KENAI, AK-- As part of its mission to educate the public on protection of river banks and other riparian zones in the City of Kenai, The Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center and the City of Kenai are hosting the Fourth Annual Kenai Silver Salmon Derby. The family-friendly fishing tournament will run from September 15 through September 20.

This year’s event awards $3,000 for the adult overall first place winner and $500 for the youth overall first place winner, with additional daily prizes for adults and youth. The Kenai Silver Salmon Derby awards prizes using a Magic Weight that is randomly generated using two wheels of identical size. Since any fish over four pounds is eligible to win, anglers of all skill levels have a chance to earn prizes.

“Fishing has always been a fundamental part of Kenai’s culture and heritage,” says Paul Ostrander, City Manager for the City of Kenai. “It’s a great opportunity for the community to get outdoors in a healthy way while supporting the river and contributing to our city’s conservation efforts.”

Named “The World’s Most Responsible Fishing Tournament”, the Kenai Silver Salmon Derby is a new kind of fishing tournament that reduces selective fishing practices that lead to catch-and-release injuries which compromise the health of the silver salmon population in the Kenai River. Net proceeds are donated to the Kenai Community Foundation to support management and protection of river banks and other riparian zones in the City of Kenai.

The social distancing-friendly event takes place on the Kenai River and is suitable for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Previous years have shown success with days of endless high-fives, quality time spent with family, and lots of reeling.

Local businesses are an integral part of The Kenai Silver Salmon Derby and generously contributed to the cause. Sponsors include Three Bears, Phillip Scales, Sportsman’s Warehouse, Grant Aviation, Arby’s Kenai, TOTE Maritime, Fishe, East Rip, First National Bank Alaska, Buckets Sports Grill, and Northrim Bank.

Tickets for the Derby are $10 for one day or $50 for the entire event. Tickets are now available at the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center office, Three Bears Alaska in Kenai, and Sportsman’s Warehouse in Soldotna.

To learn more about the Kenai Silver Salmon Derby, visit www.KenaiSilverSalmonDerby.com or visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KenaiSilverSalmonDerby/.

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Contact: Christine Cunningham, 907-283-8223 or ccunningham@kenai.city