 The Big Hitch, the highlight of the annual Wagon Days Big Hitch Parade, turns onto Main Street from Sun Valley Road.
Express file photo |
1) Ketchum Police Department
Beginning the Wagon Days Parade are riders Lorraine Wilcox, Lisa Harkins, and Curt Plassmeyer. They are representing the Ketchum Police Department.
2) David Ketchum American Legion Post 115
The Sam Ketchum Post, consisting of 240 veterans, supports the Wood River community in its educational, athletic, and charitable activities. A major emphasis is working with our women’s auxiliary on rehabilitation programs for returning Middle East veterans.
3) American Glory Flag Team
The American Glory Flag team travels to rodeos and parades presenting the greatest flag on earth. We are honored to bring along the POW/MIA flag donated by the Bowe Bergdahl family.
May we all take a moment to remember all that serve our great country. We also fly the Idaho state flag thankful we live in this beautiful land. We are so happy to be part of the Wagon Days parade. Thank you for your patriotism.
4) 2012 Wagon Days Grand Marshal Mary Jane Conger
The City of Ketchum and the Wagon Days Committee honor resident Mary Jane Conger as the 2012 Grand Marshal. She was born in Ketchum. Mary Jane has served as an integral part of the community.
She has served on the Ketchum Planning and Zoning Board and helped to write the county’s first comprehensive land use plan. She has served on the Cemetery Board and is a founding member of the Sun Valley/Ketchum Ski and Heritage Museum. Thank you Mary Jane for your service.
5) City of Ketchum
The 54th 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. Members of the Ketchum City Council and Mayor Randy Hall are riding in the historic Lewis Family Coach.
The Coach was gifted to the City of Ketchum along with the Lewis Big Hitch, featured in our parade today. Horace Lewis began the “Ketchum Fast Freight Line” soon after the town was founded on August 2, 1880. The first load of ore was carried from the Elkhorn mine to the railroad at Kelton, Utah.
6) City of Sun Valley
Riding in the City of Sun Valley’s carriage is the Mayor of Sun Valley Dwayne Briscoe and City Council members. This John Deere carriage dates from around 1900 and was restored to its original condition by Wayne Orvick of Wood River Carriage Works.
The carriage was purchased by the City of Sun Valley along with a sleigh. The carriage was originally used to transport guests at the old Geyer Hot Springs Resort in the early 1900’s.
7) The Blaine County Museum’s Heritage Court
The Heritage Court is a program of the Blaine County Historical Museum. It honors women who have, through the years, contributed to the history and heritage of the county.
Ann Christensen has been active in environmental education for the ERC and the Community Library. The Wood River Land Trust named her to the Heritage Court to honor her for sharing her joy in the natural world through hands-on teaching.
Mary Ann Knight recently retired from a career as a dental assistant. For years she’s been active in 4-H and the Sawtooth Rangers. The Papoose Club has named her to the Court. For years Mary Ann has helped Bill Sherbine handle the team in this parade. This year, however, she’s riding in the carriage as royalty.
Mary Peterson grew up in the north end of Carey, where she helped on the family farm. She’s a lifetime member of the PTA and active in 4-H, the Legion Auxiliary, the Idaho Wool Growers, and her church. The Blaine County 4-H Leaders Council nominated her to the Court.
Marsha Riemann was named to the Court by the Kiwanis Club. She worked for various offices of Blaine County, including the Sheriff’s department and as County Clerk. In the 1990s, Marsha served on the Bellevue City Council. She’s now on the boards of Blaine Manor and the Hailey Cemetery.
The Amish buggy is owned and driven by Bill Sherbine. The horses, Dick and Dan, are Morgan and Percheron cross.
8) Earl & Carol Holding
Riding in a 1863 Landeau covertable 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 thank the Holdings for their generous support of our historic parade.
9) Americanas
The Americanas have been performing for 30 years and have done over 400 performances. Throughout the years they have had over 400 riders. They have been to Washington DC three times and have performed at the Rose Parade.
10) Wagon Days 2012 Sponsors
Wagon Days is made possible by the support of the City of Ketchum, a dedicated volunteer group, and the financial support of our generous sponsors.
The Wagon Days Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors. Each of these businesses has contributed to the success of Wagon Days and it could not be held each year without them. They make this wonderful event possible.
11) Burley High School Bobcat Band
For over thirty-three years, the Burley High School Bobcat Band has been one of the largest and most consistent student organizations at Burley High School.
