Planning for the 12th annual Kokanee Salmon Festival is under way, and as fall quickly approaches the festival is just around the corner. The festival at Lake Tahoe has become one of the most interesting and education events in Northern California. The festival is presented by the Forest Service and takes place Oct. 5 and 7 at the U.S. Forest Service Visitor Center at Taylor Creek.

The Kokanee Salmon Festival has always and will continue to be planned as a family event encouraging participation by children and their parents in a variety of educational and entertaining events. This year’s celebration will include a number of events and activities that have become associated with the Salmon Festival. Back this year will be the Salmon Feed presented by Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care, 5k,10k and half-marathon tail runs and the children’s run, children’s activities, educational programs, T-shirt sales, nature walks and booths sponsored by other agencies.

The Kokanee Trail Runs are presented by the Tahoe Mountain Milers Running Club and will take place Oct. 7 at the Taylor Creek Snow Park, 3.5 miles north of the South Lake Tahoe “Y” on State Route 89. The start times are 9 a.m. for the half-marathon, 9:15 a.m. for the Tadpole Run and 10 a.m. for the 5k and 10k runs.

For more information about the Kokanee Salmon Run events or to get a run application call (530) 542-3424 or e-mail kokaneetrailruns@sbsglobal.net. Applications also are available at the Visitor Center at Taylor Creek and the supervisors office, 870 Emerald Bay Road. Visit the Tahoe Mountain Milers Web site at http://www.tahoemtnmilers.org for event information and course map. For more information about the Salmon Festival call (530) 573-2674.

The 12th annual Kokanee Salmon Festival is sponsored by Alpen Sierra Coffee Company, Historic Camp Richardson and the Tahoe Heritage Foundation.