Shad Fest to go to

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The NFL draft isn’t the only game around this weekend.

Lambertville, New Jersey will be holding their 36th annual Shad Fest which celebrates the historic migratory river herring that once swelled local rivers before dams eliminated most of the spawning grounds, and pollution and over- harvesting took their toll.

The event, which is expected to draw about 30,000, and features about 80 artists and craft dealers, face painting and other games, educational activities including learning how to test water quality and, of course, food.

Tens of thousands will flock to Delaware River for Shad Fest #JerseyCity https://t.co/A6zuJKSsS8 pic.twitter.com/Z7vV6fmE0y

— Jersey City (@JerseyCity_News) April 26, 2017

The celebration kicks off Friday night with some lively entertainment including the Roxey Ballet, a cutting edge, contemporary ballet that produces out-of-the box dances.

Come to our pop-up beer garden at the Shad Fest this year! Stop by for a brew! pic.twitter.com/0pd2xeAKKc

— Bell’s Tavern (@Bells_Tavern) April 21, 2017

On Saturday and Sunday, the free rain or shine event which has become one of the largest in the Garden State runs 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Food choices include fried calamari, hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, and the local favorite shad chowder.

Shad Fest 2017 by Ryan Peters: https://t.co/V1DoCh6UMY #shadfest #illustration #branding #logo #lettering pic.twitter.com/5AI0xirZLx

— kevinfischer (@kevinfischer) March 17, 2017

Shad has been the “fish that fed the (American) nation’s founders.” George Washington’s troops in Valley Forge fished for shad in the Schulykill. The fish is not listed as endangered but the numbers are considered low according to the Chesapeak Bay Program.

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Published: April 26, 2017 — 11:10 AM EDT | Updated: April 26, 2017 — 12:01 PM EDT

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