Shad Fest Bureau Gives Boost to Parade, Festival

In its 48th year, the Shad Derby Festival and Parade is set to take the biggest day in Windsor to the next level.

Accompanying the fried dough, the beer garden, the convertibles, the queen and her court down broad street are a number of events — some new, some old favorites — being added to the festivities on the Green, aimed at making the best day in Windsor that much better.

The fun begins at the outset, with the return of the traditional Shad derby — the hat, not the event. Traditionally, a derby is passed from one Shad Derby Festival chair to the next, and each chair's name is added to the inner band.

This year, the first 1,000 people on the green will receive their very own derby.

Shortly after, the fun continues with significant food additions.

First, a pie eating contest will kick off at 9:30 a.m. — all pies are being donated by Get Baked. At 11 a.m. (just after the conclusion of the annual 5k race) the Shad will officially return to Windsor.

Shad will be cooked by WIN-TV's Chef Renee' and free samples will be given out to those on the Green.

This, of course, takes place just as the beer garden is opening and the parade takes off.

By the time the parade concludes, however, there's still more fun to be had.

This year, Buffalo Wild Wings is joining the fun. Four buffalo wing eating contests will be held from 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., featuring the eatery's signature sauce. The fastest to eat 12 boneless wings wins a t-shirt and a $50 gift card.

Happy Shad Derby season, Windsor! This year's festival and parade will be held on Sat., May 18.