Teague Vanek barbecues salmon during Industry Appreciation Day festivities at the Kenai softball greenstrip in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Teague Vanek barbecues salmon during Industry Appreciation Day festivities at the Kenai softball greenstrip in Kenai, Alaska, on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Industry Appreciation Day returns Saturday

Industry Appreciation Day, an annual celebration of a selection of local industries — oil and gas, commercial fishing, tourism and health care — will return to Kenai’s softball greenstrip on Saturday, Aug. 17 from noon to 4 p.m.

According to a press release from the Kenai Peninsula Borough’s Mayor’s Office, the event is a free family event with food and games. There will be burgers, grilled salmon and pulled pork sliders on offer. Games will be spread across “three different age categories,” the release says, with bicycles to be given away as prizes.

Last year, organizers told the Clarion that the event has run for more than three decades and has long centered a free picnic in celebration of certain local industries.

In addition to the games and food, there will be an awards ceremony hosted by Borough Mayor Peter Micciche “to recognize leading individuals and businesses that make a difference in our community,” per his office’s release.

Also returning this year is a car show put on by Feddie Pollard Sr. which debuted at last year’s event. The mayor’s release says the show will be sponsored by Pollard and the Kaknu Kruzers, who will be accepting donations during the event in support of both Way Out Women and the Kenai Peninsula’s chapter of the American Cancer Society.

For more information, find “Industry Appreciation Day” on Facebook.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

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