Return of the Kings
Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm for a celebration of the return of Chinook to Glenwood Springs.
This is come-and-go, family-friendly community event where visitors from across the Puget Sound welcome our iconic Chinook back as they return home to spawn. Explore the picturesque landscape of Eastsound Bay and enjoy tours of our hatchery and fish ladder, live fish dissections, a beer garden, tasty eats, live music, local vendors, and activities for the whole family.
- RSVP
- Volunteer
- Become a Vendor
RSVP
Registration Opens Mid-July
Registration to Return of the Kings is optional, but we encourage guests to register to expedite entry. Additionally, registering gives guests the opportunity to reserve a salmon lunch plate and make a suggested donation to support our hatchery and conservation work.
Volunteer
Help bring Return of the Kings to life as a volunteer.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Return of the Kings. Whether you’re helping check in guests and direct parking, running a children’s activity, or moving guests between locations on a golf cart, you are a part of a hands-on learning experience that will move the needle of salmon restoration and bring greater awareness to Long Live the Kings and our Glenwood Springs hatchery. Thank you!
Questions? Reach out to Dani Bartells, Development Manager.
Become a Vendor
We welcome local restaurants, wineries and distilleries, businesses, nonprofits, tribal nations, government agencies, musicians, authors, and artisans to apply to be a vendor at our event. There is no reservation fee, but vendors must provide their own tents, tables, and chairs or rent them from us with advance notice (rental prices included in application).
Applications and accepted and approved on an ongoing basis. Please contact Dani Bartells, Development Manager, with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get ready to have a great time!
Is this event family-friendly?
Return of the Kings is an all-ages event with a dedicated children’s activity area. We love introducing burgeoning salmon stewards to the magic of salmon returns and look forward to inspiring guests of all ages to connect with our region’s keystone species.
Will there be food and beverages available for purchase?
Multiple food vendors will be on-site providing lunch and snack options for purchase. Additionally, a 21+ beer garden will be available with pours from local breweries and wineries.
Why are you asking for a suggested donation when I RSVP?
Long Live the Kings is 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring salmon and steelhead and supporting sustainable fishing in the PNW. We love sharing the joy of salmon returns with our community and invite guests to be a part of this important work with a financial contribution. However, the suggested donation is just that – a suggestion! Regardless of your ability to make a gift to our organization, you are welcome at Return of the Kings.
Can I volunteer at this event?
Besides the returning Chinook, volunteers are the most important part of this event. Volunteer sign-ups will go live in mid-July. Please check back soon!
I’m visiting from off-island. Do I need a car to get to the event?
We will have a shuttle taking guests to and from the ferry with limited seats. To guarantee a spot on the shuttle, be sure to RSVP above.
What else can I do while on Orcas Island?
Orcas Island is a vibrant community with plenty to do, see, and eat. Check out the San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau website for recommendations on overnight accommodations and activities.
What accessibility options are offered?
Return of the Kings takes place on private property and includes activities at our hatchery and fish ladder, as well as the main property. Activities can be accessed by foot, with 0.1 to 0.3 mile walks between each site on paved and unpaved foot paths. Guests with small children, limited mobility, or accessibility needs can catch a ride on our golf carts which will be looping the property to transport guests to and from the various activity sites.
If you have specific questions about accessibility or accommodation requests, please contact Dani Bartells, Development Manager. We will do our best to meet your needs!
Have another question? Contact Dani Bartells, Development Manager.