Something Fishy in Fishtown !
While sitting in a waiting room years ago I found myself riveted by an article in The New Yorker, that was discussing how back in the old days, the Delaware River shad fish were so abundant that the local Tap-Rooms and Pubs off of the fishing ports of Philadelphia, used to keep giant vats of shad roe at the bar (like peanuts) for a complementary salty nibble that would perpetuate the bar patron's thirst. The contrast of the current state of the over farmed and over polluted Delaware River was a sad realization to me as I read about the rise and fall of Philly's fishing community.
So when the Shad Fest event set up at Penn Treaty park, I had a melancholy moment as I kicked off my high heels and swapped them out for comfy flip-flops and headed off with Chris to see what was going on at Fishtown's river-side Shad Fest.
The day was beautiful and the gathering was great. I walked away a little more socially conscious about the neighborhood's part in making our community more accountable for the health and wellness of Philadelphia.
People were happy going from tent and table reading the literature about sustainable behaviors, visiting vendors serving up their food, drink, and crafts, as well as listening to live music. Most memorable moment for all was soaking in the natural beauty of the majestic Delaware River.
I am still a little sad about the shad but even more so, I am happy that the future is in the good hands of people who honor the growing trend to be more environmentally conscious.
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I never knew that about the shad - great story. Today's weather was perfect to be near the water.
Steve - Yes, there is a lot of history with shad and Fishtown ! And yes, the weather was just amazing this past weekend.
Christopher and Stephanie;
Looks and sounds great. My son and I were talking about the fishing industry. Blue fin Tuna is said to be a the verge of extinction, along with many over fish species. Back in the day of before all the pollution, there was many more fish. My Dad had a pleasure fishing boat when I was little. We went fishing all the time. We always caught abundant amounts of all types of fish. This was the 1950's and early 60's. Then the pollution, dumping garbage barges and the like, the fish disappeared.
Very sad.
Richard
Stephanie - I guess that explains the name Fishtown. Imagine that - people eating fish out of the Delaware. What's next, people swimming in the Schuylkill? I remember driving to the Delaware with my wife to try and get a glimpse of the whale when they had been spotted down there.
Richard - It is amazing how bountiful the fish used to be in comparison to today. Once one has this awareness, it is depressing and sad. Although it is good to see people and the community to try to save many of these types of fish. I just do not know what people and businesses were thinking with all that dumping and garbage.
Matt - Yes, I think that was the Beluga whale that popped in the River for a week or so. In any event, this festival was quite festive as a lot of people came out. And of course it was a beautiful day !