For the last thirty-one of those years the band has been proud to have marched in the Wagon Days Parade. During those years over 3,000 students have been part of The Bobcat Band. In that time period the band has never had a year without Superior Ratings at Concert, Jazz and Marching Festivals.
Many years there have been multiple Superior Ratings (2011-2012: 12 Superior Ratings). Each year the Bobcat Band performs many times both in and out of Idaho. 2011-2012 saw over 75 performances.
The Color Guard advisor is Tina Cook and the Cheerleader advisor is Cindy Shaw. Drum Majors for the Band are: Spencer Atkins, Brooklyn Winn and Erika Robinson. Color Guard Captians are: Marquita Torrez, Lisa Pena and Mary Higley. Cheerleader Captain is Madison Smith.
12) Wood River High School Cheerleaders
The Wood River High School Cheerleaders are accomplishing a lot this summer with Superior rankings at summer camp, invitations to London to perform at the New Year’s Day parade, and offers to perform at the ProBowl in Hawaii as well as the Capital One Bowl in Orlando.
WRHS Wolverines are coached by Amanda Ornelas, Amber Staple, and Jane Lopez. Coach Amanda tells us that this team is one of the most talented and hardest working teams she’s ever coached. Give it up for your local Wolverines!
13) Senator Michelle Stennett
Idaho State Senator Michelle Stennett. She represents District 25. Senator Stennett has lived in the Wood River Valley for over 25 years.
14) Blaine County Democrats
The Blaine County Democrats with Chair Gini Ballou, husband Crash Ballou and their grandson Stephen. Supporting Idaho people and Idaho values, it’s the Blaine County Democrats!
15) 15th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival is coming October 11th-14th in Sun Valley, Ketchum and Hailey. This unique event includes three days of nonstop activities celebrating our colorful history, heritage and culture of sheepherding and sheep ranching in Idaho and the West.
Sheep wagons like this one are still used by sheepherders during the summer grazing season in the high mountains.
The wagons are self-contained and include a cook stove, bed, lots of storage and everything needed to live in the mountains while caring for herds of sheep. The driver is Max Keller.
16 and 17) Tegernsee (TAY-GERN-ZAY) Sister City Group
For 32 years, Ketchum has been sister city to Tegernsee, an intimate village in Bavaria, Germany. Riding in these two wagons are participants in the Sister City exchange program.
 Displays of patriotism are a common theme in the Wagon Days parade.
Express file photo |
18) EhCapa Bareback Riders
The EhCapa Bareback Riders are riders aged 8 to 19 years old who develop a unique relationship with their horses. They control their horses with leg cues, their voices, and weight, along with a one-inch wide leather strap around the horse’s neck known as a tack rein.
The club was formed in 1956 and they have performed all over the West including British Columbia. Most riders ride for 6 years or more. The horses are of every shape, color, and breed with no specific qualification except that they are trained and loved by the children who ride them.
The club’s style of riding is reminiscent of Native Americans. The name Apache was selected to be spelled in reverse—thus the name EhCapa.
19) WW Mules
Custom-built rubber-tired hitch wagon used in shows and parades. Wagon is pulled by two grey molly mules who are full sisters out of quarterhorse mare.
20) Wilcox Horse and Buggy
An early 1900’s Oil Wagon used in Baker City, Oregon for many years. The oil wagon is owned by Wilcox Horse & Buggy and driven three abreast with three bay mules. The mules are owned and driven by Johnny Stephens of Caldwell, Idaho.
21) Stud Cart
Restored two-wheeled stud cart with leather fly net on a sorrell belgian and quarterhorse cross. Driven by Sylvia Wilcox Vale, Oregon. The passenger is Ima Ray Stephens of Caldwell, ID
22) Wilcox Horse and Buggy
A 1920s Troy Oil Wagon pulled by a team of grey percheron thoroughbreds. Both are owned by Jerry Wilcox of Vale, Oregon.
23) Williams Buffalo
Williams family presents their family bison.
24) Ralphie the Camel
Ralphie is a bactrian camel and is 8 years old. His owners are Jeral and Jenine Williams from Idaho Falls, Idaho.
25) The Papoose Club & The Fiddlers
The fiddlers have been a part of Wagon Days for many years. Get a hearty start to Wagon Days weekend at the Papoose Club’s Annual Pancake Breakfast, featuring the Fiddlers!
