1) Ketchum Police Department—Ketchum, ID
Beginning the Wagon Days Parade are Ketchum Police Officers Lorraine Wilcox and Adam Johnson. Riding with them are members of Blaine County Search and Rescue.
2) The American Glory Flag Team—Hailey, ID
Four-hundred and thirty-one days ago today, June 30, 2009, Spc. Bowe Robert Bergdahl went missing in southeastern Afganistan's Paktika Province. Born in Sun Valley, Idaho, son of Bob and Jani Bergdahl, Bowe is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Fort Richardson, Alaska. Jani Bergdahl along with the American Glory Flag Team present the flag of the United States of America with the yellow ribbon worn close to their hearts to bear witness to our nation's unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our prisoners of war/missing in action.
Sky, Bowe's sister, rides a white stallion carrying the flag of the POW/MIA. This particular flag has been presented throughout Idaho over the past year. In her hand is a rose, which signifies that she and her family and all families of missing American servicemen have kept faith. The blood her brother and all missing in action may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States is not in vain.
Hopes and prayers go out to the Bergdahl family as we pray to bring him home to the Idaho. A Hailey serviceman, a prisoner, a son, a brother, an uncle and a noble friend to all. Let his feet once again touch the ground of this beautiful valley that he loves with all his heart. Bring him home safe for his friends and family. Remember, we all called them comrades, brothers, sisters and friends. Do not let them be forgotten, for surely they have not forgotten us.
3) David Ketchum American Legion Post 115—Ketchum, ID
Please stand and honor the flag of our country. Presented by the color guard of the David Ketchum American Legion Post 115. Representing the guard are veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Let's hear it for our flag and these veterans.
4) Cassia County Mounted Sheriff's Posse—Paul, ID
This is the first posse organized in Idaho back in 1944, for the purpose of promoting the love of horses and advertising Cassia County throughout the Northwest. The posse is under the call of the Cassia County Sheriff and participates in law enforcement work and in rescue situations. This year's officers include Capt. Kelly Smith, Co-Capt. Nick Darrington, Secretary Ron Smith, Directors Wally Bradshaw, Richard Kelley, Leon Robinson, Wendel Dunn and Dale Doman. With special appreciation to Jimmy Poulton for 50 years of service to the ISRA.
5) Grand Marshal state Sen. Clint Stennett, Ketchum, ID
Wagon Days is proud to honor retired state Sen. Clint Stennett as the 2010 grand marshal. Sen. Stennett served in public office representing District 25, which includes Blaine, Gooding, Camas and Lincoln counties, for 20 years. Sen. Stennett was first elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 1990 where he served two terms before being elected to the Senate in 1994. He served as minority leader from 1999 to 2009. Sen. Stennett has been an advocate for public education, clean air, water, public access and open space to maintain Idaho's rural heritage. He has a passion for Idaho and the outdoors and enjoys bird hunting with his dog, Custer, and cites the happiest moment of his life at the South Fork of the Snake River when his wife, Michelle, accepted his marriage proposal. Thank you, Clint, for being a valued member of our community and for your hard work and dedication to public service.
6) City of Ketchum, ID
The 52st Wagon Days Parade is presented by the city of Ketchum. The city is the proud caretaker of the Lewis Ore Wagons and the Ore Wagon Museum, where the wagons are housed throughout the year. We appreciate their support of this great event! Riding in the wagon are Mayor Randy Hall his daughter Addee and City Council members Larry Helzel, Curtis Kemp, Baird Gourlay and Nina Jonas.
7) City of Sun Valley, ID
Riding in the city of Sun Valley wagon is Mayor Wayne Willich and first lady Christine Willich. The wagon is a John Deere used at old Geyer Hot Springs Resort in the early 1900s. It was restored by Wood River Carriage Works 10 years ago.
