Growing Business & Community - Smelt

As printed in Niagara Frontier Publications on 4/21/23

Smelt in Lewiston. Who knew that the Lewiston community would be known for a tiny fish that is netted only a few weeks out of the year. Our office is flooded with phone calls throughout Spring with conversations always starting with the topic of Smelt and if the “smelt are running”.  Most of the time, Suzanne and I yell across the room to each other asking if the other knows if they are running yet in the river. We generally give a call to our board member, Outdoor Specialist and Charter Captain Frank Campbell to find out.  We have also been known to drive down to the docks, finding a few fishermen and asking if they have started to net any of the coveted fish.

This is also the time of year when we receive the phone calls on if the traditional first festival of the season, the Smelt Festival is happening.  Over the past 10 years, we have dealt with rain, snow, wind, mud and a few years of COVID when the first week of May comes around.  The last festival was held in 2019.  The answer has been “we are not sure” but this year we have a definitive date!

We are excited to find a partner with The Griffon Brewery & Gastropub (115 S. Water Street, Lewiston) to host the next Smelt Festival on Friday, May 26^th beginning at 5pm.   Ken Scibetta, co-owner of The Griffon has ceremoniously been hailed as The Smelt King for the past decade so it was a natural fit! Moving the event back a few weeks gives us a chance for a better weather outcome and a location that overlooks the Niagara River that can withstand the weather elements! 

Live music (The Brothers of Invention will be playing on the patio), food, beverages and Smelt (at a nominal cost) will all be a part of the event.  We would not be able to host the festival again without the support of Anthony DiMino and DiMino Tops Market.  Anthony assists us each year in sourcing and purchasing the Smelt.  Proceeds from the Festival will also benefit the Niagara River Anglers Pen Project in hopes of a new aquaculture project in Youngstown, NY.

The Chamber of Commerce strength is convening people together to create positive change and growth in the community.  We are excited about this collaboration with The Griffon, DiMino Tops, the Chamber and the fishing industry to continue an event that has a long tradition in Lewiston.  Details on the Smelt Festival can be found online at www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com

Date:  Friday, May 26, 2023
Location:  Griffon Brewery & Gastropub  115 S. Water Street.
Food, Beverage and Live Music with The Brothers of Invention!
Smelt  - available for $5

We hope you join us for the traditional “first festival of the season” and continue the fascination with Smelt – the “fries with eyes”. Lewiston never SMELT so good!