By LEAH WEATHERSBY

There's something fishy in Ballard.

No, it's not what you're thinking - it's the 28th annual Ballard SeafoodFest, scheduled this year for July 27-28.

The Ballard SeafoodFest is a neighborhood tradition that started in the 1970s. The Ballard Chamber of Commerce hired a consultant to come up with new ways to promote local businesses. Their ideas included a celebration of one of the most important local industries: fishing.

"It was really industry oriented - not a street fair," said Rob Mattson, coordinator of the Ballard Neighborhood Service Center.

Mattson said in those early days, a group affiliated with the Chamber called the Halibut Fishermans' Wives did a good deal of the organizing, despite the fact that salmon has always been the festival's culinary star.

Of course as years went by, Ballard went more upscale and more uptown, taking it's cues from larger events such as the Bite of Seattle.

Those who venture to downtown Ballard this July will undoubtedly find hip happenings at the festival's two music stages, including performances on the Ballard Avenue Music Stage by Jo Miller & Her Burly Roughnecks (July 27), Total Experience Gospel Choir (July 28). On the Bergen Place Family Stage Alleyoop's Musical Games will appear twice (July 27 and 28). Of course that's only a sample of the many fine musicians who will perform. Janet Rayor, stilt walker, will also be appearing throughout the weekend.

In addition, visitors will find a garden art court, a beer garden, a couture coverall contest (July 28, 4 p.m., Ballard Avenue Music Stage), the ubiquitous craft booths, and of course, a lutefisk eating contest (July 27, 2 p.m., Bergen Place Family Stage).

The Ballard SeafoodFest raises funds for the Ballard Chamber of Commerce which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.

The festival will be held along NW Market Street between 22nd and 24th avenues NW, Ballard Avenue, between Market Street and 22nd Avenue NW, and 22nd Avenue NW, between Ballard Avenue and Market Street. Admission is free. For details, call 784-9705.