Friday, August 30, 2013

Who?s riding in the big parade?

This year?s entries, including the Big Hitch


1)  Ketchum Police Department:
Beginning the Wagon Days Parade are riders Lorraine Wilcox and Curt Plassmeyer. They are representing the Ketchum Police Department. The Ketchum Police Department works hand in hand with the Wagon Days committee year-round to ensure a safe parade. Thank you Ketchum police!


2)  American Glory Flag Team:
The American Glory Flag Team travels to rodeos and parades presenting the greatest flag on earth. They are honored to present the POW/MIA flag donated by the Bowe Bergdahl family. Please take moment to remember all those who serve our great country. They also fly the Idaho state flag. We are so happy to be part of the Wagon Days parade. Thank you for your patriotism.


3)  David Ketchum American Legion Post 115:
The David 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.


4)  2013 Wagon Days Grand Marshal Leonard “Bud” Purdy
The city of Ketchum and Wagon Days are honored to recognize the profound impact of Leonard N. “Bud” Purdy by naming him as the 2013 Wagon Days Grand Marshal. It is a great honor for us to be able to acknowledge the lifelong contributions of Mr. Purdy, an Idaho legend and true leader in our community. Many of the Wood River Valley’s important nonprofit organizations have been considerably enhanced by the efforts of Purdy. He is respected not only for his ranching skills, business acumen and environmental values, but also for his ability to look to the future. Purdy is the best ambassador of a lifestyle and culture that Idaho and the West hope to preserve.


5)  Lt. Gov. Brad Little:
Idaho’s lieutenant governor, Brad Little, is proud to join in the celebration of the 55th anniversary of Wagon Days. Accompanying the lieutenant governor is Idaho Rep. Steve Miller. Together they salute the expertise and courage of the emergency responders who defeated the Beaver Creek Fire, as well as the resiliency and unity of the residents of the Wood River Valley. Lt. Gov. Little would also like to extend congratulations to this year’s grand marshal, Bud Purdy, a good friend of many years and a priceless asset to the Wood River Valley and Idaho.


6)  City of Ketchum:
The 55th 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, his daughter Adee, and Councilman Michael David 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 Aug. 2, 1880. The first load of ore was carried from the Elkhorn mine to the railroad at Kelton, Utah.


7)  City of Sun Valley:
Riding in the city of Sun Valley’s carriage is the mayor of Sun Valley, Dwayne Briscoe, and Leslie Little. 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 1900s.


8)  The Blaine County Museum’s Heritage Court:
This entry is sponsored by Atkinsons’ Market. This is the 10th anniversary of the Blaine County Historical Museum’s Heritage Court. These ladies have all been a big part of the heritage of Blaine County. We are proud to honor the following ladies: Laren Price is named to the Court by the Hailey Chamber of Commerce. She and her husband were early supporters of the Hospice of the Wood River Valley. She enjoys bike riding, family outings and her backyard hummingbird feeders. Dolly Collier has been nominated to the Heritage Court by the Bellevue Historical Society. Dolly, a masterful cake decorator, has been very active in the 4-H program, teaching cake decorating and cooking with dairy products. Mary Green is the choice of the Carey Senior Connection. She served as county clerk for 12 years and has also been active on the Carey Cemetery Board and the city’s Planning and Zoning board. Mary is an enthusiastic horsewoman. Wendy Collins, chosen by the Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society, is a minister and animal enthusiast who has lived in the valley for 42 years. Among her many volunteer activities, she teaches skeet shooting to kids in 4-H. Bill Sherbine is the driver of the Amish buggy. Mick and Mack are his horses.  


9)  Americanas:
This entry is made possible through the sponsorship of Remax/River Run Realty and the Idaho Mountain Express. 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, D.C., three times and have performed at the Rose Parade.


10)  Wagon Days 2013 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. Businesses listed on the banner are our Mule Skinner Sponsors: A.C. Houston Lumber, Anderson Asphalt Paving, Iconoclast Books, the Pioneer Saloon, Lawson & Laski, Live Audio Productions, Power Engineers, Silver Creek Outfitters, Smiley Creek Lodge, Success Management, Sun Valley Garden Center, Sun Valley Title, Sun Valley Window Cleaning, T’s and Temptations, The Toy Store, and Wood River Insurance.
    Our Team Driver Sponsors and Wagon Master Sponsors are highlighted with individual signage in the parade. Thank you to our local businesses for your support.


