The fishtown Shad Fest is an event for the entire region that celebrates the return of shad fish to the Delaware River. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and the Fishtown Area Business Association are planning the festival in partnership with many organizations. As an organization committed to increasing recreation along and IN the river, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council will offer the following activities at the Shad Fest.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE 2009 FISHTOWN SHAD FEST

Fish on!

Maybe you'll even catch a shad! The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will host a fishing education program geared toward youth ages 8-12. Kids will learn some basic fishing skills and then try their hand at fishing along the Delaware.  Visit the kids area to sign up on the spot (entire activity lasts about 1 hour). Equipment and instruction provided.

Free kayaking

Experience the Tidal Delaware Water Trail! The Delaware River is an exciting place for kayaking, fishing and boating. 

Hidden River Outfitters will be on hand to give people the opportunity to try kayaking in a small area near the park under the guidance and supervision of their professional staff. No experience is required. Visit the south end of the park to sign up for a time slot (every hour on the hour).

East Coast Greenway Bike Tour

Join us for a bike tour along the proposed East Coast Greenway routes with guides Bob Thomas (Campbell Thomas) and Spencer Finch (PEC). Discover Philadelphia's riverfront neighborhoods and scenic river views, and learn about plans for the East Coast Greenway routes through Philadelphia.

Tours will leave at 11am from the park and will last approximately three hours. The ride is limited to 15 bikers for each tour.   

Click here to register for the bike tour. 

The East Coast Greenway will be a paved, off-road biking and walking trail connecting cities from Maine to Florida - including Philadelphia! The trail in Pennsylvania will travel along the Delaware River, through Center City and connect to the Shuylkill River and into Delaware County.

To learn more and see the complete list of activities visit http://www.fishtownshadfest.org/.

Funding for these activities is provided by the Take Me to the River grant program, administered by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission with funding from the William Penn Foundation.