Yurok Salmon Festival

All are invited to attend the Yurok Tribe’s 59th Klamath Salmon Festival on Saturday, August 19.

Yurok Tribe, with a “heavy heart,” has announced that the namesake of the annual Klamath Salmon Festival will not be served at this year’s Aug. 19 event due to record low runs that also led to the closure of the California fishery.

Now in its 59th year, the festival will include cultural and basket-weaving demonstrations, a parade, stick game and softball tournaments, kids’ activities, the Ney-puey 5k Run/Walk, an axe-throwing competition, a petting zoo, Rez Chopped, food and gift items made by more than 100 local vendors and live music by Object Heavy.

“This decision reflects our sacred responsibility to take care of the Klamath River’s fish stocks. In addition to not catching fish for the festival, we are not going to harvest any salmon this year to protect the overall fish population,” said Yurok Tribe Chair Joseph L. James in a news release. “The festival is still happening and we are doing everything possible to make it the most memorable event yet. I encourage everyone to come out to support local vendors and have a good time with family and friends.”