Events for 2011

Riverton Fishing Derby Set for Connecticut Opening Day, April 16th, on the West Branch of the Farmington River

Celebrating well over fifty years of tradition, The Riverton Merchants announce the continuation of the Opening Day tournament now known as the Riverton Fishing Derby. Originally known as the Hitchcock Chair Fishing Derby, Hitchcock formally closed its factory in Riverton, Connecticut in 2006; however the dedicated merchants of this picturesque town continue to contribute funds for the stocking of much better than average trout to the tournament waters.

A special thanks to the following businesses in town: The Riverton General Store, Rose’s Kitchen, Peter Greenwood Glassworks, The Old Riverton Inn, Elyse Harney Realty, Sweet Peas, Still River Antiques, Main Stream Canoe and Kayak, McCallister’s Fly Shop, Riverton Self Storage, and a small group of men known as the Trophy Trout Club who will also be adding trout to this year’s tournament. Furthermore, after speaking with Leslie, the owner of the Riverton General Store, she states that, “This is a whole town event, virtually everyone is involved.”

The festivities kick-off begins at 4:00 A.M. on April 16th, at the Riverton Volunteer Fire Department in Riverton, Connecticut, where for a small donation, fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages can be treated to a sit down breakfast with choices of breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. From there travel a short distance to the river and wait (just be sure to be riverside for 6:00 A.M.) because the sounding of the fire department siren signals the beginning of the tournament. The tournament concludes with an awards ceremony back at the fire department at 10:00 A.M.. The tournament is open to anglers of all ages with a valid Connecticut fishing license. The tournament is free of charge and is held every year rain or shine. Tournament fish can be caught from the run of river between Hogback Dam and Pipeline Pool. Prizes for several of the largest fish in an adult and children’s category include: a Rocking Chair from Rick Swenson of Still River Antiques, handcrafted nets by Jaime McCallister, owner of McCallister’s Fly Shop, and various other prizes which are just an added bonus to the great fishing to be found. If you need more information, be sure to call The Riverton General Store at 860-379-0811 where you can also find coffee, a full service deli, and any other fixins you might need. With the introduction of the States new computerized fishing license system, State fishing licenses will not be available in town, so make sure you get one beforehand. Although you may not fill a stringer in this section of river, the odds of a larger fish are much more in your favor. Combine a morning of this with more fishing in the Farmington outside of the Tournament boundaries like People’s Forest or the catch and release area above and below Route #318 for a great day on the water. Written by John A. Bevilacqua, contributing author to The Fisherman Magazine, as well as author of several upcoming children’s books

Riverton Fair
Friday night kicks off this great hometown festival with a “one price
bracelet” deal that allows the kids to ride the amusements for several
hours. Exhibits include works of live music, art, photography, needle
works, floral arrangements, baking, poultry, dairy, wood chopping and so much more. It’s really a homecoming event, join us.

December 2011 Christmas in Riverton
The highlight is a local theater production of Charles Dickens’
“A Christmas Carol”. Several performances are offered. Other activities include a puppet show, photos with Father Christmas, horse drawn wagonrides all geared for the young and maybe not so young. A Friday night favorite for adults only is a Champagne Tour. Watch for the dates of this well attended celebration. You’ll want to book a room and stay awhile.