Summer Salmon Sizzler is a weekend “Community Event” highlighting multicultural & heritage culinary using the “Salmon” as the common bond between cultures.  The salmon's abundance throughout the world has shaped culture, religion, society, and even languages and has history in many iconic cultures including the Stone Ages, Rome, Europe’s Middle Ages, Asian, First Nations and Modern.  Campbell River, located in Northern Vancouver Island, enjoys water from its immediate surroundings – rivers, streams, lakes, and ocean passages and rivals on being known internationally as “The Salmon Capital of the World”.  In honour of British Columbia’s 150^th Celebrations, Campbell River Multicultural and Immigrant Services Association & The Campbell River Salmon Festival Society proposes the opportunity to showcase the success of British Columbia’s cultural diversity through food.  Proposed is a Salmon cooking competition with two main components: Smoked Salmon & BBQ/Baked Salmon with “Amateur” and “Professional” categories allowing residents, visitors and culinary professionals to engage in an event surrounding the ultra-popular culinary arts and the cultural icon of the Salmon.  Contestants will represent their cultural backgrounds by applying their heritage to their Salmon recipes; at the very least, giving their dish a name that reflects this theme and present works that echo images of our Salmon heritage and their own cultural heritage. On the opening night, Friday, August 8th, the Salmon Fest Association will be hosting a "Schuck 'Em, Schluck 'Em Oyster Eating Contest" highlighting fresh, local product from our near by oyster farms where competitors will be schucking oysters and eating them raw; the competitor with the most oysters consumed will take 1st and claim their prize.  By sharing multiculturalism through food, we are taking the opportunity to create inclusion for all and to increase public awareness, highlighting the contributions made by Aboriginal people and immigrants in our area.  On-site, throughout the event, “Awareness and Education” will be presented by guest speakers and special V.I.P. guests featuring “cultural cooking demos”, “celebratory Salmon dancing”, multicultural food etiquettes and trade show booth space for multicultural-friendly businesses and non-profit societies, to outline 150 years of multiculturalism in BC.  This event is proposed to take place in conjunction with another local annual event, North Island Logger Sports, on August 9^th and 10^th, 2008 at Nunn’s Creek Park in Campbell River.  Applications to participate as a competitor will be available March 1st, 2008 at www.crsalmonfestival.com or for more information contact Kealy at salmon@stevemarshallford.com