On 17 April, one of the most popular vimba fishing towns, Bauska, will see the return of a family-friendly event: the Vimba Festival. Taking place on the right bank of the Mūsa River, it will feature live music, the taste of smoked vimba, 'Good Will' fishing competitions, and educational activities regarding nature conservation. This is the third time the festival has been organised with the support of the Fish Fund.
On Easter Sunday morning, the earliest to start their day will be the participants of the 'Good Will' fishing competition, with registration opening at 07:30. Since the festival's inception, the competition has been organised with the aim of encouraging residents to participate in creating a collective celebration and promoting good-willed intentions; the resulting catch will be prepared and smoked on-site under the guidance of chef Atis Zgirskis, and then handed out to visitors. This year, the delicious vimba will be offered in exchange for a donation. Fundraising will be organised in cooperation with the 'Laiks Jauniešiem' association, and all proceeds will be used to support those affected by the war in Ukraine. Participants are invited to read the 'Good Will' fishing competition rules here: https://ej.uz/vs-nolikums-2022
Other spring and nature lovers are welcome to the riverbank from 10:00 to enjoy the extensive festival programme – try their hand at various Easter activities, stop by the informative 'Nature Station' tent, browse the stalls at the festival market, succumb to the charm of the various musicians, and much more.
The duo 'Kalnejas' will provide a folk atmosphere on the festival stage, the band 'Sudden Lights' will share their compositions, the group 'Pirmais Kurss' will sing about pressing issues on the riverbank with witty songs, and, quite traditionally, Roberts Gobziņš will entertain listeners with the best vimba rhythms. Throughout the day, an integral part of the festival, the knowledgeable nature enthusiast Māris Olte, will share the latest news on fisheries. He will be joined for discussions by fishing expert Kārlis Goldmanis and trophy pike angler Gunārs Klēģers.
A wide range of nature conservation topics will be covered in the 'Nature Station' tent. Researchers from the scientific institute 'BIOR' will be waiting for visitors. The Nature Conservation Foundation will offer games about birds and provide the opportunity to visit the Ķemeri National Park through a large-format interactive map. The association 'Zero Waste Latvia' will provide information on low-waste living, while 'Pasaules dabas fonds' (World Wide Fund for Nature) specialists will tell stories about the fish living in Latvian waters. Educational activities will also be offered by 'Baltijas krasti' and 'Zaļā josta'.
In a special studio, Elita Patmalniece will invite her fans to a colourful and vibrant event. All visitors to Elita's studio can look forward to joint drawing and painting, the chance to receive a portrait sketch created by the artist especially for the guest, and a look at a small exhibition of artwork.
Amidst the joy of reunion, Easter celebrations will not be forgotten – there will be an opportunity to swing on the swings, make paper egg holders and greeting cards in a solstice workshop with a florist, meet Easter bunnies of various professions from the 'BezTemata' travelling circus troupe, spin on a carousel, and test your wits by completing a small game course.
At 15:00, the most successful vimba catchers will be awarded with valuable prizes from festival sponsor 'Anderbait', along with a specially crafted 'Vimba Festival' statuette. Prizes will be awarded in six categories: 1st largest vimba, 2nd largest vimba, 3rd largest vimba, youngest participant, oldest participant, and 'copes pavēlniece' (queen of the catch). Additionally, incentive prizes from 'Bauskas Alus' will be presented.
Please note that traffic restrictions will be in place during the festival. From 09:00 on 16 April until 19:30 on 17 April, Krasta iela will be closed in the section between Sporta iela and Skolas iela. On 17 April, from 05:30 to 19:30, vehicle movement will not be possible on the section of Krasta iela along the Bauska City Stadium.
Visitors to the city are requested to leave their cars in the car park opposite the Bauska City Stadium (Pilskalna iela 26). Meanwhile, we encourage local residents to be eco-friendly and walk to the festival venue.