Download the 2005 Artist Packet!

This summer, 30 wild salmon will swim through Anchorage, Alaska when the 2004 Wild Salmon on Parade season opens June 7, 2004. Reeling from a successful run in 2003, wildly decorated salmon sculptures will be on display to celebrate one of Alaska's most unique and abundant resources – wild Alaska salmon.

Five-foot, artistically transformed salmon sculptures include creations such as Fishing for Compliments, A-lure-ing Salmon and Salmo-rai. The fish will make their public debut June 6, 2004 during a kick-off celebration then swim to location the following week along the Wild Salmon on Parade Walking Tour. New locations for the fish year include the Alaska Zoo and Ted Stevens International Airport.

Several special events and activities are planned to complement this summer-long celebration, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) King and Silver Salmon Derbies held in downtown Anchorage – anglers can cast their chance to reel in cash prizes from the waters of Ship Creek.

Local restaurants will feature special wild salmon delicacies, and at key locations throughout the city, Wild Salmon on Parade walking tour participants can enter to win a "small fry," designed by a local artist.

At season close, Wild Salmon sculptures will go to auction at the Fish Fry & Buy dinner auction. Proceeds benefit Foster Grandparents and Senior Companion Programs of Alaska, the Anchorage Cultural Council, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and CampFire USA - Alaska Council.

Download a walking tour map featuring the Wild Salmon locations here, or pick up a map at the Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) Log Cabin and Downtown Visitor Information Center at 4th Avenue and F Street. A virtual tour is provided on this site as well, with a chance to cast a favorite Wild Salmon vote.

Wild Salmon on Parade is designed as an annual festival, modeled after Cows on Parade in Chicago and the Pigs on Parade in Seattle. The event and surrounding activities will increase community awareness and appreciation of salmon habitat, history and physical properties. Each salmon is sponsored by an organization or business.