The reputation of Issaquah’s Salmon Days Festival is growing.

Last week, the locally-grown event won a bagful of awards at a gala event recognizing festivals and community events all across Washington.

The 2009 Salmon Days campaign, themed “Celebrating 40 Years of Great Returns. Still fresh. Still fun. Still Free,” received four first place Gold Summit Awards, from the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA).

Salmon Days also received two second place Silver Summit Awards and two third place Bronze Summit Awards within its budget category of $150,000 and over.

The awards ceremony took place March 9 at the Northwest Festivals and Events Conference held in Seaside, OR.

This is the second year in a row that Salmon Days has received the first place Gold Summit Award in the highest category for the Conference – the prestigious Best Overall Promotional Campaign. This award is the WFEA’s top honor and takes into account all aspects of promoting the event including marketing, media and merchandizing.

The four Gold Summit Awards were presented for Best Promotional Campaign, Best Community Service Program, Best Merchandise Item, and Best Sportswear Item. The two Silver Summit Awards, one each for Best Souvenir Pin and Best T-shirt Design. Salmon Days also received two Bronze Summit Awards for Best Website and Best Newspaper Insert.

The entries for the competition were based on the 2009 Salmon Days campaign presented by the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, designed by Robin Dale Spicer and Ohfishally Spawnsored by Snoqualmie Casino and Overlake Hospital Medical Center, together with more than 70 local, regional and national businesses who generously spawnsored free activities for attendees.

“Issaquah Salmon Days is one of the region’s premier festivals, educating thousands of people about the local environment while celebrating all that the City of Issaquah has to offer,” said chairman of the board of the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Chris Hysom. “Salmon Days also serves a vital economic development role by shining the spotlight on Issaquah’s businesses, restaurants, artisans, recreation opportunities and entertainers. Congratulations to Festival staff and their volunteers on this important recognition from WFEA.”