Can we “lure” you to the 32nd Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular?!



Every year, 31 to be exact, members of the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association has brought us a fabulous event called the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular. This year marks their 32nd. It is a fishing derby in hopes of raising funds for conservation, awareness, introducing the sport of fishing, catching new recruits, and free entertainment. Besides, it is family friendly. A little something for the entire family to enjoy together before school starts.

When I first moved to Owen Sound a number of years ago, taking in the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular was a MUST. My children were young then. My thoughts were that this was such a great idea, to include children in such a huge community event with a special day all their own. My little guys had a fabulous time. They were able to “fit-in” without actually knowing anyone. (Remember, we had just moved to Grey/Bruce County.) One of my best memories was watching both boys crawl through a “smoke filled house” with the Owen Sound Fire Dept. on hand. Hence, all about awareness, education and FUN!

Little did I know, that within a couple of years, I would be part of this fabulous derby. No, I am not a fisherman, but I took the stage as MC for the free music concerts & I was Live-On-Location for one of the local radio stations. I was asked to participate in the Ladies Day Fashion Show & I even called BINGO. (That was my toughest job ?) The fish fry, every Saturday evening, was always a huge success. The crowd stood in long lines, not only for fish, but to meet some of the celebrity servers. It was/is such a great way to meet most of the community. And, that is no tall-tale. It really is amazing just how many volunteers are involved. Over the years, I have watched the big tent grow into a BIG, Big, Big tent!

On that note,...as one event wraps up (Summerfolk 44), another begins. Welcome to the 32nd Annual Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular which begins this weekend...August 23rd until September 1st. Ten whole days of fishing, fun, music and friends.

Obviously, it isn’t all about the free entertainment. It is about a great Fish Derby where fisherman (experienced, beginner, young and old) come from ALL over to enjoy the Owen Sound harbour & Georgian Bay. They compete for top-notch prizes, as well as, that chance to make-it on the famous Leader Board with their catch-of-the-day. You have four chances to make it on the Leader Board: Top Brown Trout, Top Rainbow Trout, Top Trout, and...drum roll please,....Top SALMON. It truly is a sight to see all the boats on the water. (Hint, Hint to all the Photographers.)

Okay,...okay....you want to know about the free entertainment. Oh gosh, where do I start?! Well, here are just some of the daily events and entertainment under the Big Tent for 2019:
*Friday, August 23 is Kids Evening. I promise, they will have fun. And, for all you ELVIS fans....Peter Irwin shakes his hips onto the stage starting at 8pm for the Fisherman’s Evening.
*The 1st Giant Fish Fry with be on the 24th, Saturday evening.
*A must see, and local to the area, is...The Beckett Family. This talented family will have you toe-tapping to the fiddle faster than you can say supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And, they will leave you smiling with their great sense of humour. They perform Monday (August 26th) in the afternoon.
*Tuesday, August 27th, is Ladies afternoon with that Fashion Show I mentioned earlier. There will be more “Girl Power” for you in the evening with Shania Twins. Yes, Shania Twin x 2.
*Wednesday is Senior’s Day. Come out to enjoy Bingo, Euchre & prizes.
* The 2nd Giant Fish Fry is on Saturday, August 31st, with a wrap-up on Sunday where you can have breakfast with Elvis.
Looking for the whole list? Check out Sydenhamsportsmen.com under the Derby heading.

Oh, did I mention there is fish involved?! There you have it,...hook, line and sinker.
The 32nd Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular, August 23rd to September 1st @ Georgian Shores Marina, next to Kelso Beach Park in Owen Sound.

Have we “hooked” you, yet?!

~ Donna 
Share