LEWISTON, NY – “Lewiston never smelt so good” during the annual Lewiston Smelt Festival. The Niagara River Region Chamber of Commerce, Village of Lewiston and 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 festival takes place on Friday, May 2^nd beginning at 6:00 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 are one of the few fish that sportsmen are allowed to net.

Beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, the Niagara River Anglers will batter and fry 400 pounds of smelt, given out as free samples (donations accepted towards Niagara River Angler’s community programs) and sponsored by Waste Management, Inc. 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”.  This event is geared toward an adult audience. The Tent, stage, and tables are supplied by Brett’s Tent and Awning. Portable Toilets will be on premise, donated by the Modern Corporation.

Lewiston restaurants will also be busy preparing their own culinary variation of smelt over the weekend. Participating restaurants can be identified by a decorative fish flag outside their door.  For additional information, contact the Chamber office at 754-9500 or online at www.NiagaraRiverRegion.com