Slam'n Salm'n Derby is back

After taking a year off, the popular Ship Creek king salmon derby begins a 10-day run Friday.

The Slam'n Salm'n Derby will offer more than $25,000 in cash and prizes -- not to mention the chance to hook a giant king salmon in the shadows of downtown Anchorage.

The derby took last summer off so its organizer, the Downtown Soup Kitchen, could focus on the construction of a new building.

Its return comes with a twist. Instead of charging for derby tickets, organizers will ask for donations that will benefit the soup kitchen (suggested donation: $20). Tickets are available daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.; the derby runs Friday through Sunday, June 17.