Smelt Festival signals start of summer events

Rob Creenan, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·1 min read

May 24—After a successful return to the Lewiston entertainment scene last year, the Smelt Festival is back to kick off the summer season.

The festival runs from 5 to 9 p.m. today at the Griffon Brewery & Gastropub at 115 S. Water St. — or at least until all the smelt runs out. The Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce and Niagara River Anglers put it on, with support from Anthony DiMino of DiMino's Lewiston Tops, and Ken Sciabetta, the Griffon's co-owner.

Each container of fried smelt sold will cost $5, with DiMino donating the smelt used.

The festival started as a celebration of the fisherman that capture the smelt in Niagara River, normally bringing in between 350 and 400 pounds of the small fish. It serves as a fundraiser for the anglers, with 50% of the 50/50 raffle proceeds going to them.

Last year's event marked a return to the festivities after a four-year long break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was previously held the first Friday of May, but moved to Memorial Day weekend to take advantage of better weather.

Sciabetta will serve as the Smelt King. The '80s cover band Invisible Touch will provide live music from 6 to 9 p.m.