The Copper River Salmon Jam planning committee announced that this year’s Salmon Jam events in Cordova will begin on July 11, spread out around town, with live music scheduled on the evenings of July 15 and 16 at Mt. Eyak Ski Area. Cordova Arts & Pageants will host local musicians on the Salmon Jam stage, along with this year’s headliner, alt rock, avant-garde Alaska band, Zen Trembles.
Festival activities
Other festival events will include Dumpster Painting throughout the week from July 11-15; an Artisan Market on Friday and Saturday evening; engaging activities for kids hosted by Prince William Sound Science Center, Copper River Watershed Project, and Chugach National Forest-Cordova Ranger District on Saturday afternoon; a raffle for Alaska Airlines tickets and other great prizes by Cordova Chamber of Commerce; handcrafting workshops with The Net Loft; and more.
Alaska Salmon Runs
The Alaska Salmon Runs will meet at the Cordova Community Medical Center parking lot on Saturday morning. Runners interested in participating in the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or Smolt 1-mile Fun Run can register at salmonjam.org/ak-salmon-runs. Those who registered but could not make it last year can redeem their race registration by contacting the Race Coordinator runningwild@copperriver.org.
Taste of Cordova
This year’s Taste of Cordova event will be part of Salmon Jam’s Saturday evening festivities, providing an opportunity for attendees to sample bite-sized portions of fresh-harvested dishes created by local chefs.
What you need to know to go
Salmon Jam attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets on Friday and Saturday evenings, as this year’s event will again be spread out on the ski hill to maximize the natural amphitheater aspect of the venue. The rain venue for the event will be Cordova Jr/Sr High School.
With the goal of spreading the Salmon Jam spirit as a source of celebration and happiness for the community, the Copper River Salmon Jam planning committee is regularly monitoring community health conditions, and will make adjustments to festival plans as needed. To stay up to date on all things Salmon Jam, make sure to follow their social channels on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for the free e-newsletter at salmonjam.org.
“Whether you’re drawn to the kids’ activities, running events, Artisan Market, or to the musical or culinary events, you’ll find yourself well-fed and entertained all weekend at the 19th annual Copper River Salmon Jam,” Cordova Chamber officials said in a release.
Daily air service into Cordova by Alaska Airlines and ferry service on the Alaska Marine Highway System for travelers to Cordova. For more travel and visitor information, contact the Cordova Chamber of Commerce at 907-424-7260, cordovachamber.com.
Event partners include Cordova Arts & Pageants, Copper River Watershed Project, Prince William Sound Science Center, Cordova Chamber of Commerce, Mt. Eyak Ski Area, City of Cordova, and the Chugach National Forest-Cordova Ranger District. For more info, full festival schedule and to buy tickets, visit www.salmonjam.org.
