Got a "big fish" story to tell about this year's Salmon Spectacular derby?

Tweet #FISHOwenSound and you'll likely find it broadcast on a "Tweetwall" hosted by Owen Sound Tourism in the derby tent at Georgian Shores Marina.

About 100 tweets have been posted on the Tweetwall since the derby began last Friday, covering a range of topics from the leading fish to the live entertainment on stage each day. (Brandon Flanagan of Kitchener posted photos of his 20.54-pound salmon when it was the largest caught).

The posts are being retweeted by derby fans, news organizations, local politicians and groups such as the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.

The public can join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #FISHOwenSound. You don't have to be registered in the derby to participate.

The Tweetwall is being displayed on a large TV screen at the tourism booth in the derby tent, which has attracted standing-room only crowds for popular shows such as the Beckett Family concert earlier this week.

The tourism department hosted a Tweetwall at the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival as well earlier this month, and will also have one at the Cobble Beach Concours D'elegance car show in September.

The Tweetwalls are part of a larger social media campaign by Owen Sound Tourism to promote the city's key festivals and events to a broader audience and get people talking about them. In tourism, as in any form of marketing, personal recommendations and testimonials speak volumes.

A series of Facebook contests encouraging people to "like" and post comments about our marquee events has been hugely successful in terms of generating interest and helping to spread the word about what makes Owen Sound a great place to visit and our festivals so special.

More than 1,800 people entered the Salmon Spectacular Facebook contest, which closed last week. The winner of a prize kayak donated by the Sydenham Sportsmen's Association was Melodie Munro, a local resident.

More Facebook contests are planned for coming events such as Ribfest, the Concours D'Elegance, the Sweetwater Music Festival, the Owen Sound Salmon Run and the Festival of Northern Lights.

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/owensoundtourismandevents. On Twitter the Tourism department's handle is @OSTourism.

SOURCE - OWEN SOUND TOURISM