As the fleet is out on the water, others head into the forest for another treasure: yellow-footed chanterelles, king boletes, wild berries and the many fascinating organisms that make up the hidden world beneath the forest canopy.
The Cordova Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the 19th annual Fungus Festival returning to Cordova from Sept. 18-20, which includes three jam-packed days of programs that examine the connection between the region’s fungi, forests, salmon, and the people who inhabit the region.
“We are grateful for the support of the Chugach National Forest-Cordova Ranger District and all the diverse partnerships that make this event possible, adding vibrance and building community resilience in a way that aligns with Cordova’s regenerative tourism vision,” said Cathy Renfeldt, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.
The festival will offer both adult and children’s classes on mushroom growth, fermentation, watercolor art and fungal folklore. This year’s keynote speaker is Dave Gregovich, a fungal enthusiast who has been identifying mushrooms in Southeast Alaska for 35 years.
Eighty tickets will also be available for the Wild Harvest Fungus Soirée, an evening of food, live bluegrass music, and forest-inspired revelry. The event, on Sept. 19 at Pioneer Igloo Hall, will feature a wild food cook-off, fungus-themed costume contest and silent auction.
To buy tickets, donate, or learn more about the Fungus Festival, visit www.cordovafungusfest.com.
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