The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe will host canoe families on its reservation from their landing at Hollywood Beach in downtown Port Angeles through July 31.

Simultaneously, the Elwha River Casino will present the first Elwha River Artisan Alley arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. each day.

The fair, open to the public, will feature Coast Salish artwork from local artists and vendors selling items ranging from locally roasted coffee to Tribal Journey souvenirs.

"In addition to encouraging people to go watch the canoes land on Hollywood Beach, we want to invite people to come and see what local artists and vendors have to offer," said Joni Eades, the casino’s marketing manager.

The Elwha River Casino is at 631 Stratton Road, Port Angeles, on the Lower Elwha Reservation.

Visitors should follow signs on U.S. Highway 101 west of Port Angeles that will direct them to Lower Elwha Road. It leads to the reservation and, east of the tribal center, the intersection with Stratton Road.

The 2009 Tribal Journey, hosted by the Suquamish Tribe on its reseration east of Poulsbo, marks the 20th anniversary of the historical 1989 "Paddle to Seattle," which was the first traditional intertribal canoe voyage in more than 100 years.

More than 100 canoes from as many as 90 U.S. tribes and Canadian First Nations and an estimated 12,000 people participate in Tribal Canoe Journeys.

"The Elwha River Artisan Alley Craft Show will be open to the public and will allow paddle participants and the local community members the opportunity to purchase Coast Salish artwork from area artists and vendors," said Eades.

Anyone interested in participating in the craft show is encouraged to contact Joni Eades at 452-3005. Vendor applications and information also is available at the casino Web site, www.elwhariver

casino.com.