ESSEX, CT - - -Combine 500 filets of American Shad, 200 pounds of potato salad, 100 Apple Pies and 45 pounds of tomatoes and you have the fixings for the annual Essex Rotary Shad Bake. Set at the Essex Elementary School on Main Street in Centerbrook, the 39th Annual Shad Bake will run from 4:30 to 7:30 P.M.

The Essex Rotary Shad Bake is one of a number along the Connecticut River Valley as these anadromous fish swim from the open sea up the Connecticut River to reach their spawning grounds. Like all anadromous fish, Shad are born in fresh water, start to grow in fresh water, descend to salt water for most of their life and return to fresh water after three to six years to mater.

Once considered the "poor man's salmon," it is said Shad prevented General Washington and his troops from starving during the winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. Stories mention that in early times only people who ate Shad were poor people who could not afford pork.

Times have changed. Development along Connecticut's rivers along with damming of these waterways and other factors greatly reduced the Shad fishery. Today this fish - and its roe - are a seasonal delicacy.

One way to find some fresh Shad and Shad Roe is to drive along the lower Connecticut River Valley  Just watch for the signs and you can find either fresh Shad to take home and cook or a restaurant featuring this fish. Or you can stop at a Shad Bake to enjoy this seasonal delicacy.

Shad can be stuffed and baked or broiled or grilled. Shad roe can be cooked in a frying pan or broiled. Any way you have it cooked; you'll enjoy a real American meal.