The 38th annual McDonald’s Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular begins this Friday, running from 12:01 a.m. Aug. 28 to noon on Sept. 6.
The 10-day fishing derby will include music each afternoon and evening, along with themed days such as Ladies Day, Seniors Day and Kids Day.
The central gathering point of the Salmon Spectacular, the Big Tent at Georgian Shores Marina, is set to be erected Wednesday.
Salmon Spectacular co-chair Chris Geberdt says there are more than $175,000 in prizes, including boats, kayaks and bikes.
There will also be two large fish fries on Aug. 29 and Sept. 3. Toronto Maple Leafs legend Darryl Sittler will make an appearance on Sept. 3.
The Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association runs two hatcheries and conservation programs that would not be possible without the money generated from the festival.
“If we didn’t have this event, we wouldn’t have the hatchery program or conservation programs,” says Geberdt. “It’s the biggest fundraiser. Unfortunately, environment and conservation always get left behind, and we are volunteers and we are trying to make things better for the environment.”
Geberdt says the festival drew more than 60,000 people last year and organizers hope to match that number this year.