Pacific Salmon Foundation
In anticipation of an abundant return of pink salmon to Campbell River, Pacific Salmon Foundation will be serving up barbequed salmon samplings at their annual Campbell River Pink Salmon Festival. The object of the festival is to promote pink salmon as a sustainable and delicious seafood choice. This is the third year for the event, which will be held at Robert Ostler Park on Saturday, July 26 from noon until 4:00 p.m. Attendees will be treated to barbequed pink salmon sliders prepared by the Kinsmen Club of Campbell River with sides and salads donated by major sponsor, Save-On-Foods. There is no admission charge for the festival, which will also feature entertainment, family activities and educational exhibits.Pink salmon are a nutritious food source that has been traditionally overlooked by the public. In the Pacific Ocean, pinks are the most abundant and sustainable salmon species - returning in very large numbers so they can be sustainably harvested without damage to the overall resilience of the population.
Also, purchasing pink salmon can help support BC fishers who have struggled over the last decade with low salmon returns. This year’s festival will feature a variety of exhibits for the entire family. Anglers will have the opportunity to take in casting and fly-tying demonstrations. Several local restaurants will be in attendance and they will be supporting the Foundation through the contribution of a donation from seafood entrees. Wooden pink salmon will line the stores on Shoppers Row, where the downtown core of Campbell River will be going pink for the month of July.Since 1989, the Foundation’s Community Salmon Program has contributed $938,443 in long term funding to 125 salmon conservation projects in the Campbell River region with a total project value of nearly $5.3 million. In 2013, stewardship groups in the region received more than $26,000 in project grants. These grants were made possible through partnerships and private donations as well as fundraising events such as the Foundation’s annual Campbell River Dinner/Dance and Auction.