Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire “.
The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular confirmed they will be returning in 2021.
Derby co-chair Chris Geberdt made the formal announcement confirming that after a 1 year absence due to COVID-19, the Spectacular will be conducted in 2021 between August 27th & September 5th.
Geberdt admits that formal plans for the annual event will be flexible.
Obviously the hope is that the global pandemic will be in the rear view mirror by August, but if not, the organizers will alter and adjust to comply with any health regulations or restrictions that might be imposed.
The Salmon Spectacular committee has been keeping an eye on other derbies in the province plus, they were very encouraged by the massive success of the Denis Bester Memorial Derby which was conducted late last Summer.
The most encouraging sign for the 2021 Salmon Spectacular is the show of support they’ve received well in advance.
Geberdt relates that he sent correspondence to all the sponsors and supporters of the Salmon Spectacular and received more than 200 replies that indicated they would be happy to participate again at the same level or higher.
The Salmon Spectacular has a long history, and for 10 days every August for decades, they’ve had a vibrant and visible city and regional event.
What isn’t as visible is the conservation activities they support through the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Club.
The fish hatchery currently has 150,000 salmon. Operating the hatchery and developing healthy salmon to be released into Owen Sound harbour is costly, Geberdt calculates the tab at about 80 grand per year, so the financial impact that the derby creates for the hatchery is significant.
Most of all, in a year in which we truly need something, anything, positive to anticipate, the news of the Salmon Spectacular’s return is certainly welcome.
I’m Fred Wallace