(Note: The Salish Sea Festival and the Taste of the Salish Sea are canceled due to the extreme high wind warnings, likely power outages, and uncertain ferry service. Refunds will be provided to those who registered online.)

Celebrate the tastes and traditions of San Juan Island waters this fall. Savor fresh oysters on the half shell, wild-caught local salmon and engaging conversation, talks and demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Rosario Resort, overlooking the waters of East Sound on Orcas Island.

“This is a chance to celebrate the incredible resources that we inhabit and depend on,” said Nick Jones of Lopez Island Shellfish Farm. “The Salish Sea Festival is the first time that anyone has brought together tribal members, local fishermen, shellfish producers, and restaurateurs to share their knowledge and passion.”

The first annual Salish Sea Festival will bring together seafood lovers with engaging speakers on salmon conservation, tribal and local traditions, history and challenges of shellfish and seafood production in San Juan County.

Attendees will enjoy workshops on local seaweed and a workshop and demonstration about making locally sourced sushi. Attendees may also choose to take a boat tour to the Lopez Island Shellfish Farm or take a van to tour Long Live the Kings, a local salmon hatchery.

“The Mansion is excited to be a part of The Taste and showcase the amazing local fish and produce from the islands,” said Raymond Southern, Executive Chef at The Mansion Restaurant at Rosario. “The culinary talent represented at the event is incredible.”

At 5:30 p.m., the festival will host a Taste of the Salish Sea featuring small tastes prepared by renowned chefs who highlight the unique flavors of our islands and the surrounding sea. The nationally acclaimed chefs featured include Willows Inn on Lummi Island as well as Hogstone, Rosario Resort, New Leaf on Orcas Island and others.

The Salish Sea Festival offers a unique opportunity to get an intimate perspective of seafood in the Salish Sea.

Ticket prices vary. For more information visit www.salishseafest.eventbrite.com or www.visitsanjuans.com/savor.