This favorite local event will be held on Saturday, September 1 and Sunday, September 2 from 8:00 a.m. to noon at Ketchum Town Square. Volunteers from The Papoose Club—one of the Wood River Valley’s oldest philanthropic organizations—will be dishing up all-you-can-eat pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, juice, and hot coffee.
26) Black Surry with matched spotted draft horses
27) Blaine County Horse 4H
28) Ketchum Firefighters Local 4758
Taking part in a time-honored tradition dating back to 1954, the Ketchum Professional Firefighters are helping to raising money for muscular dystrophy.
29) Hook Draw Collection— The Yellowstone Stage
Riding in this original Yellowstone stage are members of the The Sun Valley Youth Hockey Team. This original and restored Yellowstone stage spent most of its working life at Yellowstone National Park. It is part of the Hook Draw Collection.
It is pulled by mules owned by Russ Anderson of Lava Hot Springs.
30) Hook Draw Collection— The Concord Stage
The Hook Draw Concord Stage is sponsored by the Western Folklife Center which will be having a Local Fund Raiser, Sat. Sept. 29th. For tickets and information contact www.west
ernfolklife.org or 208-622-7318.
The Concord Stages, built by Abbot-Downing, were designed with strips of cured leather strung in pairs to support the body of the coach and enable it to swing back and forth.
This cradle-like motion absorbed the shock of the road, making for a more comfortable ride for the horses as well as the passenger. Russ Anderson of Lava Hot Springs is driving his handsome team of 4-up mules.
31) The Old Frontier Gang
Originally called the “Hailey Hellers,” The Old Frontier Gang has been in existence for over 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 around 117 years old. Pulling the coach is a pair of matched Belguim Draft horses owned by Joyce and Lawerence Edwards of Carey, Idaho.
32) High Country Peruvian Pasos
Peruvian Paso horses are considered to be one of the smoothest gaited horses in the world and guarantee their natural gait to every offspring, making them the “champagne” of gaited horses.
Riders are Cheryl Hymas, Mary Neivens, Sandy & John Flattery, Cindy Lambert, Judith Walker, Elizabeth Tierney, Catherine Fischer, Catherine Thyen, Gabrielle Teirney and Lisa Hughes.
33) Amish Market Wagon
This is a market wagon built by the Amish in Seymour, Missouri. It is being pulled by a team of miniature horses: Mounty, age 9, and Noble, age 15.
Jim and Debbie Hook from McCammon, Idaho are the proud owners.
34) Ten Mile Riding Club Parade Group
Ten Mile Riding Club (TMRC) was founded in 1948 and is over 100 members strong. The club promotes activities for horses and riders of all ages and abilities.
TMRC is based in Kuna, Idaho and provides a club house and riding arena for member and event use. TMRC has something to offer everyone!
To find out more, please visit the club website at www.TMRCBoise.org.
35) Ms. Idaho Senior America
DiAnne Wilson is the Ms Idaho Senior America 2009. She and her husband Clint reside in Caldwell. She was also crowned second runner up in the national pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
36) Frontier Communications
A restored doctor’s buggy.
37) Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation & Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum
Sun Valley Ski Museum, “Celebrating the Past” and The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, “Building strong minds, strong bodies and strong futures!” Riding in the wagon this year are Head Alpine coach, Doran Key, and Sun Valley Ski & Snowboard Team Athletes.
38) Bruce and Sunny Bradshaw
We love parades and proudly carry an American and Idaho State Flag.
39) The Stricker Wagon
“The Stricker Wagon” is owned by Tamara and Suzie Stricker, who inherited the wagon from their father Ed Stricker.
Ed was one of the founders of the Wagon Days parade and used to own the “Wooden Spur” bar on Main Street. You all now know it as Sturtevants ski shop.
This wagon was one of the first taxis in Ketchum and we are happy to put it back in the parade where it belongs. Driving the wagon is Jim Walker with is belgian mules.
In the wagon are Suzie Stricker, her beau, Bob, and Suzie’s son Keegan. The outrider is Bruce Buchanan.
40) Jose and Jose Andalusians
Jose and Jose Andalusians are dedicated to train and promulgate the Andalusian breed, educating their horses acording to the old tradition of charreria. In this way they preserve and practice a cultural tradition more than 400 years old.
41) Miniature Horse and Wooden Wheel Cart, driven by Bailey Cant
Bailey Cant, of Middleton, Idaho, is driving an Iowa-built wooden cart pulled by a miniature horse.
42) Miniature Horse & Wooden Wheel Cart, driven by Lois Cant
An Iowa-built wooden wheeled cart pulled by Blue.
