Juneau Maritime Festival.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: ALASKA THIS MONTH

"We expect over two thousand attendees and over sixty vendors and activities" at the Juneau Maritime Festival May 10, says Brian Holst, executive director of the Juneau Economic Development Council and member of the Festival Steering Committee. The purpose of the festival, which began in 2010, is "to celebrate Juneau's maritime history, culture, and commerce, drawing together a diverse community whose heritage, recreation, and livelihood is centered on the sea."

Some of the highlights of the festival include food, arts, crafts, and service vendors; filet demonstrations by local experts of salmon, halibut, and rockfish, including a filet contest; kids' activities such as boat building, safety activities, and a sea creature touch-tank; traditional Tlingit canoes from Douglas Island will be present, as well as a traditional welcome ceremony; marinade and smoked salmon dip contests; vessel tours; other contests; and a Coast Guard helicopter fly-over "and maybe a water rescue!" Holst says.

New this year, on May 9, will be the first Port to Starboard...