5th Annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival

It's time to celebrate salmon in Gig Harbor at the 5th annual Donkey Creek Chum Festival.   Since 1972 the Gig Harbor Commercial Fishermen's Club has incubated salmon eggs at Donkey Creek, the creek that feeds into the head of Gig Harbor Bay. Each year the fishermen release over 1 million fry into Gig Harbor. Every fall, mature salmon find their way home from the open sea back to the Austin Estuary, and up Donkey Creek to spawn.

This alone is worth a celebration. But there is more. The Donkey Creek Chum Festival also celebrates the partnership of all who admire and cherish the success of the salmon: local environmental groups, local recreation and kayak club, the Puyallup Tribe and average Gig Harbor citizens.

The October 8th event begins at 10am at the Harbor History Museum and Austin Esturary Park with booths and kids events including pressed salmon art, child with a chum photography and more. Chum Burgers are on the grill beginning at noon and kayak races are from 2-3:30pm followed by awards at 4pm.

Again this year, the Puyallup Tribe will have a booth and provide insight to their early presence on the Peninsula. In addition the new Harbor History Museum will be open with spectacular displays and activities that offer Chum-goers a look into Gig Harbor's past. Tickets for the museum are $6 for adults with reduced rates for juniors. Museum members are free.