Residents and visitors are welcome at the 5th annual Lynn Canal Gillnetters’ Community Free King Salmon Barbecue 6 p.m. Saturday, June 16 at the Southeast Alaska State Fairgrounds.
Event sponsors include Ocean Beauty Seafood and Excursion Inlet Packing, which donate more than 800 pounds of wild Alaska king salmon for the event.
“The reason for this event is to highlight the importance of the fishing industry in upper Lynn Canal,” said Jessica Edwards, assistant director of the Southeast Alaska State Fair and event co-organizer.
“For example, about 80 commercial permits fished by Haines Borough residents in 2009 yielded six million pounds of fish worth $5 million. I don’t know if people realize the extent to which fishermen, processing companies, hatcheries and fishing gear suppliers make an impact on our community,” Edwards said.
New for 2012 is a partnership with Kluane Chilkat International Bike Relay. Organizers for both events wanted to make the king salmon feast part of the celebration of the bike relay’s 20th anniversary, Edwards said.
Music at the barbecue, traditionally provided by the Fishpickers, will be expanded to include Lucky Walker, Juneau’s Shawn McCole Trio and Julia Scott and Perpetual Beer Run. “The barbecue will be extended a bit later into the evening, with dinner followed by dancing,” Edwards said.
Beer and wine will be available for purchase. A free shuttle will run between the Fort Seward parade grounds and fairgrounds from 6 to 7 p.m. and from 9 to 10 p.m. A $5 suggested donation supports the fair.
Additional event sponsors include Haines Packing Co., Icy Straits Seafoods, Alaska Glacier Seafoods, Chilkoot Fish and Caviar, Dejon Delights, Big Al’s Salmon Shack, Olerud’s Market Center, Douglas Island Pink and Chum, Northern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association, United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters, Southeast Alaska Fishermen’s Alliance, Redden Marine Supply, Lummi Fisheries Supply, Seattle Marine and Fishing Supply, Rocky Pass Seafood, Silver Bay Seafoods, United Fishermen of Alaska.