A volunteer shows off an alder stake loaded with salmon filets at the Depoe Bay Indian Style Salmon Bake. Photo from www.depoebaychamber.org

DEPOE BAY – Tickets are now on sale for the 50th annual Depoe Bay Indian Style Salmon Bake, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17 in Depoe Bay City Park, just south of Depoe Bay harbor.

Preparation for the salmon bake begins months before the event. Local volunteers obtain six cords of fir and three cords of alder for the fire. Volunteers head to the woods to cut and prepare 350 alder stakes used to hold the salmon for cooking. On the big day, during predawn hours, volunteers prepare the fire line over the 80-foot trench needed for the massive fire. The fire is then lit in preparation for cooking the salmon filets.

More than 2,500 pounds of salmon will be delivered to the site, positioned on split alder stakes and held in place by cedar strips. The 7-foot-long alder stakes will then be leaned diagonally over the smoldering fire line. It takes about 45 minutes to cook each salmon, after which the fish is removed from the stakes, wrapped tightly in foil and kept in temperature-controlled containers until it is served.

Artist Michael David Sorensen designed the commemorative poster for the event, which depicts Depoe Bay’s bridge entrance to the harbor and a signature salmon. Sorensen will be available to sign posters the day of the salmon bake at Dancing Coyote Gallery, 34 N.E. U.S. Highway 101. Poster prices are $15 unframed and $35 framed.

In addition to the commemorative posters, T-shirts featuring the poster design will be on sale for $15 each. Zippered fleece jackets and two styles of hooded jackets are also available, all embroidered with a salmon to honor the 50 years of the event.

Advance tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children; prices at the door are $1 higher. Along with the meal, visitors can enjoy Native American dancing by Chet Clark and the Johonaaii Drum and Dancers. Local trio Pieces of Eight performs a variety of music for all ages, and many downtown shops will offer discounts. Free shuttles will be available from downtown Depoe Bay to the site.

For more information on the Depoe Bay Salmon Bake, call the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce at (541) 765-2889 or toll-free (877) 485-8348.