8) Blaine County Historical Museum's Heritage Court, Hailey, ID
The Blaine County Historical Museum's Blaine County Heritage Court representing Hailey: Lady Fern Stephenson, 81, nominated for her strong commitment to family, community and the Blaine Senior Center. Representing Carey: Lady Jean Pyrah, 90, nominated for her community dedication and pioneering spirit. Representing Bellevue: Lady Phyllis Stelma, 81, nominated for being a longtime businesswoman and committed youth volunteer. Representing Ketchum and Sun Valley: Lady Sally Donart, 83, nominated for years of dedication to the cultural and mental health of the north valley. The vis a vis made by the Amish in Iowa is being pulled by Mick and Mack full-brother Percheron horses. The horses and carriage are owned by Bill Sherbine.
9) Earl and Carol Holding, Sun Valley, ID
Riding in an 1863 Landeau convertible carriage are Earl and Carol Holding and family, owners of Sun Valley Resort. The carriage is pulled by matched Belgians, Bob and Maggie, owned by the Sun Valley Resort stables. The Wagon Days parade committee would like to take this opportunity to thank the Holding family for their ongoing support of the Wagon Days Parade. The entire parade is staged on resort property and without their generosity this parade would not be possible.
10) Sun Valley Ice Show Kids, Sun Valley, ID
These adorable young boys and girls are cast members of the world famous Sun Valley Ice Show. A longstanding summer tradition, the ice shows feature world and Olympic champions, including tonight's headliner, Sasha Cohen, as well as a talented local cast. Held every Saturday night from the Fourth of July through Labor Day, the ice shows are a summertime must-do. The kids are riding in one of the Sun Valley stables' historic coach and carriage collection pieces, a genuine Yellowstone touring coach. Made in the early 1900s by the Abbot and Downing Co. in Concord, N.H., this coach (and others like it) is how the first tourists in Yellowstone National Park saw the sights. These coaches are found only in museums today and to see one in action is a rare treat. The coach is pulled by a team of Belgian horses named King and Queen and are driven by
11) Lee Family Belgians, Twin Falls, ID
The Lee Family Belgians wagon driven by the Lee Family of Twin Falls is carrying the Ms. Idaho Senior America Queen.
12) Burley High School Bobcat Band, Burley, ID
The Burley High School Bobcat Band has marched in the Wagon Days Parade for 30 years under their current director, Steve Floyd. The band has marched in the Portland Rose Festival Parade three times and the Disneyland Parade five times as well as performed all around the Western United States. In 1987 the Bobcat Band was chosen to be the Presidential Band for Ronald Reagan and performed at Independence Square in Philadelphia and at the White House. With the band today is the Burley High School Color Guard and the Bobcat Cheerleaders. Color Guard advisor is Laura Greener. Cheerleader advisor is Reanne Condie. Drum majors for the band are Zack Oman, Kaitlyn Rogers and Spencer Atkins. Color guard captains are Ansley Winkles and Makena Greener.
13) Sponsors
The Wagon Days Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors. They make this wonderful event possible.
14) Americanas, Rexburg, ID
The Americanas have been performing for 25 years and have done over 350 performances. Throughout the years they have had more than 200 riders. They have been to Washington, D.C., three times and have performed at the Rose Parade. Today they are saluting Wagon Days and the great state of Idaho.
15) Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society and SVSEF, Ketchum, ID
This entry is celebrating the past and the future with the Ketchum Heritage & Ski Museum and the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Riding in the wagon is head alpine D team coach Doran Key and some young ski team members. Doran has been with the Sun Valley Ski Team for over 40 years—first as a racer and for more than 20 years, everyone's favorite coach! The Ski Education Foundation is the Wood River Valley's largest and oldest youth organization with more than 450 alpine, cross-country and freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Sharing the wagon is the Ketchum Heritage & Ski Museum. The museum is dedicated to protecting the rich Ketchum-Sun Valley area heritage for future generations. Be sure to visit the ski museum after the parade. The museum is in the Ketchum Forest Service Park at the corner of First Street and Washington Avenue.
16) High Country Peruvian Pasos, Sun Valley, ID
The smooth gait of the Peruvian paso horse is passed on to all its offspring, making it the "champagne" of gaited horses. Riders are Cheryl and Forrest Hymas, Cindy Lambert, Sandy and John Flattery, Judith Walker, Catherine Fischer, Randi Kanellitsas, Elizabeth Tierney, Catherine Thyen, Susan Tobiason, Jan Todd, Teri Szombathy, Randy Updyke and Claudie Goldstein.
