Our festival began with an idea from one man. Art Novarro was watching the Jerry Lewis telethon and decided that our community could do something to help. He got some of his buddies together and organized a fall event to bring all ages together. The first gathering was held in 1972. The intent was to have events that would build community spirit and raise monies for charity while offering an opportunity for local civic groups to raise funds for their particular donations. Some of the old events included seed spitting contest, pie-eating contest, boat parade and blessing of the fleet, pet parade, sand sculpture contest, tube races, tug o' war, fishing tournament and many more. Vendors were strictly local groups, and all were non-profit. The fun continued for three days. The following year, Governor Ella Grasso came down to declare Clinton the official "Bluefish Capital of the World."