Celebrate the Traditions of the Old West

PHOTOS BY CAROL WALLER

Sheep have been around longer than skiing in Sun Valley and the 25th anniversary of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival celebrates that cultural history in the Wood River Valley, October 6-9. Events include introductions to folk arts, a Sheep Folklife Fair, lamb cooking classes, farm to table dinners, demonstrations and workshops in Andean music, dance, storytelling and championship Sheepdog Trials. Not to be missed is the always entertaining, Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep hoofing it down Ketchum’s Main Street.

THE WAGONS ROLL AGAIN! The Big Hitch Parade is back for Labor Day weekend, Sept 3-5, when WAGON DAYS returns to Ketchum. The largest non-motorized parade in the West brings historic buggies, carriages, horses, and cowboy culture galore to the former mining town. Pancake breakfasts, Stetsons, and plenty of old-time fiddlin’ fill the streets. The grand finale, the Big Hitch, the 20-mule team Lewis Ore Wagon, will again delight all ages. Look for ‘yours truly’ as an IdaHome announcer!

— Karen Day

PHOTOS BY KAREN DAY