Issaquah Salmon Days: Go with the flow

Art demonstrations and vendors, entertainment on four stages, a parade and fish hatchery tours are among "ohfishal" attractions drawing crowds to downtown Issaquah for the popular annual event.

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, constructed by the WPA and in continuous operation since 1936, provides the central theme of the festival, with displays, information, activities and docent-led tours. Barbecued salmon and other salmon specialties are among ethnic, traditional American and Northwest specialty foods from 40 food vendors in Depot Park, with picnic seating available.

The Field of Fun hosts Kids Stage music, magic and other entertainment, pony rides, weird-science experiments, a carnival and hands-on art projects for kids and kids-at-heart of all ages, many hosted by Issaquah school groups, youth clubs and other nonprofit organizations. More than 300 arts-and-crafts vendors with fine art, pottery, clothing, jewelry, glass, metal, leather, wood, specialty foods, toys, country crafts and more fill the streets for browsing to treat yourself or start your holiday shopping.

Saturday's parade features floats from around the Northwest, clowns, bands, equestrians, school groups, dance teams and more, with best viewing along Gilman Boulevard between Front Street and 10th Avenue in downtown Issaquah.

The details

Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, from Front Street North and Dogwood Street, then on Northwest Gilman Boulevard to 12th Avenue Northeast, Issaquah.

Cost: Free.

Location: Memorial Field, Salmon Hatchery and other locations throughout downtown Issaquah. Downtown streets are closed to vehicles. No pets allowed.

Getting there: From westbound Interstate 90, take Exit 15 (Highway 900/Newport Way), turn right onto Highway 900, then left onto Newport Way. From eastbound I-90, take Exit 17 (Front Street) and turn left on Front Street to downtown Issaquah. Pay parking lots available at several downtown Issaquah locations; free parking and $1/person round-trip shuttle-bus service to the festival available 9 a.m.-7 p.m., every 15-20 minutes, from Issaquah Park-and-Ride lot, Newport Way and Highway 900; Costco corporate parking lot, Northwest Lake Drive off 11th Avenue Northwest, Issaquah; Issaquah Highlands Park-and-Ride lot, Northeast Park Drive and Northeast High Street, Issaquah. Disabled parking at Staples, 626 Front St., Issaquah. Free bicycle parking near the fish hatchery, 125 W. Sunset Way, Issaquah.

More information: 425-392-0661 or www.salmondays.org.