“Carp Scramble”

We’d love to hear your memories and see your pictures of this event! Here’s what we could find:

There is photo evidence that the beginning of the “Carp Scramble” started as early as 1935 (and possibly even earlier) and was held between Forest and First North near where City Hall is now located. The fish were dumped into the cement “ditch” that went along the road at that time (see photo) and many people gathered to watch the children fight to “land” the largest fish. Measurements were taken and winners were acknowledged.

According to newspaper articles, the “Carp Scramble” began to be sponsored in Brigham City in 1937. It was initially sponsored by the Box Elder Fish and Game and then by the Box Elder Wildlife Federation. At this time, carp was brought to the cement lined ditch in front of the tabernacle and children of all ages were allowed to try to land the fish. Many fish were tagged with metal plates that represented valuable prizes.

The event was suspended during World War II but began again on July 14, 1945. It was now sponsored by the Box Elder Junior Chamber of Commerce and stocked with carp from the Jim Hull fish hatchery in Mantua. By 1947, every kid in the county was invited and the carp were being caught from the Bear River near the Migratory Bird refuge. Main Street, between Central School and the Tabernacle, was closed and police routed traffic around the block. In 1948, a greased pig and a load of trout were added.

The last event found was in September, 1973. It was held on 100 E next to the tabernacle and an estimated 300 carp were released into a flooded gutter. https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25197599&hl=%22carp%20scramble%22%20tabernacle%20brigham%20city

Please visit historicbc.com for more history. The Historic Brigham City Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and accepts charitable donations.

1935

Winners from 1935

1936

1969

1970