17) The Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Ketchum, ID
Riding in this wagon are members of the board of directors of the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau. The chamber partners with the city of Ketchum to produce the Wagon Days event.
18) Ketchum-Sun Valley Rotary Club Duck Race, Ketchum, ID
Our next entry is the Ketchum-Sun Valley Rotary Club, a Wagon Days sponsor. Join us tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 5, at Rotary Park in Ketchum. The festivities start at 1 p.m. with great food, bouncy houses for the kids and live music. The ducks hit the water at 3 p.m. Be sure to adopt your ducks for a chance to win some terrific prizes including a chance at $1 million. Proceeds from the duck race benefit Blaine County Search & Rescue, local scholarships and other projects of the Ketchum-Sun Valley Rotary Club and the Sawtooth Board of Realtors Community Foundation. Adopt your duck today!
19) Smokey Bear, Ketchum, ID
Smokey Bear would like to remind you to be careful with fire while enjoying your national forests. Please do not leave your campfire until it is dead out and avoid driving in tall grass. Thanks to Smokey, Sunnyside Farm has, once again, found its way back into the heart of the Wagon Days celebration. Coming all the way from Clyde Park, Mont., this native Idahoan, Wendy Bauwens, brings to you a lovely Norwegian sport break pulled by a father-daughter pair of fjord horses. This team is exotic because of their unique grey dun coloring and Norwegian ancestry. Norwegian fjords are classified as draft ponies, but are able to work big and think bigger! Wendy and the team are led by their trustworthy outrider, Callie Schwartz, on a rare and handsome Irish gypsy cob named Willie. At Sunnyside, we strive for our best, cut no corners and set great goals. If we can dream it, we can do it!
20) EhCapa Bareback Riders, Boise, ID
The EhCapa Bareback Riders of Boise are such a unique team they defy classification. The team is led by 2010 Queen Erica Greenwood and composed of 35 to 50 boys and girls who have spent an average of six years before rodeo audiences all over the Northwest, California and Canada. They ride their horses without saddles or bridles, controlling their animals with leg cues, their voices and a one-inch-wide leather strap around the horse's neck called an "ack rein." The horses are of every shape, color and breed, with no special qualifications except that they are trained and loved by the children who ride them. Wagon Days is the culmination of our season every year and we thank Sun Valley for bringing us.
21) Jose and Jose Andalusians, Nampa, ID
Jose and Jose Andalusians are from Nampa and Caldwell. They belong to the Charro Association Rancho Seco. They are riding Andalusian and Aztec horses trained for the sport of charreria. This equestrian culture goes back 400 years and maintains great historical significance for people of Mexican heritage. Jose and Jose Andalusians would like to share with you a sample of this beautiful cultural tradition. They also would like to thank you for letting them participate in this beautiful parade.
22) Farmers National Bank, Twin Falls, ID
Farmers National Bank is proud to support the residents of the Wood River Valley. The team of mules and the wagon are owned by the Fred Jaynes Family of Filer. The wagon was originally used in the Three Creek area and was restored by the family.
23) Don Cant, Middleton, ID
Don Cant is driving his miniature horse, Moe.
24) Lois Cant, Middleton, ID
Lois Cant is driving a miniature horse named Blue.
25) Jerome High School Ambush of Tigers Marching Unit, Jerome, ID
The Jerome High School Ambush of Tigers Marching Unit has performed and competed throughout the Western United States over the past several years. They are led today by drum majors Sabra Cain and Katie Sparks, and color guard captain Casey Clark. Their parade music today includes "The Magnificent Seven," "Pretty Fly," the two JHS fight songs and their signature rendition of "Louie Loui." The Ambush of Tigers and the Jerome Music Boosters would like to express their appreciation to the Wagon Days committee and the Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau for their continued support of music education in our schools through their sponsorship of our marching unit today.
