The 69th Annual Silver Salmon Derby concluded with over 1,000 anglers participating and nearly 6,000 pounds of silver salmon caught. Jerry Martin claimed the first-place prize with a notable catch weighing 14.33 pounds, although he was unable to attend the awards ceremony due to his son's preaching commitments. The trophy and prize check were later presented to him at the Derby booth, marking a significant moment for both Martin and the derby community, especially as he had previously battled cancer during last year's event.

This year's derby also featured local barbecues and a Silver Salmon Ball, which helped raise funds for fish restoration efforts in Resurrection Bay. Despite the success of the event, fishing conditions were challenging, prompting the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to reduce bag and possession limits in the area due to declining salmon populations statewide. The derby's unique partnership with Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association allows for the purchase of smolt to support fish restoration, emphasizing the event's commitment to conservation.

As summer activities wind down, the Seward Visitor Center will transition to a fall schedule, closing on weekends and operating from 10 AM to 4 PM. Plans are underway for updating the hometown guide to provide current information for residents and newcomers. Visitor tracking data shows a post-COVID spike in attendance in 2023, although a slight decline was noted during the July 4 festival, attributed to new privacy laws affecting tracking.

Looking ahead, the Seward Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for various fall events, including a community debrief on summer activities and a volunteer appreciation cruise. Additionally, the chamber is planning a \"Meet the Candidates\" event in collaboration with local media. The upcoming Alaska Entrepreneurship Week in October will feature a series of events focused on topics relevant to local businesses, reflecting community needs.

The Seward Chamber of Commerce board has requested a work session with the council to discuss future marketing and economic development strategies, aiming to align their efforts with the council's vision for the community.