- This event has passed.
Annual Shad Bake
June 3, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 6:30 pm
$10 – $40After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, the Rotary Club of Essex Shad Bake is returning. This important culinary tradition was started in 1958 and is a classic Spring ritual of the Connecticut Shoreline.
Once the basis of a sizable fishery on the River, American Shad are a flavorful fish known for their taste and the difficulty in preparing them for the table (due to thousands of tiny bones). Expertly deboned and nailed up on oak planks around a smoldering bonfire, the shad take on a smokey flavor and will be accompanied by many sides as well as pie from Lyman Orchards. Not a fan of Shad? Hot dogs and barbecue chicken will be available as well. New England clam and oyster appetizers start at 1:00 p.m. (at an additional cost)
A cash bar offers several different varieties of beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages.
In addition to great food and drinks, live music will be provided for your entertainment.
Community members come on down, eat some shad, enjoy this classic local culinary custom and have a blast!
$40 for Shad or Chicken dinner and $10 for Children’s hot dog dinner