26) Arielle Haagen, Ketchum, ID
Arielle Haagen is escorting a miniature horse wagon pulled by community service dog Tucker, Ketchum's friendliest Rottweiller. In the wagon is Jack, a blue-eyed Boston terrier.
27) Fred and Penny Hodges Studebaker Collection, Buhl, ID
This is a single haflinger filly, named Cindy pulling a Studebaker elliptic spring buggy found in Iowa and restored by Fred Hodges and Gary Snow of Snow's Carriage Works. Owned and driven by Penny Studebaker Hodges.
28) Yellowstone Stage, Ketchum, ID
Riding in this original Yellowstone stage are members of the Sun Valley Youth Hockey Team. This original and restored Yellowstone stage spent most of its working life at Yellowstone National Park. It's part of the Hook Draw Collection and is pulled by Russ Anderson and his fine team.
29) Hook Draw Mud Wagon, Ketchum, ID
Mud Wagon Stages were used on the unimproved trails of the Mountain West. This original spent most of its working life in Montana, and paraded in Great Falls in the early 1920s with Will Rogers riding. Russ Anderson and his fine team pull the Mud Wagon.
30) Concord Stage, Ketchum, ID
The Concord stage is part of the Hook Draw collection. Up front is a beautiful 4-up team of Percherons owned and driven by Jim Barton of the Bar B Ranch, Carey, Idaho.
31) Blaine County Democrats, Ketchum, ID
Blaine County Democrats: Chair Gini Ballou with County Commissioners Larry Schoen, Tom Bowman and Angenie McCleary. Walking alongside are state Reps. Wendy Jaquet and Donna Pence.
32) The Old Frontier Gang, Hailey, ID
Originally called the Hailey Hellers, the Old Frontier Gang has been in existence for more than 41 years. The coach was built in New Hampshire by the firm of Abbott and Downing. It ran passengers from Henry's Lake to West Yellowstone. The coach is about 116 years old. The horses are matched Belgian draft horses owned by Lawrence and Joyce Edwards of Carey.
33) Randy Patterson for state Senate District 25, Carey, ID
Riding in this vis-a-via is Randy Patterson, candidate for state Senate District 25. Randy is the current mayor of Carey, Idaho. He is a member of the Constitutional Party, and would appreciate your vote. Driving this vis-a-via is Shelby Hansen of Sagebrush Belgians. The horse is Blonde.
34) The Pioneer Salon Sun Valley, ID
Mountain men, rugged individualists, risk takers, explorers and entrepreneurs all represent the frontier spirit of the Old West. Modern-day pioneers seek the seasons, clean air, pure water, small-town friendliness and the challenge to change. Today the Pioneer Saloon is typical of an earlier Idaho when ore wagons rattled down Main Street and business was done with a handshake and a drink. Natural woods, mounted game and period firearms help recreate an authentic saloon atmosphere. If you haven't been to the Pioneer Saloon, you haven't been to Ketchum.
35) Women in Time, Caldwell, ID
Pulling this meadowbrook cart makes hitching for women a breeze. A 12-year-old quarter horse mare is the chosen one for the job. Also, an escort known as an outrider rides for safety in earlier days as well as today.
36) Pete Smith Tribute
37) Carolyn Phillips, Buhl, ID
Carolyn Phillips is driving a meadowbrook cart pulled by a 4-year-old Morgan-Arabian.
38) Monte Piquet, Idaho Falls, ID
This six-up Hackney pony hitch wagon has 43 mirrors. Monte Piquet is the owner and driver, and Doyal Howles is riding shotgun.
39) Meridian High School Warrior Marching Band, Meridian, ID
The Meridian High School Band has a long tradition of excellence in performance. First organized in 1908, it is this year looking to carry the tradition of great music into the next 100 years. The band has won numerous awards in recent years, including a second-place award in the Reno Extravaganza of Bands, a second place in the Bridgerland Band Festival in Logan, Utah, and third place in the Treasure Valley Festival of Bands in Caldwell, Idaho, and the District III Band Competition in Boise. It has consistently received excellent and superior ratings at regional concert festivals. The band is led by drum majors Stephanie Hartley and Amanda Wilder. Greg Felton and Samantha Kelsay are the band directors. Premier Resorts is the sponsor of the Warrior Marching Band.
