Copper River Salmon Hoopla Happened This Morning

Today marks another local fish-based tradition that is a little goofy, but quintessentially Seattle. The season's first shipment of fatty Copper River salmon arrived at Sea-Tac from Alaska this morning (on an Alaska Airlines Salmon-Thirty-Salmon, naturally). Chef Pat Donahue from Anthony's Restaurants, Elliott's Oyster House chef Robert Spaulding and chef Jeff Maxfield from SkyCity at the Space Needle took part in the requisite tarmac cookoff of the ceremonial first fish. The celeb judges on hand included M's hall of famer Jay Buhner and Mike Fourtner from Deadliest Catch. This "public relations ritual" has been happening for 23 years, says the Puget Sound Business Journal. KING5 has a play-by-play.

Video: Season's First Copper River Salmon Arrives at Sea-Tac Airport

· Season's First Copper River Salmon Arrives in Seattle [Seattle PI]
· Season's First Copper River Salmon Arrives at Sea-Tac Airport [KING5]
· First Copper River Salmon Catch Lauded [PSBJ]