11) Burley High School Bobcat Band:
This entry is made possible through the support of Sun Valley Sotheby’s International Realty. This is the Burley High School Marching Band under the new direction of Douglas “Dusty” Fisher. Debuting their new uniforms of forest green, silver and black, they are excited to continue the esteemed tradition of performing in the Big Hitch Parade. They are marching to the “Burley High School Fight Song” and “A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz.”


12) Rebecca’s Private Idaho and World Bicycle Relief.


13) Ralphie the Camel:
The support of Sun Valley Associates has helped to make this entry possible. Jeral and Jenine Williams with Ralphie the Camel and their latest addition to the family.


14) Wood River High School cheerleaders.


15) 16th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival:
This entry is made possible through the generous sponsorship of High Country Resort Properties. The annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival is coming October 10-13 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 Rodney Jones.


15) Intermountain Pro Rodeo Finals:
A big thank you to the Sawtooth Rangers and IMPRA for supporting the Wagon Days celebration as a sponsor! Intermountain Pro Rodeo Queen Hunter Rackham and queen contestants. Come to the rodeo tonight and tomorrow night starting at 4 p.m. 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.


16) Mighty Minis:
This entry is made possible through the generous of Analytical Laboratories. The Mighty Minis perform in parades through out the West. Randy Roberts is driving a 12-up team of mini mules.


17) Ketchum Firefighters Local 4758:
This entry is possible through support of Root Sports and Cox Communications. Taking part in a time-honored tradition dating back to 1954, the Ketchum Professional Firefighters Local 4758 and Wood River Firefighters Local 4923 are helping to raise money for muscular dystrophy. Riding on the firefighters’ wagon are firefighters’ family members and local children diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. They are here today to help the firefighters raise awareness and money for The Muscular Dystrophy Association. Your generous donations have allowed local children to attend weeklong camps where they get to meet other children like themselves, compare stories and have fun. Your donations also provide funds for special equipment that is so necessary for children suffering from muscular dystrophy. The Ketchum and Wood River firefighters would like to thank you for your donations that make such a huge difference in the lives of these children. The firefighters would also like to express their appreciation on behalf of the entire firefighting community for all the support they have received while fighting the Beaver Creek Fire. Please help the Ketchum and Wood River firefighters’ FILL THE BOOT for Jerry’s Kids.


18) Sen. Michelle Stennett:
Sen. Michelle Stennett is proud and honored to serve the Wood River Valley. She thanks everyone for their kindness and support.


20) Blaine County Democrats:
Dist. 26 Rep. Donna Pence,  Blaine County Commissioner Angenie McCleary,  Blaine County Democratic Party Vice President Brent Robinson,  Blaine County Democratic Party Secretary Bev Robinson,  Blaine County Democratic Precinct Captain Jima Rice,  Blaine County Democratic Party Leg. Chair Betty Murphy.


21) Spirit of Ketchum Iditarod 2014:
Classic dog sled pulled by the “Mighty Shibas.”


22) Jerome High School Ambush of Tigers Marching Unit:
This entry is made possible through the support of Mountain West Bank. 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.


23) Ms. Idaho Senior America:
This entry is made possible through the support of Bigwood Bread. 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, N.J.


24) EhCapa Bareback Riders:
This entry is made possible through the support of Lunceford Excavation. The EhCapa Bareback Riders are a group of youth ages 8 through 19. They have developed a unique relationship with their horses based on sound horsemanship principles. They control their horses with leg cues, their voices, and a one-inch wide leather strap around the horse’s neck known as the tack rein. EhCapa believes that when a young person learns to build trust in the horses they love, the results can be remarkable. The clubs style is reminiscent of the Native American Indians. The organization rides in the hope of bringing honor to the Native Americans from their beautiful handmade clothing to the traditional native symbols painted on their horses.


25) NAMI—Wood River Valley:
NAMI—Wood River Valley’s mission is to improve the quality of life for all those affected by mental illness and to become recognized as Wood River Valley’s voice on mental illness in terms of education, advocacy, and support; and to bridge the gap between urban and rural mental health services. NAMI-WRV provides education and advocates for effective prevention, diagnosis, treatment, community support, research and recovery. The purpose of NAMI-WRV is to enable those who have mental illness to obtain equal opportunities in medical care, social life, economic security, and spiritual life; to provide support for those who have mental illness and their families; and to cooperate with existing organizations who serve the needs of the mentally ill.


