I have lived in this valley for 35 years. Most of those years I worked in Ketchum as a partner in Paul Kenny's Ski & Sports in Warm Springs. We have moved our business to downtown Ketchum, and now call our business PK's Sports.
Over the years, I have attended numerous meetings at City Hall, most which pertained to the potential re-development of Warm Springs Village.
Friday morning, Feb. 29, and again Monday night, March 3, I attended a meeting at City Hall regarding the upcoming 48 Straight/Ski Tour. Much of the focus of these meetings was to see how the upcoming 48 Straight concert venue, specifically the tent, may impact business owners in the area.
I left the last meeting a bit frustrated at what I perceived to be shortsightedness by certain member of the business community. I decided to cool off and try and keep my emotions in check.
I know I speak for many people who deeply care for this town when I say "thank you, thank you, thank you" to Kipp Nelson, Steve Brown, Maureen Baker and the entire 48 Straight organizing committee for choosing Ketchum/Sun Valley to host the final event of this winter's tour. The entire Wood River Valley should be grateful for their tireless effort, putting their passion for winter sports and ski town vitality far in front of personal profit and their bottom line. First and foremost, Ketchum/Sun Valley's rich history is rooted in being a ski town.
We've all heard the old saying—"We came for the winter, but stayed for the summer."
With a bit of luck, hopefully many of the attendees of 48 Straight will return with friends and family for many seasons to come, and recharge this community in ways that Kipp-Steve-Mo and crew are trying to do for us all right now.
Please open your minds, open your hearts, and open your doors. Thank you.
Brian Webber
Ketchum
