The most important thing about the Rotary Club of Sequim’s Salmon Bake & BBQ this year is its new location.

The event has moved to Carrie Blake Park, 202 N. Blake Ave., Sequim, after 25 years at the Sequim Prairie Grange.

"We are concerned that people will just go (to the old location) automatically," said club member Rochelle McHugh.

So a volunteer with maps will be stationed at the event’s longtime venue to redirect people to Carrie Blake Park, she said.

The 41-year-old fundraiser has several other notable changes, McHugh said.

"We’re really tickled this year to have coho salmon, which we think will be well received by the public, as well as barbecued pork.

"We also will have a beer and wine garden for the first time."

McHugh said this year’s event also will feature vendors although she couldn’t name any yet pending confirmation.

Live music will be provided again by the Secord Family Band, which plays country and western music, McHugh said.

The raffle with an estimated 50 items will held again, and raffle ticket buyers needn’t be present to win, she said.

McHugh said the new venue at Carrie Blake Park will provide better covered seating and the opportunity to be inside Guy Cole Convention Center if necessary.

"It has not rained for several years," she said.

"I can’t recall the event ever being rained out, on occasion it has been too hot."

An estimated 1,000 meals were served each of the past two years, but McHugh said this could be the event’s biggest.

"This year with being at Carrie Blake Park and the easier access, we anticipate serving 1,500 meals," she said.

If any leftovers are suitable for donation, they will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, McHugh said.

The event needs volunteers, who don’t have to be Rotary members.

"In the past, Irrigation Festival royalty and members of the Boys & Girls Club have bused tables and helped the elderly," McHugh said.

Proceeds benefit Rotary projects such as scholarships, the Sequim School Dictionary Project, Boys & Girls Club, and Boy and Girl Scouts of Sequim.

They also benefit Rotary’s polio program, international water projects and the Shelter Box International rescue program.

Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.

The Rotary Club of Sequim’s 41st annual Salmon Bake & BBQ

is noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9. The $15 per person tickets went on sale July 10. It includes coho salmon, barbecued pork, beverages, live entertainment and a raffle.

Tickets are available from Rotarians at ticket booths at the Sequim Open Aire Market and the Safeway, QFC and Walmart stores in Sequim. Tickets also can be bought online and at the site on Aug. 9.