Fish sales tip the scales

With the wind and rain gusting outside, the bidding was hot and wild inside the Clear Creek Sa’qad Interpretive Center for the sixth annual Salmon Auction on Saturday.

Hosted by the Clear Creek Task Force (CCTF), the event raised more than $2,490 to be applied toward facility operating costs and trail maintenance.

“(The auction) gets better every year,” said Tex Lewis, event coordinator, auctioneer and long-time CCTF member. “I really enjoy the community and I am always amazed at the creativeness of the salmon.”

Brightly decorated with whimsical designs, winning salmon included Silverdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Darla Murker’s “Silver Salmon” decorated in metallic beading and covered in the silver scientific element, Mary and Aina Zabinski’s “Shellfish” salmon covered in various shells picked from their local beach home and 11-year-old Haley Heiser’s “Casino King” salmon decorated in playing cards and dice.

Silver Ridge Elementary School’s second/third grade TEAM teacher Amy Smith had her classroom decorate multiple salmon that were strung together, each with individual “salmon facts.” Another favorite of the crowd was “Salmon Grundy in his undies” decorated by Bruce Huff, after the 19th century children’s nursery rhyme of Solomon Grundy.

After a late lunch of smoked salmon provided by the Suquamish tribe, french bread and caesar salad, the eager bidding on the flashy fish tails began. Culinary specialists from the USS Maine helped cook and serve throughout the event.

As the rain poured down, the auction was moved inside to the Interpretive Center. Laughs chorused a number of “oohs” and “aahs” as CCTF member Linda Hume walked around the packed room displaying the various fish for sale. Award-winning salmon were auctioned off in the live auction, while the others were placed in the silent auction.

“We sold as many (art board) fish as we did last year,” CCTF member Mary Earl said, adding of the 44 salmon sold, 23 were decorated and returned for the auction.

Total sales of the art board salmon reached $565, with both live and silent auctions yielding more than $1,145. With approximately 85 tickets sold at $10 a piece, the total amount raised at the auction was more than $2,490.

“I always like seeing the community come together like this,” Lewis added with a smile. “I like people having fun.”

After the bidding had come to a close, young S’Klallam tribal dancers dressed in brilliantly colored native ensembles, performed various numbers, including a tribal battle scene.

“Everybody pitched in ... that’s one of the neat things about this task force,” Lewis told the packed Interpretive Center with a smile. “It has been a marvelous experience working with them on (the salmon auction), and the community members have been great.”

Salmon auction winners are advised to pick up their prize between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 6, at Grape Expectations Wine Shop at 3594 Byron Road in Old Town Silverdale. For more information, contact Earl at (360) 698-0522.

Salmon art winners:

Large Salmon

1st “Silver Salmon” — Silverdale Chamber of Commerce

2nd “One Strand of the Web” — Ruth Dollinger

Medium – Younger than 14

1st “Nemo” — Jesse Yeadon

2nd “Dorie” — Madison Yeadon

Medium – Adult

1st “Shellfish” — Mary & Aina Zabinski

2nd “Winter Blackmouth” — Betsy Hall

Small Fry – Younger than 14

1st Aina Zabinski

2nd Doran Loescher

Small Fry – Adult

1st “Sequins & Pearls” — Laura & Jamie Koepke

2nd “Ebby, Oppsy & Daisy” — Ganeille Hostvedt

Class Projects

1st “Nafie” — Mrs. Bromwell’s class

2nd “Too Many Facts For Just One Fish” — Mrs. Smith’s class

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