More about the history of the Salmon Days Festival

• In 1970, the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce presented the first Salmon Days.

• The event grew out of the desire to replace the once popular Labor Day celebration, as well as a need to celebrate one of Issaquah’s greatest treasures – the annual return of the salmon.

• In the beginning, the festival attractions included the Kiwanis Salmon BBQ, salmon hatchery displays, an art show, children’s parade led by the late J.P. Patches, Little League football games at Veterans Memorial Field, fire crew competitions and more.

• In 1980 the Salmon Days festival and Grande Parade underwent two major changes that have been credited with altering the course of the festival: Salmon Days became a Seafair-sanctioned event and a festival float was created again.

• To aid the growth process, merchandise was introduced, the first paid festival director was hired and large ohfishal spawnsors came onboard in the 80’s.

• In 1990, the festival introduced the Salmon Days Limited Print, a signed and numbered run of 450 prints featuring original artwork. The festival retired the collection at the end of 2003 and the majority of the past prints have sold out.

​

Today, Salmon Days is still presented by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce with the goal of providing a community celebration focused on honoring the miraculous return of the salmon, almost two tons each year.