43) Jerome High School Ambush of Tigers Marching Unit
The Jerome High School “Ambush of Tigers” marching unit has performed at countless events and competitions throughout the Western United States, including many consecutive years of appearances here at the Wagon Days parade.
The marching unit is led by Director Sam Stone.
44) Steve England for Blaine County Sheriff
Our next entry is Steve England for Blaine County Sheriff. Steve has 15 years of law enforcement experience, is currently a Lieutenant and Lead Investigator with the Hailey Police Department and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Steve is always giving back by tirelessly volunteering in the community with organizations such as Camp Rainbow Gold and The Advocates; just to name a few.
When elected, Steve will implement programs to improve transparency within your Sheriff’s Office and improve the health and safety of our youth.
When going to the polls this November, vote for integrity, energy, foresight and transparency: VOTE ENGLAND!
45) Carriage—Back to Back Trap
Bob Fosnot brings a parade entry all the way from Ennis, Montana. This beautiful blue and tan Back to Back sporting trap styled from the late 1890s is pulled by a pair of Welsh/Morgan ponies standing 54 inches tall (13’2HH). Bob is the owner of “The Jeffers Inn.” a Bed and Breakfast in South Western Montana near the Madison River, a world famous trout fishing area.
46) Smokey the Bear
Smokey Bear has had a busy summer with all of the fires in the west and there is still a month to go. He wants to remind you to always put your campfires out cold before you leave your camp site and to contact your local ranger station on current fire restictions that are in the area where you plan to camp. Thanks for all your help in putting out your campfires.
47) Red Hat Ladies Day Out
Multiple use covered wagon built by Fred Hodges and Gary Snow (people hauler, camper with bed, stove and rug on the floor).
Penny Hodges is driving a team of Haflingers and taking the ladies for whirl around town.
48) Annie Oakley and crew
After a night of working a preformance for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Annie Oakley headed to local saloon where she befriended a saloon girl and fellow female patron who were tired of the sleepy town. Oakley promised a life of more excitment and invited the girls along to learn her sharp shooting tricks.
Oakley believed strongly that it was crucial for women to learn how to use a gun as not only a form of physical and mental exercise but also to defend themselves.
She said, “I would like to see every woman know how to handle [firearms] as naturally as they know how to handle babies.”
49) Hailey Days of the Old West Rodeo Queen
Miss Hailey Days of the Old West Senior Queen Elizabeth Lockyer from McCammon, Idaho.
50) Silvia Lockyer
Little Bo Peep and her little, lost sheep. Silvia Lockyer is dressed as Little Bo Peep and Ace is an 12 –year-old miniature registered paint gelding dressed as her lost sheep.
51) Goin’ Courtin’
Just like in Idaho’s early years or the movie “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” a young suitor would pick up his pretty date in an open buggy to keep them from getting “distracted” along the way.
52) US Cavalry Association
Members of the US Cavalry Association representing 1860 and 1917 Cavalrymen.
53) Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace is a seven-year-old Standardbred former trotting horse from Willey Farms in California.
54) Monte Piquet
This six-up Hackney pony hitch wagon has 43 mirrors. Monte Piquet is the owner and driver, and Doyal Howles is riding shotgun.
55) Gene Ramsey for Sheriff
Keep Gene Ramsey as Sheriff of Blaine County. Thirty-four years of experience, extensive knowledge of sheriff office operations, and dedication to the community.
56) Foreign Exhange Student Chritine Rigby
Emilie is from Denmark and is riding with her host family “sister” Lexi Rigby. She is having fun learning to be a cowgirl and likes cute cowboys. She will be attending Mountain View High school in Meridian, Idaho this year.
Lexi is a former Rodeo princess and she attends North Jr. High in Boise, Idaho. She plans on competing for rodeo queen and likes cute cowboys too. Both young ladies are excited to be here riding today.
57) Mighty Minis
The mighty minis perform in parades through out the West. Randy Roberts is driving a 12-up team of mini mules.
58) Blaine County Republican Women
The Blaine County Republican Central Committee and Blaine County Republican Women are proud to introduce Steve Miller and Lee Barron, Republican candidates for the two Idaho House of Representative seats in Legislative District #26.
Steve and Lee ask for your vote to return “Common Sense to Government.”
Driving the iron tire freight wagon from the early 1900’s is Tom Peck from Carey, with a team of Belgian mares and a foal in training.
 The Burley High School cheerleaders show off their moves during the parade.
