Summer starts with Lewiston Smelt Fest

Popular event back at Academy Park on May 23

One of Lewiston’s favorite warm-weather traditions is back – and at a new location.

The Lewiston Smelt Festival returns to Academy Park on Friday, May 23, serving up the River Region’s favorite fried fish from 6 p.m. This much-loved community celebration, hosted by the Upward Niagara Chamber of Commerce, promises a fun-filled evening of food, music and local flavor.

“I think there’s no better place than Academy Park,” Chamber President Amanda Haseley said. “It’s the center of Lewiston. As long as the weather’s nice, I think it's going to be beautiful out here. I can’t wait to see the people mingling, interacting, getting together, and just being at Academy Park.”

Attendees can enjoy delicious smelt boats for just $5, courtesy of sponsor DiMino’s Lewiston Tops. Smelt will be deep-fried fresh on-site by the Griffon Brewery & Gastropub, which will also be serving up additional crowd favorites and beverages throughout the evening.

Restaurant owner Ken Scibetta said, “I look forward to it every year. I mean, it’s a time to bring the entire village together and people to showcase Lewiston, and the history of smelting in Lewiston.”

Scibetta is the reigning “Smelt Fest King,” as “appointed” by former mayor and event founder Richard Soluri.

“I just happened to be in Mayor Soluri’s office at the right time, when the old Smelt queen had retired,” Scibetta recalled. “I remember Mayor Soluri looking over to me – they were discussing it, and I walked into the room as they were discussing it – he looked over at me and he goes, ‘You like to dress up.’ He goes, ‘You want to be smelt king?’ And I go, ‘Absolutely! That would be amazing. It would be my honor.’ And I’ve taken it very seriously for every year since,” with custom robing and royal regalia.

Entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with a high-energy performance by Invisible Touch, an electrifying 1980s tribute band, on the Alphonso I. DiMino Memorial Band Shell.

Haseley said that was part of the reason the Smelt Fest returned “home.”

“I think that we came back primarily because now we have the bandshell and the pavilion in Academy Park, which are new additions. Tops is one of our big sponsors for this festival. So, I think honoring the bandshell and the pavilion that were built in honor of Alphonso DiMino certainly helped,” Haseley said. “But then I also think it makes sense because we’re having a band, and we want them to perform on the bandshell.”

Unfortunately, the pavilion will not be available, as it recently received infrastructure work to ensure proper drainage, and its border is being reseeded. Guests can find shade (and shelter, if it rains) in a large tent adjacent to the stage.

The Niagara River Anglers will be spotlighted at Smelt Fest.

“Smelt Festival is obviously in honor of fishing – fishing is very important to this area,” Haseley said. “We want to honor that heritage and that culture. So, partnering with the anglers made the most sense. They are using it as a fundraiser. They’re going to be coordinating the 50/50, where all the proceeds will go to the anglers.

“New this year, they’re actually going to bring a couple of their charter boats so they can be on display and people can walk around; spark interest, spark conversation, and make sure that we're honoring the strong fishing tradition of the area.”

In addition to the Chamber, this year’s Smelt Fest is made possible with support from key sponsors including the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and CSL Plasma.

Haseley was named Chamber president in January. This will be her first River Region festival – and she’s excited about another first happening next Friday: Her first smelt boat.

“I am willing to try it!” she exclaimed. “I am excited to try it. … I just might need a lot of sauce for it.”