| “It Takes a Fish to Raise a Village” is the mantra of the organizers of the second annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival in Gig Harbor scheduled for Saturday Nov. 1, from 10a.m. to 4p.m. in Gig Harbor.
Every year since 1972, the Gig Harbor Commercial Fisherman’s Club has incubated salmon eggs at Donkey Creek, releasing over 1 million smelt into Gig Harbor Bay. Each fall, mature salmon find their way from the open sea back to Austin Estuary, fighting their way up the culvert and into Donkey Creek to spawn.
In celebration of this annual event, the Fisherman’s Club, the City of Gig Harbor, Harbor WildWatch environmental group, the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Club and many other local organizations have teamed up with one goal in mind - saving the salmon for future generations.
The second annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival is an opportunity to learn about how water that surrounds the area needs protectection. “It Takes a Fish to Raise a Village.” Last year’s event was so successful, everyone was excited to work together again toward a common goal.
In addition the event will feature the award-winning Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Team who will host teams from Portland, Renton, Seattle and British Columbia in an endurance race on Gig Harbor Bay. The Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Team is the No. 1 Junior Team in the United States, winning the combined national championship in July in the Czech Republic. The public is encouraged to watch this amazing race from the new Austin Estuary Park beginning at noon and ending at 2 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Gig Harbor Fisherman’s Club.
Throughout the day the event will include:
* Multiple information booths by Gig Harbor and Pierce County environmental groups as well as local service clubs.
* Chum Burgers cooked up and served by Gig Harbor’s own Fisherman
* Kayak Races Noon – 2 p.m.
* Make your own Pressed Salmon Art – Bring a blank t-shirt or buy one from the kayak team booth
* Awards Ceremony 3:15 to 4 p.m.
JOIN THE FUN at Donkey Creek Park on November 1st. This event is free!
Directions: Located southwest of Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula, the Gig Harbor community is also notable for its maritime heritage, marinas, waterfront inns, bed and breakfasts, public parks, upscale and one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, jewelers, wine shops, paddle-boat rentals, and eye-catching gardens. For more destination information, please access gigharborguide.com or call the Gig Harbor Visitor Information Center at (888) VIEWGIG.
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