Express file photo |
59) Amita Smith
Guided trail rides, wagon rides, birthday parties, and horse leasing. Across the river horse ranch Bliss, Idaho the place to be if you love horses.
60) Renee and John Smith
John and Renee Smith driving a team of Haflingers. This team was originally trained by the Amish people in Iowa.
61) Write-in Candidate for Blaine County Sheriff Larry Clark
Larry Clark, write-in candidate for Blaine County Sheriff. Larry’s a 20 year Navy Veteran, Desert Storm Veteran and local law enforcement for the last 9 years. Larry is currently the Bellevue Marshal. Larry and his wife Noelle own and operate the Golden Elk Cafe in Hailey.
Remember on November 6: “Don’t count me out, write me in!” Larry Clark Blaine County Sheriff.
62) Jose Luis Heredia
Jose Luis presents a taste of Mexican “floreo de la reata” (Rope tricks) on his horse, Diamante.
63) Black Jack Ketchum Shootout Gang
Riding in this wagon are members of the Black Jack Shootout Gang. This wild bunch of outlaws performs a good old western shoot-out for Wagon Days.
They perform on Friday the 31st on Main Street at 7 p.m., just before the parade begins on Saturday, August 1st and again that that evening on Main Street at 7 p.m.
64) IMPRA National Finals Rodeo
Make your way to Hailey for a bit of rodeo this weekend! Saturday and Sunday the Intermountain Pro Rodeo Association hosts it National Rodeo Finals.
The best of the best will compete for the National Title in Hailey. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for kids!
For more information visit haileyidaho.com.
65) Gold Dust Rodeo Royalty
Idaho City’s Gold Dust Rodeo Royalty escorted by Brody Backus. Gold Dust Rodeo Princess, Molly Huntsinger. Gold Dust Rodeo Pee Wee Queen, Maddie Backus.
66) Cassia County Fair and Rodeo Queen
Max McCammon was recently crowned the 2013 Cassia County Fair and Rodeo Queen. She loves to rodeo, 4-H, Cowboy Mount Shoot, and Extreme Cowboy Race.
Max would like to thank all the men and women who protect our county by volenteering to serve in the Armed Forces.
97) Ketchum/Sun Valley Rotary Club
Great Wagon Days Duck Race is taking place this year right after the parade. Make your way down to Rotary Park for food, music, and fun.
For more information and to purchase a duck call 208-720-8236 or visit rotaryduckrace.com. Cost is $5 per duck, 6 for $25, and 13 for $50.
99) Ketchum-Warm Springs Riding Club
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. This year the the Warm Spring Riding Club ride in honor of one of their founding member Alice Schernthanner. Alice was a remarkable woman, wife, mother, granny, aunt, friend, teacher, and community member.
Her many accomplishments, projects, conversations, and love will have lasting effects on many generations to come, both in her family and in the community at large.
Alice was not only a colorful character, but an important asset to the Ketchum/Sun Valley community for five decades. Alice always enjoyed skiing, playing tennis, biking, camping, riding horses, and upon moving to the valley, she quickly grew into an activist and “local legend”.
As a member of the Papoose Club, Alice was instrumental in starting the Blaine County Schools Ski Program, the Kindercup, and the Pancake Breakfast on Labor Day. Alice was also a local favorite in the Labor Day and 4th of July Parades when riding with the Ketchum/Warm Springs Riding Club and enjoyed many rides, camping trips, and meals with this local club.
She helped coach sports and volunteered her energies to countless events during all the years her children were in the Blaine County School System. Alice also helped start the local recycling program from the back of a semi-truck parked near Hemingway Elementary. Likely some of the most enduring memories of Alice, though, will include her twenty-five plus years working for the Sun Valley Ski School as both instructor and Children’s Program Supervisor.
For her it was perhaps more a love than a job, and Alice touched the lives of both her colleagues and the thousands of children from around the community, country, and world who learned to ski with her help.
99) City of Ketchum Water Wagon
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. The Water Wagon entry is sponsored by the Casino.
100) City of Ketchum Big Hitch
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 twelve 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 jerkline, driven by professional Mule Skinner Bobby Tanner of Bishop California, assisted by his crew, Mr. Ivan Swaner, Wagon Days historian, former Grand Marshal and one of the original Wagon Days committee members and brakeman; Tim Deckard, Ryan Eittreim, Doug McClean, and Shaun Mahoney.
Please keep quiet as the hitch passes! The mules must be able to hear voice commands.
