For more than 60 years, the city of Payson has put on a cookout fundraiser the likes of which gastronomic dreams are made of—the Payson Salmon Supper.
On the first Friday of August each year, $16 will buy guests from near and far a ticket to snake through the city park in a line that will eventually lead to mecca on a plate—a full pound of smoky salmon, baked potato, corn on the cob, salad, roll and a cookie.
From 5-8 p.m., city firemen tend fruitwood-fueled fires which cook approximately 4,500 lbs. of Alaskan salmon to perfection. The filets are basted with butter and grilled over open flames on custom-made racks.
High school football players bus tables and stock the serving line while cheerleaders collect tickets and fill trays. Town volunteers provide conversation, smiles and—most importantly—food to eager diners.
The Payson Salmon Supper offers one of the most charming small-town experiences you can still enjoy in Utah. The park is at times hazy from the fires as waves of attendees devour fillet after fillet of juicy, mouthwatering salmon. But the trip south to Payson and the small price for a heaping plate of food prepared with care are worth the experience—year after year. We’ll see you in Payson.
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