Options for a "Kick Ash Bash" party to celebrate the end of the Castle Rock Fire ordeal, including what it should entail and when it would be, were tossed around Thursday, Sept. 6, at a community meeting in Ketchum. The anticipated theme is: "Fire is out. Fall is in."
About 40 people attended, and many were enthusiastic about offers from musician-actor Bruce Willis and musician Steve Miller for a concert they would donate to the community as a fundraiser.
Other options and questions were: Should Wagon Days be resurrected in some form and combined with Trailing of the Sheep or other events? What should funds raised go for? Should events be free, have an admission charge or a suggested donation?
The weekend of Oct. 5-7 was suggested for "Ash Bash," but after the meeting that became unlikely because Miller is unavailable at that time. The group told Willis' representative, Jack Pashkin, and Miller's representative, Dave Niedrich, that they would work with any date convenient for the two men.
Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Carol Waller, who led the discussion, summed up the apparent consensus that any events should benefit the economic recovery of the area, local wildlife and a local firefighters' fund.
Many comments were directed at helping the area recover economically, possibly by directing money raised toward marketing efforts.
"We need it. We are dying on the vine," said Sarah Hedrick, co-owner of Iconoclast Books.
Volunteers are being sought. Another meeting date to try and finalize a plan has not yet been set.
