On a perfect, sunny, 75 degree day, the 43rd annual World”s Largest Salmon Barbecue saw improved ticket and drink sales and had a big crowd that just didn”t want to leave.
The total sales for both children and adults was 2,598 tickets, despite a $30 price tag for adult tickets. In 2013, 2,347 paid meals were served.
“Add to that 100 volunteers who eat and we served over 2,700 meals,” said Salmon Restoration Association President Joe Janisch.
Many people have taken to sitting in the barbecue ground and drinking North Coast beers, the new Barefoot wines, listening to the music and dancing. That meant the South Noyo Harbor grounds were packed full the entire day Saturday.
The event is run entirely by community volunteers and through the generosity of local businesses. The Ukiah Rod and Gun Club, Fort Bragg Rotary Club, the Fort Bragg Soroptimist Club and the Fort Bragg Knights of Columbus are among those. North Coast Brewing Company sends a big crew and the beer. Harvest Market makes a major effort of staff and materials.
The Salmon Restoration Association has always purchased fish locally from Caito Fisheries, who also lends the SRA equipment, space and other helps. This year Caito found California salmon at a decent price for the SRA.
The SRA is also interested in developing a relationship in which some salmon can be purchased direct from local fishermen, who have been having a good year and selling at good prices.
Many businesses and organizations in town get involved in the World”s Largest Salmon Barbecue, from Rossi”s Building Materials providing the flatbed truck for the bands to Fort Bragg Feed and Pet. Sean Leland State Farm Insurance provides hot dogs and drink sales.
Audience members interviewed loved the fact the fish was caught in California. Proud of the fish this year, the SRA volunteers served big portions and more fish had to be purchased from the docks toward the end of the day.
Bruce Person has been coming every year since 2006, along with his wife, Jane, who is a key volunteer. Bruce said the local salmon was the best tasting yet.
“Yes it was a busy day and the last-minute scramble for fish made the afternoon interesting. We need to thank Scott Hockett at the Noyo Fish Company for coming through with extra fish at the last minute,” said Jansich.
Film fest and run
The fourth annual Salmon Film Festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 8, at Fort Bragg”s Portuguese Hall, 822 Stewart St., in conjunction with the first Salmon Spawning 5K Run. For information, go to http://salmonfilmfestival.wordpress.com.
The two events, sponsored by the nonprofit Salmon Restoration Association, earn tens of thousands of dollars annually for salmon restoration and educational projects.
