It is that time of year again for the peak migration of Chinook Salmon and nature lovers young and old, to visit Knights Ferry in celebration of the annual Stanislaus River Salmon Festival. The 10th annual event will be held at the Knights Ferry Recreation Area on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District, FISHBIO, Turlock Irrigation District and other local partners have come together to provide the opportunity for the whole family to get outdoors and learn more about the diverse resources of Stanislaus County as well as the importance of protecting them. The event is focused on providing interactive, hands-on activities for children via exhibitors from local agriculture, state and federal fisheries agencies, and both for-profit and non-profit groups. The event is a great opportunity to learn more about salmon and steelhead, river restoration, agriculture, and water. The festival will also host several fun activities for adults and children including: live music, face painting, fish print T-shirt designs, fly fishing demos, and native animals. For those who enjoy great food, two local 4-H chapters along with the Oakdale Lions Club, will again be serving deliciously prepared barbeque lunches.
Last year, over 5000 people visited the festival. The purpose of the free, family-friendly outdoor event is to educate community members, especially young people, by promoting protection of river habitat for the Chinook salmon and steelhead.
Attendees will also be able to purchase a Salmon Festival 2019 Calendar featuring artwork from local elementary and middle school students for only $5. All proceeds go to support next year’s festival. It has been with this support and that of Oakdale Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District and the Stanislaus County Fish and Wildlife Committee that continue to make this a free family friendly event.
More information and artwork from previous calendars can be found on the Festival Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/SRSFest.
