This year’s Salmonfest was more than a celebration of music and community—it was a powerful platform for conservation, and the Kenai Peninsula Chapter made its debut with a splash!
Tabling at Salmonfest was energizing and exhausting in the best ways. Shout out to Kacey, who can rock a tye-dye cowboy hat better than any mutt around.
Held in the tiny coastal town of Ninilchik about two-thirds of the way down the peninsula, this vibrant event brought together thousands of people passionate about protecting salmon habitat, water quality, and coastal ecosystems. Salmonfest is the only 501c3 non-profit musical festival (according to musician, activist, and 2024 festival headliner, Micheal Franti - I didn’t factcheck him), and the event has donated over $300,000 to salmon-related initiatives across Alaska since 2015. In addition, they are leaders in sustainable festival food service, with reusable cups, plastic-free packaging, and appropriate waste sorting at every turn.
The chapter’s booth buzzed with activity all weekend long. Hundreds of visitors stopped by to learn about the threats facing local waterways, including plastic pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. Huge shout out to Alaska Seagrant, who donated tote bags, bamboo utensils, and other reusable swag!
We had all sorts of interactive games for folks to participate in - cleanup up candy cigarettes, positive sidewalk chalk messaging, and free knives with every membership!
As part of our uniquely Alaskan Membership Drive, new members received a pocketknife made of upcycled marine debris, with a blade specifically designed for cutting through polypropylene rope (a common item found on Alaska beaches). We also had cigarette butt cleanup races, where participants competed to see who could pick up the most candy cigarettes in 30 seconds. It was a hit with the kids.
The energy of Salmonfest was infectious, with music and art fueling conversations about the deep connection between culture and conservation. From grassroots advocates to curious festival-goers, everyone shared a common goal: to protect Alaska’s natural treasures for generations to come. And enjoy some live music and good food in the process!
After a long day of tabling, we did find time to enjoy some music!
For the Kenai Peninsula Chapter, the festival was a perfect launchpad to connect with the community and inspire action. Whether it was signing up new members, sharing ways to get involved, or simply starting meaningful conversations, the event underscored the power of local action in tackling global challenges.
To support this brand new chapter, please consider donating!
Everything in Alaska is epic, but the Kenai River is unreal