Sequim Gazette staff
Consider it a homecoming of sorts.
The Rotary Club of Sequim’s 45th Salmon Bake, set for 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 11, is moving to the Sequim Boys & Girls Club.
Rotarians, under the leadership of Joe Hawe, helped found the Boys & Girls Club in 1987.
The club has shifted locations twice and its current home at 400 W. Fir St. provides a roof and amenities for the Rotary’s popular salmon feast.
“It’s a natural partnership,” Rotarian Rochelle McHugh said, noting that money raised from the event goes to the Boys & Girls Club and other Rotary projects.
Last year’s event at Carrie Blake Park saw about 900 attendees, McHugh said. At its biggest, the event served about 1,400 attendees — but trying to serve that many may hurt the quality of the product, she said.
“We’re targeting 1,000 (this year),” McHugh said. “I think that’s doable.”
The event includes more than raffle items and music provided by KSQM FM 91.5 in addition to the meal. On the menu accompanying the salmon are coleslaw, baked beans and locally baked rolls, along with ice cream and iced tea or lemonade.
Seating is in the Boys & Girls Club gymnasium, with salmon being cooked in the parking lot between the club and Helen Haller Elementary School.
The event also features several new food vendors — including sweets like local fudge and cotton candy — plus information booths from the Red Cross, Fire District 3 and more. Also on hand will be artists and clowns.
Buy tickets ($15 each) from local Rotarians, at businesses displaying the “Buy Tickets Here” poster or from noon-6 p.m. each Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Walmart and QFC. Also, purchase tickets at www.sequimrotary.org or at the door on the day of the event.
Proceeds from this event benefit the Boys & Girls Club, Sequim-area youth activities, Scout groups, local charities and Rotary service projects. McHugh said this year’s event goal is $7,000, making the salmon bake the Rotary Club of Sequim’s second-largest fundraiser; the annual Duck Derby raises about $12,000 each year, she said.
