When the fall runs of salmon have begun to return and the warm summer air has turned crisp as leaves start their brilliant displays of color, the time has come for the Nisqually Watershed Festival! On the last Saturday in September, this celebration of community, culture, and history takes over Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for a day full of family friendly fun. With the sun shining down on this year’s festivities, you’d be hard pressed to find a face without a smile or a lunch plate without a piece of barbecued salmon.
Now celebrating 35 years of community science, art, and collaboration; the annual festival serves as a place to gather for all those who love the outdoors and wish to honor the unique wonders of the Nisqually Watershed. As has come to be tradition, the sound of drums and singing from the Nisqually Indian Tribe Canoe Family welcomes attendees, inviting them to explore the natural wonders of an environment festival goers themselves have helped restore and protect. The traditional songs fill the air alongside a hum of excitement as over 1,000 guests come together from around the region to enjoy everything Nisqually has to offer.
As families crowd around arts and craft booths painting colorful wooden salmon, children go from timid youths to impassioned artists before your very eyes. Nearby young couples paint real salmon to then print on posters or t-shirts that will carry the memories of the day for years to come. Not far from these painters, but still in the midst of “Critter Corridor” other attendees engage in animated discussions with local non-profits while marveling at bear furs, survival crafts, and of course FIN the 25-foot giant wild salmon! It’s these connections to our local environmental community that make the day such an impactful celebration and help visitors continue to explore the watershed throughout every season of the year.
Just a little way from these tents, the Refuge’s education center bursts with excitement as kids and parents alike let out their inner child while holding geckos, looking at snakes, and examining giant bugs in the “Insect Extravaganza”. This return to the wonders of youth continues as percussion and samba dancing lights up the mainstage followed by the Falconer bringing out an array of ever larger birds of prey! As kids practically jump out of their seats, craning their necks to see each bird devour a mouse in its own unique fashion, the curious eyes of owls and vultures look out into the crowd with impressive wingspans large enough to match their mighty beaks and talons.
As the theme of this year’s festival was “Salmon of the Watershed,” beautiful artwork by local students is on display and families are seen celebrating their award-winning artists with fair food and salmon plates alike. Any fears that earlier fish dissections will ruin appetites are quickly put to rest, and with music drifting over to the tables, it’s a welcome reprieve before attendees jump back into the next activity awaiting them – perhaps a chance to win even more orca trading cards!
We’re grateful to be able to connect with our community and share our love for the science, nature, history, and people that make Nisqually all that it is. While we just wrapped this year’s festival, we’re already counting down the days till next year when we get to celebrate 36 years of sharing in the wonders of Nisqually with our community. Mark your calendars for the last Saturday of September and we’ll see you next fall!
Learn more & get involved: https://nisquallyriver.org/festival/
