As someone who grew up in Kodiak, Alaska, the weekend before Memorial Day has always been one of weekends to look forward to for one main reason. Crab Festival is put on by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce every year with the purpose of celebrating the abundant resources that we have living on Kodiak Island. Crab Fest includes a lot of rides, games, food, and activities. Here are some things that happen during the festival of crabs.

1. Salmon Toss

Yep, you read that correctly. As someone who grew up going to Salmon Camp, it is not entirely abnormal to have a salmon toss be an acceptable substitution for the stereotypical egg toss.

2. The Sweet Sweet Taste of Overpriced Food

Whether it is ice cream bars dipped in chocolate and nuts, bruin burgers, barbecue pork on a stick, funnel cakes, St. Mary's burgers, or doughbouys, one of the main motivators for people to attend Crab Fest is the food.

3. The Parade

Saturday morning of Crab Fest always holds a parade full of different clubs, organizations, and businesses that come up with unique and nifty ways of decorating their group's float.

4. Survival Suit Race

It wouldn't be Crab Fest without the annual Survival Suit Races that include teams competing against each other by racing down the dock, rapidly putting a survival suit on, and swimming to the checkpoint across the harbor.

5. The Rides

Going on the rides on a nice day in Kodiak is also one of the highlights of the festival.

6. Coast Guard

Since Kodiak's Coast Guard Base is the largest in the country, there are more resources to do demonstrations like this at the festival.

7. Games

What kind of a festival is it without games?

8. Crab!

As the name suggests, crab is a vital component of the festivities! You may have had *fresh* Alaskan King Crab at a restaurant...but have you really had *fresh* Alaskan King Crab?

9. Bicycle Race

This 40 mile bicycle race is not only long, but full of mountains and hills; however, the oceanside view is fairly lovely.

10. Booths

Along with all the booths for food, there are also a notable amount of booths with different merchandise to purchase, such as this lovely carved bear.

11. Friends and Family

Last but definitely not least, Crab Fest is a time for everyone to come together and enjoy the endless opportunities that Kodiak Island has to offer.

Although I was unable to attend for the past two years, Crab Fest will always be one of my favorite parts of living in Kodiak, Alaska.