The Issaquah Salmon Days is a two-day international award-winning festival held in Issaquah, Washington,United States, from 10a.m. to 6p.m. on the first full weekend of October each year. It is initiated by a parade, celebrating the return of the salmon to their birth-waters, and praises Issaquah's history, culture, and ethnic diversity. This free festival encompasses several arts and crafts conventions, attracting many Northwest artists; these artisans feature wood, glass, jewelry, paintings, pottery and metal artworks for sale. There are three stages of entertainment. Sporting events include 5K/10K meter runs (and a 3K run for kids), a fencing invitational, bike rides, and a golf tournament. A "Field of Fun", providing free entertainment for children of all ages, is available thanks to the many festival sponsors. Visitors are encouraged to visit the newly restored Salmon Hatchery to view the returning salmon in close detail. The 2005 register revealed over 400,000 people attended the event.

Check out the Cape Breton Festival. Enjoy some real Nova Scotian maritime hospitality and gorgeous seascapes as you roam this stunningly beautiful island.

Despite a personal e-mail from commissioner Roger Goodell, Joe Thomas rejected the NFL's repeated written and verbal invitations to attend the draft-week festivities in New York. Thomas wants to maintain a years-old tradition in which he spends draft day fishing for coho salmon on Lake Michigan with his dad.

One of the most raw yet beautiful events of nature in the Pacific Northwest is occurring now on the upper Skagit River, north of Seattle. A major salmon spawn is in full swing, attracting bald eagles in record numbers. This weekend the locals celebrate with a festival.

Forget slaving over a hot stove - this year's Christmas Dinner is coming out of a soda bottle. A Seattle-based firm has a new line of artificially flavored festive drinks. Topping the menu is a delicate smoked salmon pate drink, preparing the palate for sodas flavored with turkey and gravy or a dull green liquid masquerading as brussels sprouts.