First Annual Vermilion Festival of the Fish – June 1967

Vermilion's 60th Annual Festival of the Fish is this weekend, June 17 through 19th. So it's a good time to look back at the very first one, which was held June 16, 17 and 18, 1967. That's Perky Perch above – the mascot of this event since the very beginning. 

Vermilion Photojournal ad from early June 1967

What follows are Journal clippings and ads from that first year. This article notes that Ray Full, president of Kishman Fish Co. helped initiate the Festival of the Fish.

Jan. 23, 1967

The festival hype started early, with an article in the Journal on Feb. 22, 1967.

Another small article followed on May 4, 1967. The article revealed that popular country stars Homer and Jethro would perform as part of the festivities.

Articles and advertising for the festival kicked in a few days before the event, including a full page ad on June 15, 1967. Hey, where's Perky?

June 15, 1967

June 15, 1967

Once the festival started, the Journal provided regular coverage right through to the end.

June 17, 1967 

June 19, 1967

June 19, 1967

June 19, 1967

The Vermilion Photojournal devoted its June 22, 1967 issue to coverage of the first festival.

*****

Here's the 1972 version of the Festival of the Fish logo. Perky still has his fork and knife!

And by 1989, Perky had been rendered in a much easier to reproduce design.

And here's the handsome rendering of Perky today, just in time for the 60th anniversary. He's ditched the napkin around his neck, as well as his cutlery. 

I'm not sure why the logo says 1966 - 2026.