2024 SHAD BAKE

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

at the Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina.

Join us for the Rotary Club of Essex 2024 Shad Bake. This important culinary tradition was started in 1958 and is a quintessential Spring ritual of the Connecticut River.

               
Photos by Nate Salter

Join us for the Rotary Club of Essex 2024 Shad Bake. This important culinary tradition was started in 1958 and is a quintessential Spring ritual of the Connecticut River.

Once the basis of a sizable fishery on the River, American Shad are a flavorful fish known both for their taste and for 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 baked shad take on a smokey flavor. Dinner includes homemade potato salad, tossed green salad, as well as pie from Lyman Orchards. Barbecue chicken will be available as well.

Saturday, June 1, 2024, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Cash appetizer station with New England clam chowder, oysters and clams starts at 3:00 p.m. Cash bar serving beer, wine, and soda open from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Dinner served between 4:30-6:00 p.m.

In addition to great food and drinks, live music will be provided for your entertainment.

Come over to Essex Island Marina, enjoy this classic local culinary custom, and have a blast!

Tickets $40 Available online to May 31st. Day of event tickets $50 at the door.