Salmon Festival

Tis the season for all things Salmon and in Bella Bella that means Salmon fest!

Salmon Fest took place this Saturday at the Break Water, most of the teachers and hospital staff came out to volunteer. I helped with the canning and tried to get some pictures for the yearbook. A BBQ was organized for the village and was free to all. The cannery provided 100 free fish for the event but the manager didn't show up with the key in the morning so our fish were trapped inside and the staff were waiting patiently outside for their boss to show up. There was a Bella Bella master Chef cook-off which was lots of fun, anyone could enter so two local kids took their piece of salmon and added all the available ingredients on the table. The judges good-naturedly sampled ALL the dishes.  The festival went all day and well into the evening with beach fires lighting up the coast line.

Early Morning canning of smoked salmon for elders and those in the village on welfare.

Teacher Professionalism at it's best. Bloodied hands from chopping salmon.

Half-Smoked Salmon waiting for canning.

Traditional Beach Salmon BBQ.

 The fish attracted lots of the local dogs and some of the volunteers and teachers had to break up a nasty dog fight involving a visitor's dog and two of the local pack.

Sea-Lice costume, a dog peed on it shortly after this picture was taken.

Huge, awesome Salmon costume!

Taken first thing in the morning, gives you an idea of how misty it was.

"You're taking pictures?!? You may take one of me." 

Some of the locals were disappointed at the turn-out but over the course of the day the crowd turned over frequently and there were lots of people who came, ate, and left.