Fall Fishing Festival

Top 12 Things-To-Do

Growing up along the North Shore there are so many wonderful things that make me feel at home. Whether it’s the smell of a campfire in the distance, the sound of rain on a cottage tin roof, or being immersed in community spirit for one of the biggest events of the year. There is nothing better than being a part of a community that feels like family and celebrating with them. This type of celebrating involves a lot of fishing, slo-pitch, food, live entertainment, and amusement rides! This is the longest running event along the north shore…55 years. Nipigon’s very own Fall Fishing Festival.

It is not only the longest running event but is one MIGHTY festival filled with the biggest slo-pitch tournament in the region, a GIANT penny auction, a wide variety of food vendors and amusement rides – which are returning to the event after 15 years. This Festival has something for the entire family and of course its FISHING. For years now this weekend in Nipigon has been something everyone looks forward to as there is not only a lot going on but it’s also a “homecoming” as people are usually reunited with long-time friends and family.

Proceeds from the Festival are distributed to local organizations including Nipigon Legion, Elks, and the Nipigon Curling Club. Funds benefit programs such as minor hockey, youth curling, cadets and high school bursaries.

For everything need-to-know on the Fall Fishing Festival continue reading

1) Amusement Rides

After 15 years Amusement Rides are making a comeback! We are extremely happy to announce that Canuck Amusements will bring midway rides and carnival treats to the Fall Fishing Festival all weekend long. This exciting news has been creating a buzz and a sense of nostalgia amongst residents of the Township of Nipigon. Many people have already claimed how many great memories they have from these Festival weekends when rides were present. Canuck Amusement will be in Nipigon from Friday August 30th to Monday September 2nd and the box office will open every day at noon. Festival goers can purchase wristbands for the day for $25 in advance until August 26^th or $30 at the box office. To purchase advance tickets, contact Recreation Director Kristin Dutil at 807-887-3586 or stop by the Nipigon Community Centre.  Not only is this a way to bring fun to those visiting the Festival but it’s just another way for them to create long lasting memories with their family and friends.

2) Fall Fishing Festival Dance

Every year people look forward to socializing, great music and just shaking it out at the Fall Fishing Festival’s Dance. This year’s dance takes place on the FRIDAY at the Nipigon Legion from 8 pm to 1 am and admission is $5 at the door, with DJ music by Dart.  The Legion will be opening its bar with beer and spirits available to purchase throughout the night. This is going to kick off the weekend where everyone can reunite and let loose in preparation for a jam packed weekend.

3) Parade

The Fall Fishing Festival Parade takes place on Saturday August 31^st at noon. The Parade begins on Front Street and continues across the railroad tracks onto Railway Street, and ends at the Nipigon Community Centre. People are encouraged to enter floats with unique and original ideas, a place to showcase your creativity! Each year a theme is announced for those building a float and this year’s theme is “anything goes” which makes it even better! Make sure to channel your creative spirit and show some pride in anything you feel passionate about whether that’s your own personal family, the organization you work for, a sports team, etc. For more information on the Fall Fishing Festival Parade or to enter your very own float please contact Amanda Paakkunainen at 807-887-0077.

4) Giant Penny Auction

You can’t make your way down to the heart of the festival, Nipigon’s Community Centre, without visiting the Giant Penny Auction. There you will find tons of great prizes from our sponsors and local businesses in the area. The Penny Auction begins on Saturday August 31st and winners are announced on Monday September 2nd in the Community Centre at approximately 4 pm. 

5) Slo-Pitch Tournament

This slo-pitch tournament is the largest along the North Shore and you can always look forward to a nail biter! The tournament starts on Friday August 30^th and continues until the Championship games on Monday September 2^nd. This is a highly anticipated event every year as teams show their love for slo-pitch – and everyone loves to participate in a little friendly competition. For those of you who are interested in playing or would like to put a team in the tournament, it is $500 per team. This includes admission into the arena, and there is a cash payout. The first 20 paid teams will be the ones to compete. To register contact Tim “Chum” Ruth 807-889-0274 or e-mail him at truth-70@hotmail.com.

6) Food Vendors

Every year you can look forward to great eating! Once you have entered the Community Centre (only $5 for the weekend!) you will have all access to everything food! From poutine to sushi they have it all! You will not walk away with an empty stomach. To indulge your sweet tooth you can look forward to some classics like snow cones, ice cream, and homemade pies.   

7) Entertainment

During this jam-packed weekend you will not be disappointed when it comes to the entertainment. The entertainment will take place on the arena stage in the Community Centre. On Saturday from 2-4 pm; on Sunday from noon to 4, and Monday, noon to 4. You can look forward to live music, an ultimate gymnastics demo, an eco-fashion show created with Thrift Shop Clothing, kids talent show, Kids Zumba, Acrobatic performance, and The Model A’s. Details on the days and times will be on the program and the website.

