The Yurok Tribe extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us in celebrating the Klamath River’s renewal at this year’s Salmon Festival.
With the theme “Celebrating the Spectacular Start of the Klamath River’s Renewal!”, the 61st annual festival marked a powerful moment of healing and hope. The Klamath River is recovering even more rapidly than anticipated following the removal of the last of four dams in August of 2024 in August 2024.
The Tribe was honored to recognize this year’s Grand Marshals: Joseph Pitt, Sylvia Rose McCovey, Elizabeth Jean Owen, Dr. Walt Lara, and Mildred Montgomery—each of whom embodies the spirit and resilience of our community.
A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors: Yurok Telecommunication Corporation, Yurok Economic Development Corporation, Per-geesh Construction, and LACO and Associates. Your support made this celebration possible.
The festival was filled with delicious food, great music and the warmth of family and friends. The Tribe gives a special shoutout to Blue Mountain Tribe, whose original music brought incredible energy to the event. The all-Native American band was the perfect headliner for this celebration.
The Tribe also deeply appreciates the talented basket weavers who showcased the beauty of tribal artistry through their elegant displays.
From the vibrant parade and the Ney-Puey Fun Run 5K to the exciting Arm-Wrestling, Basketball, and Stick Game Tournaments—every event was a success thanks to the dedication of our organizers and volunteers.
Here is a breakdown of the Arm Wrestling Tournament winners.
Youth Division 1 RH
1. Kaysha Doane
2. Frederick Hanson
Youth Division 2 RH
1. Darrian Baker
2. Alexander Rossi
Masters Open Class RH
1. Dean Baker
2. Daniel Moore
3. John Lien
Women’s 0-150lb RH
1. Chelsee LaLande
2. Electra Mathews-Novelli
Women’s 150lb+ RH
1. Alanna Wright
2. Mindy Natt
3. Arianna Kartaltepe
Women’s Open Class LH
1. Alanna Wright
2. Chelsee LaLande
3. Arianna Kartaltepe
Men’s 0-177lb RH
1. Peter LaLande
2. Dean Baker
3. Elijah Doane
Men’s 178-198lb RH
1. Kevin Keiley
2. Junior Singh
3. Jonathan Knight
Men’s 200-250lb RH
1. Joe Hughey
2. Kendall Giddings
3. Lou Gonzales
Men’s 250+ RH
1. Andrew Vadnais
2. Hunter Castle
3. Zaid Titus
Men’s 0-180 LH
1. Elijah Doane
2. Darrian Baker
3. Alexander Rossi
Men’s 180+ LH
1. Kendall Giddings
2. Hunter Castle
3. Andrew Vadnais
Here are the rankings and times for the Ney-Puey Fun Run winners.
Golden Age (60+)
Randy Emenaker in 28.09
Sarah Alonzo in 33.18
Gary Lumpkins in 46.24
Not Golden Yet (0-59)
Jason Weldon in 23.10
Jasmine Sanchez in 23.35
Jacob Peterson in 24.05