Washington State

Thousands of kids let loose tiny salmon in annual Columbia River spectacle

Kennewick, Wash.

Several thousand Eastern Washington elementary students from 55 schools converged on Columbia Park in Kennewick on Tuesday to set free tiny salmon they’ve spent weeks raising at school.

The students are releasing the salmon fry into the Columbia River as part of the Salmon in the Classroom program sponsored by the Benton Conservation District.

A pair of curious elementary students peer into the crawl through salmon display after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program.
A pair of curious elementary students peer into the crawl through salmon display after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

The 28th annual Salmon Summit is an educational program that gives students the opportunity to explore the salmon life cycle with a hands-on experience.

About 3,500 students are scheduled to participate in 60 environmental-related activities in the park on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Elementary students take part in one of 60 activities in Columbia Park after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom.
Elementary students take part in one of 60 activities in Columbia Park after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

Local high school students are volunteering to lead some of the activity stations.

The East Boat Launch is closed from 7 a.m.–noon on April 21 and 22 for the annual event.

Elementary students from across Eastern Washington region release the salmon fry they raised through the Salmon in the Classroom program at the Columbia River in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.
Elementary students from across Eastern Washington region release the salmon fry they raised through the Salmon in the Classroom program at the Columbia River in Kennewick’s Columbia Park. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

Sections of Paul Parrish Drive, stretching from the East Boat Launch to the Regional Veterans Memorial roundabout, also are closed during that time for the events.

Alternative routes behind the fishing pond remain open throughout the event.

Elementary students, teacher and parent chaperones walk to the activities area after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program Tuesday morning into the Columbia River at the east boat launch in Kennewick's Columbia Park.
Elementary students, teacher and parent chaperones walk to the activities area after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program Tuesday morning into the Columbia River at the east boat launch in Kennewick's Columbia Park. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

There is no impact to the Playground of Dreams hours of operation.

The event is only for participating schools and not open to the public.

Miss Tri-Cities Julia Henry poses for a photo being taken by Dot Stewart, executive director and pageant director, Tuesday morning just prior to the start of two-day Salmon Summit in Kennewick’s Columbia Park.
Miss Tri-Cities Julia Henry poses for a photo being taken by Dot Stewart, executive director and pageant director, Tuesday morning just prior to the start of two-day Salmon Summit in Kennewick’s Columbia Park. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com
Elementary students, teacher and parent chaperones cross a small foot bridge after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom.
Elementary students, teacher and parent chaperones cross a small foot bridge after releasing the salmon fry they raised in their classroom. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com
Elementary students from across the Eastern Washington region line up in the parking lot waiting to release the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program.
Elementary students from across the Eastern Washington region line up in the parking lot waiting to release the salmon fry they raised in their classroom through the Salmon in the Classroom program. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com
The Salmon in the Classroom program is Tuesday and Wednesday along the Columbia River at the east boat launch in Kennewick's Columbia Park.
The Salmon in the Classroom program is Tuesday and Wednesday along the Columbia River at the east boat launch in Kennewick's Columbia Park. Bob Brawdy bbrawdy@tricityherald.com

This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Thousands of kids let loose tiny salmon in annual Columbia River spectacle."

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Bob Brawdy
Tri-City Herald
509-582-1548
Bob Brawdy is Herald photographer and videographer dedicated to telling the stories of Tri-Citians through his images and videos. He’s worked for the Herald for more than 35 years, starting as an aspiring photographer when he was still in high school.
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