NEW THIS YEAR! On Saturday night get ready to LOL at the Legion when Toronto based stand-up sensation Alex Woods hits the stage with opener Nigel Grinstead.  Alex has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, Kevin Hart’s LOL, Just for Laughs, SiriusXM, CBC Radio, VICE, The Montreal Gazette and The Toronto Star.   This is an age of majority event.  The cost is only $5 at the door with all proceeds to the Fall Fishing Festival. There will also be a cash bar at the event.

8) Beer Gardens

After getting your fill of great food, watching/playing an exciting game of slo-pitch or simply just taking in the experience we are sure you are going to want and sit down with an ice-cold beer. Well don’t worry, we even have a place for you to do just that! But wait! You don’t even have to stop watching the slo-pitch tournament! The beer gardens sit in the field of the Nipigon Community Centre with views of both baseball diamonds. The beer gardens accept cash only and are open from Friday August 30^th to Monday September 2^nd. The beer gardens will open Friday evening at 6 pm, and Saturday to Monday at noon.

9) Fish Derbies

The Fall Fishing Festival would not be what it is today without the FISHING of course. One of the main things our community likes to celebrate and take pride in being is a world-class fishing destination. You can look forward to the whole family being able to participate in our fish derbies for this weekend which includes a Two-Day Family Derby and One-Day Huck Finn. The Family Derby will allow three categories; pike, pickerel, and salmon. Tickets for this are $25.00 and will include your admission to the arena. Tickets must be purchased before noon on Saturday and are available through Nipigon Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, and D&R Sporting Goods in Thunder Bay. Weigh in will take place in the Nipigon Community Centre lobby from 3-5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. There is a weigh-in limit of one fish per category per day. The prizes will be presented in the arena on Sunday at 5 pm. The Huck Finn Derby will take place on Sunday September 1st and is open to any child ages 12 and under. To enter it costs $3 per child, payable when entering a fish with a limit of one entry per child. Prizes will be awarded in the arena on Monday September 2nd at 4:30 pm. This derby is open to all legal species and the largest perch wins the annual trophy and plaque.

10) Kids Activities

One of the best things about the Fall Fishing Festival is there is something for EVERYONE. You can look forward to kids’ activities throughout the weekend for them to participate in. The most anticipated events being the kids races which will take place Sunday September 1st at 10:30 am in the Community Centre Field. For more information on the races please contact the Nipigon’s Recreation Director Kristin Dutil at 807-887-3586 or kristindutil@nipigon.net. There will also be a kid’s baseball game that will begin at 6:30 pm on Sunday September 1st where they can show their baseball skills and more importantly have fun! For information on the kids baseball game please contact Chum Ruth at 807-889-0274 or e-mail him at truth-70@hotmail.com. There will be an outdoor Family Movie on Sunday evening, at dusk, with refreshments available for purchase at Crabby Andy’s Canteen.  Inside the arena be sure to check out the Kids Fishpond, sponsored by the Rowsells.

11) 5KM Walk/Run

For those who love a little friendly competition, running/walking, or simply just being active, the 5KM road race is for you! Not only can you crush your personal record but also compete with the whole family while encouraging being active. The race takes place on Friday August 30^th and begins at the Nipigon Community Center. You can go to the Community Centre the day prior, to pick up your race kit, or before the race, whichever participants prefer. The course is marked, as a new route has been created this year due to the Midway set up on the roadway. From young ones in strollers, to people aged 65+, community members and visitors of all ages participate. Registration is $25 before Friday or $30 on race day. To register you can visit the Nipigon Community Center or contact the Nipigon Recreation Director Kristin Dutil at kristindutil@nipigon.net or 1-807-887-3586.

12) Home Run Derby

You can look forward to sitting in the beer gardens with a front row seat to watch how many people can “hit it out of the park” or maybe even win the home run derby yourself! This event will take place on Sunday September 1st at 6:30 pm at the “Hydro Field.” If you are interested in signing up you can pick up a signup sheet in the Hydro Field Dugout earlier that day. Participants meet at the ball diamond and then everyone gets a chance at hitting the farthest home run. Spectators in the beer gardens, you may want to bring a glove or helmet as sometimes you could have the opportunity to catch the ball.

As you have now read there are so many things for the WHOLE family.

If you would like more information on any aspect of this event please contact Superior Country’s Marketing Coordinator Casey Clearwater by

e-mail or 1-807-887-3188.

You can also visit the Fall Fishing Festival’s official Website https://nipigonfallfishingfestival.com/