Coho Festival History

The Coho Salmon were introduced to the state of Michigan in April, 1966 with the first planting of Coho Salmon in the Platte River. Subsequently, Honor became known as the birthplace of the freshwater salmon program. The Platte River Fish Hatchery, operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, is located just east of Honor. By the fall of 1967, when the fish were mature enough for legal catching, fishermen were flocking to Benzie County to try for these new game fish.

Three local men soon developed the idea of having a festival to promote the Coho Salmon and Benzie County. The first festival was held October 7 -15, 1967. The events had been held throughout Benzie County. The Coho Committee learned from this that the festival was too long and too late in the season. They also learned that although the purpose was to promote the county, it was better to keep the festival events more centralized.

The second festival was held in September of 1968 and was considered a great success. By this time the National Coho Salmon Festival, Inc. was an official organization. In 1968, the first National Coho Queen, Claudia Eberly, was selected.

It is now the year 2010 and the festival is held over a four day weekend at the end of August. The first Coho Queen has returned home and is an active participant in the continued celebration of the Coho Festival. Through the years we have welcomed new volunteers and have said goodbye to others. The National Coho Salmon Festival has endured and remains a popular and historic Benzie County Event.