Five years
ago the Blaine County Recreation District began a small and little known eventBest
of the Valley. It was formed to help fund the drive for a Blaine County Recreation
District bond, which was defeated in September 1999.
But that glitch didnt stop Bob Bolton, event organizer, or the loyal
Blaine County Recreation District staff.
On this
fifth year of the event, the largest crowd yet turned out for a delightfully warm
afternoon and evening in the Elkhorn plaza.
Bolton said the event attracted approximately 1,100 people, who spent
nearly $19,000. Last years gross, he said, was $15,000.
That money
(after expenses) will be used to help fund a teen recreation center in the current high
school in Hailey, after a new high school is built. Expected completion date of the new
school is 2002.
As always, the vendors were local
restaurants. Omlays served Oriental salads; Wild Radish offered buffalo flank steak;
and Evergreen boasted butterflied lime shrimp.
Other vendors were Red Elephant, Coyote Grill, China Pepper, Sun Sushi,
River Rock Steak House, Starbucks, Ketchum Grill, Chocolate Moose, Estas and Smokey
Mountain Pizza. Many of those purveyors sold out of the delicious looking and sounding
food.
"Apparently,
everyone was not as prepared for as large a crowd as we had," said Bolton. He said
they all plan on overstocking next year.
Music was
provided by local country western group R&R Music. Many folks took advantage and
danced between bites. People either reserved a table under the tent, which was the only
shady spot available, or perched on the walls and hills around the plaza. Many families
attended, and children dancing and eating pizza and brownies was a common sight.
This year, Bolton said, more was spent on promotion and ads in Twin Falls.
In addition, ads were placed on television, which had not been done in the past.
"It was a fun, festive night for alleveryone had a really good
time," said Susie Wrentmore, the Blaine County Recreation District projects and
programs assistant.
"I throw the party, but Susie does 90 percent of the work,"
Bolton said.
After five years the event has developed a reputation and following as a
"great event, with great food," Bolton said. "We didnt want it to
turn into a snob event. People can try food they may not otherwise have a chance to try.
Weve developed our niche, I hope."
Dana DuGan