40) Mini Team and Wagon, Jerome, ID
Two mini horses, Sis and Granny, are pulling a mini buckboard. Driving is Dick Hensley and riding is Janice.
41) Sutter for House, Shoshone, ID
As a Republican running for House seat 25B against Donna Pence, Alex Sutter promotes individual and state's rights, strong, responsible economic growth and innovative, quality education. Learn more about Alex Sutter's campaign at SutterforHouse.com.
42) Wood River High School Cheerleaders, Hailey, ID
43) Amita Smith, Bliss, ID
Two Percherons and a people wagon.
44) Steve Riccabona, Ketchum, ID
Steve Riccabona is the owner of Riccabona's Fine Dining in Ketchum. He is also the owner of two beautiful black Peruvian pasos. Steve rides both Rudy and Misty in the high trails around the valley. Today, Steve is riding Rudy, the big black. Rudy is 8 years old and is a real high-stepping Peruvian paso. The saddle on Rudy is an antique saddle originally used in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, Calif., and dates to 1950. Joining Steve and riding Misty is Bob Brand, owner of the Third Floor Salon in Hailey. Misty is also a Peruvian paso. She is 11 years old and has a quick step and is great on the trails.
44) Wood River Community YMCA, Ketchum, ID
Our next entry is the Wood River Community YMCA, a proud sponsor of Wagon Days. The mission of the Wood River Community YMCA is to build strong kids, strong families and a strong community through programs that develop the whole person in spirit, mind and body.
45) The Inn at Ellsworth Estate, Hailey, ID
The Inn at Ellsworth Estate presents "bed and breakfast for all!" Innkeeper Roni is driving a cart pulled by her 16-year-old quarter horse gelding, Radar. The cart pulls the float of the Inn at Ellsworth Estate Bed & Breakfast. The inn is a historic, nine-room bed and breakfast located on 2.5 park-like acres in Hailey. Each room is equipped with a TV as well as a private bath. Common areas include a living room with a fireplace, a dining room large enough to accommodate 22 guests, a study with a TV and lots of books and a wrap-around porch to enjoy our wonderful Idaho weather. Innkeepers Roni and Vincent invite you to come down and tour the inn. It's a great place to have an event, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or recommend to family and friends from out of town.
46) Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Hailey, ID
The 14th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival will be held Oct. 8-10. Riding on the wagon are board members and volunteers, showing their support for this unique festival celebrating our history, heritage and culture. It's Idaho living history!
47) Black Bart, Kimberly, ID
Clark Higley, riding as Black Bart on his "wonder horse" Max, a registered Tennessee walker from the Four Horse Stables in Kimberly.
48) Montana Mountain Express-Madison 08, Ennis, MT
All the way from Ennis, Mont., here comes the Montana Mountain Express. Robert Fosnot is at the lines with his Halflinger mules, Butte and Bannock. This newly restored 1880s mountain spring wagon was used to transport passengers from hotels to the rail stations outside of Yellowstone National Park. This true piece of American history once again comes to life in this parade.
48) Ketchum Firefighters Local 4758, Ketchum, ID
Taking part in a time-honored tradition dating back to 1954, the Ketchum professional firefighters are helping to raising money for muscular dystrophy. Please help us answer the call to "fill the boot" in support of Jerry's kids.
49) The Fiddlers, Bellevue, ID
This good-old entry was made possible by the support of Clear Creek Disposal, a Wagon Days sponsor. The fiddlers have been a part of Wagon Days for many years. You can hear them play tomorrow morning at the pancake breakfast.
50) Black Jack Ketchum Shootout Gang, Hailey, ID
The Black Jack Ketchum Shootout Gang extends their sincerest thanks to their clients, fans and supporters—your generous donations have made it possible for them to continue entertaining you each and every year. The cast members of the Black Jack Shootout Gang are all volunteers. They practice all year round. Aston Hotels and Resorts Sun Valley, a Wagon Days sponsor, has provided the support to make this entry possible.