26) The Papoose Club and Old Time Fiddlers:
A big thank you to the Papoose Club for supporting Wagon Days with their event and partnership! The fiddlers have been a part of Wagon Days for many years. Get a hearty start to Wagon Days weekend at Papoose Club’s annual Pancake Breakfast, featuring music from the Old Time Fiddlers. This favorite local event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1. and Sunday, Sept. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon at Ketchum Town Square. Volunteers from 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.


27) WW Mules:
Custom built rubber-tired hitch wagon with newly added cover used in shows, parades and wagon trains.  The wagon is pulled by two gray molly mules who are full sisters out of quarterhorse mare.


28) Jose Luis Heredia:
Jose Luis presenting some of the Mexican culture “floreo de la reata” (rope tricks) on his horse Diamante.


29) Bruce and Sunny Bradshaw:
Bruce and Sunny Bradshaw from Marsing, Idaho. We love riding in parades carrying our American and Idaho state flags. Thank you all for coming out and waving and smiling at us, and thank you Ketchum and Big Hitch Parade coordinators for this fun parade.


30) High Country Peruvian Pasos:
The Peruvian Paso is a 400-year-old breed of horse and is considered one of the smoothest gaited horses in the world, making them the “champagne” of gaited horses. The gait is genetically passed along to all of their offspring.  


31) The Stanley Cart:
An orignial Mormon handcart. The cart was originally built by Chancey Webb in 1856. In 1857, it followed the immigration train from Salt Lake to Independence, Ore. The family settled in Monmouth, Ore., and in 1905 came to Idaho to homestead. The cart is owned by the Tony Clapier family of Rupert, Idaho.


32) Champagne Wagon:
A champage wagon from the Champagne Mine, just north of Craters of the Moon. It has been across the continent twice. It is owned and driven by Tony Clapier of Rupert, Idaho.  


33) Country Folk:
Entered is a 4-year-old grulla mare for her first Wagon Days parade with half sister black mare.


34) Blaine County 4H:
Thank you to Picabo Livestock for making this entry possible with their sponsorship. Riding in these Wagons are members of Blaine County 4H.


35) Just Hitched:
We had so much fun in last year’s parade as “Going Courtin’” that we decided our encore would be “Just Hitched.”


36) New Sheriff in Town:
Rudy the Kid is being brought in by a team of miniature horses named Mounty and Noble. They are 10 and 16 years old and are proudly owned by the sheriff, Debbie Hook, of McCammon, Idaho. The little saddle horse is Pistol Annie and she is 3 years old.


37) Covered Wagon:
From McCammon, Idaho, a team of Haflinger mares named Dixie and Naughty Dottie. They are owned by Jim and Debbie Hook. The wagon was built by Jim Hook.


38) Silvia Lockyer:
Xena the warrior princess and her mighty steed, Ace. A 13-year-old registered miniature paint gelding. Ace is pulling a one-of-a-kind chariot made especially for him. Ace is owned and driven by Silvia Lockyer.


39) Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation & Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum:
Thank you to Rocky Mountain Hardware for their sponsorship of Wagon Days. Their generousity has allowed us to present this entry.


40) U.S. Cavalry Association 1st Calvalry:
1917 Riders of the Ist Cavalry Co. A representing the U.S. Cavalry Association, Fort Riley, Kansas.


41) Black Peruvian Pasos:
 These two beautiful black Peruvian Paso horses live and play right here in Sun Valley. The big gelding is named Rudy and was born in San Antonio, Texas. He was moved to the area 10 years ago. Rudy’s rider is Steve Riccabona, one time restauranteur who now is a special agent for Keller Williams Real Estate Sun Valley. The little mare is Misty. Misty was born here in Carey, Idaho, and is a sweetheart to ride. Misty is being ridden by Lesley Elliott, from Newport Beach, Calif., soon to be Steve’s daughter-in-law. These horses are naturally gaited, providing the riders a smooth comfortable ride. They are bright and show a lot of personality. Peruvian Pasos were originally bred in Peru by ranchers that had to travel many miles each day and they needed a comfortable riding horse. Rudy and Misty enjoy a parade, but they really love to walk the trails high into the mountains and run on the dirt roads around the rivers.  If you ever get a chance to ride a Peruvian Paso, take it. You will enjoy the experience.  


42) Renee and John:
John and Renee Smith driving a team of Haflingers. This team was originally trained by the Amish people in Iowa.


43) Easy Entry Cart, pulled by Don Cant:
Don Cant, of Middleton, Idaho, easy entry cart, pulled by a miniature horse, named Moe.


