Seward, Alaska, is the ultimate location for your next big summer adventure, due to its ample outdoor activities, natural beauty, and great community events.
Tucked away at the base of Mount Marathon and on the shores of Resurrection Bay, Seward is a one-of-a-kind destination. The city was established in 1903 as a railway outpost and home for gold prospectors. It didn't take long before people began to realize that Seward was not only flush with natural resources, but also an ideal vacation and outdoor sports destination. Serving as the gateway to the Kenai Fjord National Park, you’re in for unparalleled natural vistas and unique environments to explore. The park and local outdoor areas are ideal for a wide range of activities, from photography to mountain climbing. Seward is also home to great restaurants when you're ready to take a break from the unforgettable outdoors. A few locations to check out include Apollo's Restaurant, Ray’s Waterfront, The Cookery and Le Barn Appetit. The city also lays claim to great events and festivals such as the Silver Salmon Derby.
The Silver Salmon Derby has been a mainstay in the Seward community for over six decades. This is one of the largest fishing derbies in the state with an expected attendance of more than 6,000 people this year. This event is great for families, friends and anyone interested in fishing, outdoor activities and having fun. There will be over $100,000 in prizes for participants and the top catches will be on display for all to see. Local businesses will be adding to the fun with deals and activities that are exclusive to the festival. After all the fishing is said and done, the festival closes with a rubber duck race and an award ceremony/salmon bake. Bring your next fishing excursion to an entirely new level of fun and head to Seward for the Silver Salmon Derby! We got the opportunity to interview Cindy Clock, Executive Director of the Seward Chamber of Commerce, to talk about this unique race.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
CC: 2016 marks the 61st year of the Seward Silver Salmon Derby. This year we are expecting between 6,000 and 7,000 Derby participants.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
CC: You can find everyone fishing the Derby. It’s a multi-generational event including families, men on "guys" trips, women on "gals" trips, and even couples on honeymoons!
RAL: What makes this event unique?
CC: The Seward Silver Salmon Derby offers over $100,000 in cash and prizes. It is one of the oldest derbies in the State, and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game allows us permits to tag fish and sell sport-caught fish. Proceeds are used for fish enhancement projects like smolt rearing, education, and $2,000 scholarships to graduating Seward High School seniors who are looking to study Marine Biology, Fisheries Management, or related areas.
RAL: Take me through the activities of typical day at the event.
CC: It all begins with the Derby Kick-off Party at 5:00 pm on Friday, August 12th, at the Derby Booth. Many businesses are going to offer a variety of activities and Derby Specials for those in attendance for the Derby, but no activities are offered out on the water. Some great local things to do include kayaking, touring Kenai Fjords National Park, dog sled tours, flight-seeing, and more.
The Derby booth opens at 6:00 am each morning and folks can weigh their Coho up until closing at 10:00 pm. We even have display cases set up so folks can see what a Coho Salmon looks like. Not only is this competition for anglers on the water, there is also fishing from shore, with a special prize category just for that event.
Seward Rotary Club holds a rubber duck race on Sunday, the last day of the Derby. After the duck race, winners are announced at the Derby Awards Salmon Bake at Branson Pavilion later that day.
RAL: What options will there be for dining?
CC: We have fabulous dining options in Seward, which has become more and more of a foodie destination over the years. Apollo's Restaurant will cook your catch for you; it's a favorite spot for returning Alaskan Derby participants. Check out the “Where to Dine” section on seward.com.
RAL: What is the overall environment of the festival like?
CC: The event is held at a wonderful waterfront campground operated by the city. It’s within walking distance of both the harbor and historic downtown Seward. Because Seward is a small seaside town at the end of the road, most visitors love the city for its quaintness and unchanging beauty. Nearby hiking trails offer views of Resurrection Bay and are enjoyed by young and old visitors alike.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
CC: In addition to the RV and Campgrounds, there's a wide selection of B&Bs, Cabins, Vacation Rentals, Lodges, Hotels & Motels, and one Hostel. Check seward.com for Derby lodging specials. Make your reservations early as accommodations fill up.
RAL: What does the event mean to the community?
CC: The Silver Salmon Derby is very important for both the Seward Chamber, which organizes the event, and the business community. Although mostly a private boat derby, the charter fleet fills up with optimistic anglers, dreaming of all they could do with that $50,000 tagged fish, or where they would go with the Alaska Airlines Round Trip Tickets for two tagged fish.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
CC: Very much so. Many families schedule their vacations to coincide with the week of the Derby.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
CC: When you visit Seward, Alaska, you will create memories that last a lifetime. The city is perfect if you're a fishing aficionado, hiker, shopper, foodie, explorer or all of the above. The Silver Salmon Derby just adds another layer of fun and excitement.
For more information about The Silver Salmon Derby, please visit their website.