The Big Tent in August 2021. Photo by Claire McCormack

The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular is looking for volunteers.

The ten-day fishing derby is a huge event which starts this coming weekend and draws in anglers and visitors from all over.

Derby Co-chair Chris Geberdt says the first job is putting up the ‘Big Tent’ on Wednesday, August 24th. Volunteers can stop in to help out that morning. Geberdt says the tent setup takes place between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

He says his dad’s (Fred Geberdt’s) phrase was, “It takes an elephant, two tractors and 100 men and women to put it up.'”

Geberdt says after that, volunteers are needed each day of the derby which runs from August 26th to September 4th.

“Throughout the whole derby if people are interested and they want to come down and volunteer, just come down and ask for myself, (Chris) and I’ll put them in touch with the appropriate people to volunteer at the event,” says Geberdt.

He says, “We require volunteers for several of the booths. The food booth still requires some volunteers. Also we have the kids fishing pond,” says Geberdt. The ‘Fishing Friendzy Fish Pond Kids Derby’ takes place on Friday August 27th and 28th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Geberdt also notes, volunteering at the derby is a way for high school students to get their required volunteer hours in.

He says volunteer hours vary. For example the weigh-in station has a 10-2 shift, and the food both has an 8 -1 shift. He says from buttering toast to serving pop, there are all kinds of things to be done.

Geberdt says if you arrive onsite looking to volunteer, a security person can direct you to the PR booth where he can usually be found, noting, “If you don’t have a job, I’ll give you a job.”

“We’re really excited to be back, and after two years of up and down and all over the place, it’s something that people are looking forward to,” says Geberdt.

The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular features not just the big fishing contest, but also live music, activities and entertainment. Each day features different musicians and bands, activities and events, including two giant fish fries, a kids’ evening as well as a couple of days with a kids derby fishing pond. There are also air balloon rides, a wine tasting, a fashion show, a Christmas themed day including breakfast with Santa, a seniors’ afternoon, bingo, breakfast with Elvis, and numerous prizes including daily giveaways as well as the big derby winner prizes.

You can find more information here: https://www.sydenhamsportsmen.com/the-derby/derby-news-results/ 

You can see a list of entertainment and events on the Sydenham Sportsmen’s Association Facebook Page

The Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular starts Friday, August 26th at 12:01 a.m.