Did you know that the Issaquah Salmon Days is the largest 2 day festival in the state of Washington? Kathy McCorry, CEO of Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, and Alan Finkelstein – Chairperson of Issaquah Salmon Days joined us to share everything you need to know about the event. Celebrating their 50th year, The Salmon Days festival is the annual celebration of returning salmon to the lakes, streams and downtown hatchery with a weekend of non-stop FREE activities. This years dates are October 5th and 6th.
Voted the best festival by the 425 Magazine, the event includes a market place with over 250 local artists, 40 foods of the world vendors, field of fun activities, beer, and wine gardens, and 4 stages with live music. You can watch the fish head up stream from Issaquah Salmon Hatchery bridge, and tour the hatchery exhibits. There’s truly something the whole family can enjoy!
In the 1970’s the festival started as an effort to help Kiwanis Salmon BBQ grow their Labor Day celebration, and celebrate the annual return of the salmon. The Issaquah Chamber of Commerce hosts the event with 7 paid staff, and over 450 volunteers. Each year they come up with some of the best ‘FINtastic’ ‘fish puns.
The festival kicks off on Saturday at 10:00 am with their Grand Parade through downtown Issaquah. Over 100 participants take part in ‘swimming upstream’ through the streets of Issaquah showing off their decorative fishy floats, supporting high school bands, local businesses and more. The route starts at Front & Dogwood, and heads North on Front St. where it will take a left onto Gilman Blvd. Sunday, join over 2,500 participants in their ‘Run With The Fishes,5K Fun Run/Walk and the 1K Kids Run.
One of their most popular events located at their Field Of Fun are the Salmon Days Dock Dogs. Hosted by Dock Dogs, and Puget Sound Dock Dogs is an entertaining, doggy competition watching dogs leap into a pool, competing for the longest jump. Don’t miss out on this years master of ceremony, with Sammy The Salmon, honoring this years Grand Marshall, local Issaquah resident Bryan Clay, the world’s greatest athlete, and 2008 US Olympic athlete, decathlon gold and silver medalist.
Enjoy free concerts all day, at the festivals 4 stages! Check out bands like El Loco, a popular ZZ Top Cover band on Saturday, at the Community Stage, or Left Hand Smoke, an American Rock band on Sunday at the Front Stage. For a full list of live music events check out their events page.
If you’re looking for something fun to do go to the Salmon Days, you won’t be disappointed in the jammed packed 2 day festival. For a list of activities, map of the area, and shuttle information check out their website. Follow them on Facebook for more Salmon Day pictures, and event times.
Today’s real estate portion I shared what’s been happening in the market over the last year. Check out the August 2019 YTD Residential Stats.
Cheers!
Nicole
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