44) Miniature Horse & Wooden Wheel Cart, driven by Lois Cant:
 An Iowa-built Wooden Wheel Cart pulled by Blue.


45) Frontier Communications:
A 100-year-old restored doctor’s buggy pulled by Dollar, a Blazer.


46) Minidoka County Queen:
Minidoka County Fair and Rodeo Queen.


47) 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 118 years old. Pulling the coach are a pair of percherons, named Joe and Benjamin, owned by Eric and Richard Barney.  


48) Across the River Horse Ranch:
Clydesdales under saddle.


49) The Blues Jean Bar:
Your premier place for men and women’s designer denim. Over 20 different brands to choose from.


50) Miss Rodeo Idaho 2013:
Erica is the First Lady of Rodeo for the state of Idaho. She is Miss Rodeo Idaho 2013. She is riding her beautiful palomino paint, Rex. Erica will be competing for Miss Rodeo America 2014 this December in Las Vegas, Nev. She hopes to bring home the crown to the great state of Idaho!


51) Smokey the Bear:
Thank you to St. Luke’s Wood River and the St. Luke’s Foundation for their support of this year’s Wagon Days parade. Their sponsorship has made this entry and others like it possible. 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 campsite 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.


52) Phillips Dead End Ranch’s—Amazin Grace:
Amazin Grace is an 8-year-old Standardbred mare from Keith Willey Standardbred Farm in California. She is pulling a Tillsbury Gigi.


53) Vale Fourth of July Rodeo Queen:
Cathy Jo Ruby is proud to represent the Vale Fourth of July Rodeo as their 100th Rodeo Queen! She is the representative of the rodeo for their Centennial Year in 2014. She is always found adorning her patriotism in red, white and blue. Please come to Vale, Ore., to help us celebrate our 100th anniversary July 2nd through the 5th in 2014!


54) Meridian Lions Rodeo Royalty:
The Meridian Lions Rodeo Royalty Court consists of Allysity Albrecht, Teen Queen, riding her Dun Paint “Prince,” and Aubry Hillman, Mini Queen, riding her Bay horse “Rev.” They would like to invite you to their rodeo, Sept. 28 and 29, in Meridian, Idaho.


55) Sun Valley Ice Show Kids:
These adorable young boys and girls are cast members of the world famous Sun Valley Ice Show. A long-standing summer tradition, the ice shows feature world and Olympic champions.


56) Ketchum/Sun Valley Rotary Club:
The Ketchum/Sun Valley Rotary Club is a proud sponsor of Wagon Days. Follow us after the parade for the annual Rotary Duck Race!


57) Oakley Pioneer Days Princess:
Sam Beck is the 2014 Oakley Pioneer Days Princess. She is the 14-year-old daughter of Ken and Carla Beck from Burley.


58) Cassia County Fair & Rodeo Queen 2014:
Margi Hawkes is the new fair and rodeo queen for 2013-2014 representing Cassia County.


59) Cassia County Fair and Rodeo Princess:
Samantha Jarolimek is the new Cassia County Fair and Rodeo princess for 2013-2014.


60) Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo Teen Queen:
 Tristin Hendricks, Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo Teen Queen.


61) Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo Princess:
Ashlyn Hill, Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo Princess.


62) Lincoln County Queen & Lost n Lava Outrider:
Cara Malone, the daughter of Ron and Kay Malone. She is a sophomore at Jerome High School. She likes to ride horses, play basketball and archery hunt.


63) Hook Draw Collection—The Concord Stage:
Abbot Downey Concord stages were most commonly used on transcontinental runs, changing horses every 20 miles. A grueling 15-mile-per-hour ride for the passengers. The coach is pulled a team owned and driven by Rodney Jones, of McCammon, Idaho.


64) Rau Construction:
Two horseback riders promoting Rau Construction.


65) Ten Mile Riding Club Parade Group:
Ten Mile Riding Club was founded in 1948 and today is over 100 members strong. TMRC is a nonprofit organization with members who enjoy sharing their love of horses through most all types of riding activities. TMRC members are of all ages and riding abilities and everyone is welcome. To learn more, please visit www.TMRCBoise.org.


98) City of Ketchum Water Wagon:
The support of this entry is made possible by the Casino. Head over to the Casino after the parade for music from Old Death Whisper. 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.


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 Warm Spring Riding Club rides 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 Fourth 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 25-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.  

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 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 jerkline, driven by professional muleskinner Bobby Tanner of Bishop, Calif., 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 Jesse Deckard.
    Please keep quiet as the hitch passes, as the mules must be able to hear voice commands.




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