Retailers, tour guides, industry professionals and patrons from around the Pacific Northwest descended on Lake Sammamish State Park and Issaquah today for the Second Annual Northwest Paddling Festival.

A $5 charge was all that was required to take the water in any of the multitude of boats, oars, paddleboards and inflatable water crafts on display by dozens of respected brands and outfitters.

In addition, the festival included an opportunity to take in a canoe race or find out about tours and guided exploration programs around Puget Sound and beyond.

One of the local groups on hand was Cascade Canoe & Kayak, which operates a location in Renton as well as at the Enatai Beach Boathouse in Bellevue. Cascade offers canoe and kayak rentals for trips around the Mercer Slough and Lake Washington and also provides guided activities and lessons.

The company was started by Dan Henderson, a former U.S. Team racer and world champion who has been in the industry for nearly 40 years who said the more expansive Issaquah location on Lake Sammamish has allowed the festival to grow from last year when it was in West Seattle.

“It’s our home,” Henderson said of the Eastside. “We have a population that enjoys being outdoors and active so it’s just a good fit for this.”

Henderson added that the freshwater of Lake Sammamish is not as abrasive and damaging for the watercraft as saltwater and those on the beach do not have to contend with the tide, which cut the proceedings short last year.

The Northwest Paddling Festival continues Saturday, May 12 at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah until 5 p.m. Parking is available with a Discover Pass and $10 one-day passes are also being sold at the gate. The festival is free of charge for patrons not wishing to take the water or demo equipment.