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Gloria Baker, branch manager at First Niagara of Lewiston, a NRRCC board of directors member and treasurer, is shown with Ken Scibetta as the `Smelt King.` He is owner of Lewiston Village Pub & Restaurant and NRRCC board of directors member.
Gloria Baker, branch manager at First Niagara of Lewiston, a NRRCC board of directors member and treasurer, is shown with Ken Scibetta as the "Smelt King." He is owner of Lewiston Village Pub & Restaurant and NRRCC board of directors member.

Niagara River Anglers lure crowds to annual Smelt Festival in Lewiston

by jmaloni
Mon, Apr 16th 2012 10:40 am

Event is May 4 along the Village of Lewiston waterfront

"Lewiston never smelt so good" during the annual Lewiston Smelt Festival. The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, Village of Lewiston and The Silo Restaurant, in cooperation with the Niagara River Anglers, will celebrate one of the region's most famous natural resources as they host the Lewiston Smelt Festival. The event takes place on Friday, May 4, beginning at 6 p.m., at the foot of Center Street along the Lewiston waterfront.

The Niagara River Anglers and Niagara River Region Chamber staff, board of directors and local dignitaries will serve free smelt samples on Friday night.

The New York state Department of Environmental Conservation deemed Lewiston as one of the best places in the country for smelt dipping. Smelt, which feature a distinctive cucumber fragrance when plucked from the water, is one of the few fishes that sportsmen are allowed to net.

Beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, the Niagara River Anglers will batter and fry 350 pounds of smelt, given out as free samples thanks to sponsor Waste Management Inc. (donations accepted toward Niagara River Angler's community programs). Additional food and beverage will be available for purchase.

Smelt-tasters can enjoy entertainment from the Lakeside Blues Band on Friday night and an appearance by the "Smelt King." Please note, this event is geared toward an adult audience.

Falls Tent and Awning will supply the tent, stage and tables. Portable toilets will be on site, donated by the Modern Corporation.

Lewiston restaurants also will be busy preparing their own culinary variation of smelt over the weekend. A decorative fish flag outside their door can identify participating restaurants.

For additional information, call the chamber office at 716-754-9500 or visit www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com.

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