City to celebrate rededication of restored Salmon Run Bell Tower
June 2, 2026
The City of Vancouver will celebrate the rededication of the Salmon Run Bell Tower from 11:30 a.m. to noon Friday, June 5 at Propstra Square in Esther Short Park, 605 Esther St.
The free community event marks the completion of a restoration project to preserve the beloved landmark for future generations.
Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle and Vice Chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation, Sam Robinson, will open the rededication event by sharing how the tower’s artwork and storytelling elements were created to honor Indigenous history and culture in the region. At noon, the bell tower will once again come to life as the restored glockenspiel and animated diorama return to operation after years of inactivity.
Originally dedicated in June 2002, the Salmon Run Bell Tower was a gift from George and Carolyn Propstra. The 69-foot tower, designed by Cindy Sterry, serves as a centerpiece of Propstra Square and reflects Vancouver’s connection to the Columbia River and the region’s first peoples.
Inside the tower, a rotating sculptural diorama combines motion, storytelling and audio narration to present the Chinook legend of the salmon. The narration, recorded by William Joseph Elk III, accompanies the immersive display.
The tower also features a 35-bell glockenspiel with bronze bells cast in the Netherlands. The carillon is scheduled to ring daily at noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., followed by the animated salmon legend presentation.
Surrounding the tower are brass salmon sculptures created by Jim Demetro and Kevin Maddix, along with inscribed stones and commemorative donation bricks.
To honor the original community gift and preserve this Vancouver landmark, funding for the restoration project was included in the City’s 2023-24 budget.
Learn more about the project and the rededication event at www.cityofvancouver.us/belltower.
Media Contact:
Melody Burton, senior communications specialist, melody.burton@cityofvancouver.us, 360-869-8746