The banks of the Kenai River in Soldotna Creek Park may be a little quieter, but the love for the salmon that fills the banks hasn’t waned, as evident at Thursday night’s gathering in celebration of Wild Alaska Salmon Day.

“I’m here to show respoect for these honorable creatures,” Steve Schoonmaker of Kasilof said. “… Sometimes we need to stop, have a party … and show our respect.”

Cook Inletkeeper and friends organized this year’s event, which included free salmon chowder, live music and poetry.

Wild Salmon Day was first celebrated last year, after Governor Bill Walker signed the holiday into law, saying “nearly all Alaskans are impacted by salmon in some way — whether through subsistence, recreational or commercial fishing, or just sheer appreciation for Alaska’s abundant wildlife.”

Reach Kat Sorensen at kat.sorensen@peninsulaclarion.com

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