51) Black Jack Ketchum, Twin Falls, ID
The outlaw Blackjack Ketchum on his pinto whose name also happens to be Blackjack (wouldn't you know it).
52) Dreamerz Carriage Co., Twin Falls, ID
A team of Belgians and a rustic, Amish-made wagon with Willie Bernier driving team and wagon. Teri Adams is driving a single-horse, Percheron-drawn carriage. Both rigs are available throughout Idaho for rent for any occasion such as weddings, family reunions, etc. Gift certificates are also available.
53) Gold Dust Rodeo Royalty, Meridian, ID
Gold Dust Rodeo in fabulous Idaho City is proud to be represented by Queen Cathy Jo, Princess Randi Jo and Pee Wee Queen Maddie Backus. Both girls are active in other events such as EhCapa Bareback Riders, 4-H, reigning and pleasure riding. Please join us the last weekend in June for some of the best rodeo action in the mountains.
54) Caldwell Night Rodeo Queen, Nampa, ID
Caldwell Night Rodeo Queen Jenna Greenwood is riding her paint-quarter horse cross, Stormy. Caldwell Night Rodeo is one of the top 20 RRCA rodeos in the nation!
55) Ten Mile Riding Club Royalty, Boise, ID
The Ten Mile Riding Club is a family club with the emphasis on family. Eleven-year-old Alexis Rigby is the club princess and she is riding her 17-plus-hand thoroughbred named Butte. Alexis loves horses and school. Brittany Rigby is 17 and is the club queen. Brittany is riding her national show horse, Joy. Brittany loves horses and rodeo and has an interest in cute cowboys.
56) Ten Mile Riding Club, Kuna, ID
Ten Mile Riding Club is one of the oldest family riding clubs in the Boise valley. It was established in 1947 and has been continually active for 63 years. The club offers a wide variety of horse-related activities such as trail rides, parading, field meets and shows.
57) Snake River Stampede, Nampa, ID
Welcome the Snake River Stampeders Night Light Drill Team! The Snake River Stampeders, brainchild of Jimmi Hurley, are a precision drill team that performs each night of the Snake River Stampede and have performed at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, as well as the Olympics in Salt Lake City. Each rider and horse is lit with hundreds of tiny lights, making them the most unique drill team in the country. The volunteer riders consist of current and former rodeo queens, barrel racers, amateur reiners and women who love to ride and love the Snake River.
99) Ketchum-Warm Springs Riding Club, Sun Valley, ID
The Ketchum-Warm Springs Riding Club, known by some as the supper club, is one of the oldest riding clubs in Idaho. It was formed in the 1950s to keep horses in shape for hunting season. The club is a local group of trail riders, most of whom come from south of Ketchum nowadays. They have a mix of horses, no dues and meet every Wednesday night in Adams Gulch. Riding today are the Mills, Federkos, Schernthanners, Hazeltons and friends. The Ketchum-Warm Springs Riding Club has been escorting the Big Hitch for 52 years.
99) City of Ketchum Water Wagon, Ketchum, ID
The water wagon and commissary was used to carry water for the mules and men on journeys across the plains and desert. The wagon is pulled by a team owned and driven by Bob Tomaski from Montana.
100) City of Ketchum Big Hitch, Bishop, CA
As always, the best for last. The grand finale to the Wagon Days Parade, the Big Hitch. These six original Lewis Fast Freight Line ore wagons were originally used to transport ore from the mountains that surround our valley. These wagons traversed the dangerous 12-percent-grade Trail Creek Summit. The Horace Lewis family donated the wagons to the city of Ketchum. Pulling the wagon is a 20-draft-mule jerk line, driven by professional mule skinner Bobby Tanner of Bishop, Calif., assisted by his crew, Ivan Swaner and brakemen Tim Deckard, Shaun Mahoney, Jesse Deckard and Ryan Eittreim. Please keep quiet as the hitch passes as the mules must be able to hear voice commands.
A horse-drawn carriage hearkens back to Ketchum’s early years. Photo by Mountain Express
