The 1st Annual Essa Salmon Festival was held in 2003 as a Community event to bring visitors to Essa so they too could enjoy the natural beauty and quality of life this Township has to offer.  The derby is also a way of raising funds for riverbank restoration and ensuring the sustainability of fisheries.  The past 5 years have been quite successful in terms of growing participation, fundraising and the opportunity to offer participants a glance at Essa's surroundings. 

Considerable funds have been donated to River Restoration projects and to Essa's fishing parks. They have been improved by the addition of new picnic tables, extra washrooms and garbage containers and new fish cleaning stations.

Visitors from across Ontario attended the Derby in 2007 but they were no match for Roger Daoust of Angus who landed a 84.5cm salmon to win the top prize.

Present Committee Members are Derek McKeever, Scott Mullen, Bob O'Brien, Capt. Lucian Grela, Connie Watson, Colleen Healey, Susan Makepeace and EDC Chair Person Sandie Macdonald.

"NEW" we will running a two day Poker Fish game. Every fish counts. Make the best poker hand by the end of the Derby and win a "Fisherman's Fun Package" which includes 2 - 2009 Access Passes with entry to the 2009 Derby. Entertainment on Sunday afternoon by local talents sponsored by Keith White of ANGUS BORDEN MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT.

The Steelheaders are also running their annual Rubber Salmon Marathon on Sunday Sept.21st at the conclusion of the Fishing Derby.  Prizes are: 1st Prize $200.00, 2nd Prize $100.00, 3rd Prize $100.00. There are only 500 tickets available at the following prices: 1 Ticket $5.00, 3 for $10.00 and a book of 10 for $20.00. Contact the Nottawasaga Steelheaders or buy at the Derby.

2008 DRAW TICKETS, $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00, FIRST PRIZE: 420cc HONDA ATV, SECOND PRIZE: $500.00 CASH, THIRD PRIZE: WEEKEND GETAWAY GOLF PACKAGE AT NOTTAWASAGA INN & RESORT. Purchase your tickets at the EDC office or other supporting businesses.

2008 DERBY PRIZES: FIRST PRIZE: $3,000.00 Cash, SECOND PRIZE: $500.00 Cash, THIRD PRIZE: $250.00 Cash.