By Mike McKenna
The Chamber is honored to announce that the Wood River Women’s Foundation is this year’s grand marshal for the annual Hailey Days of the Old West Fourth of July Parade.
The Wood River Women’s Foundation (WRWF) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The nonprofit was founded back in 2005 by a small group of local ladies, led by Barbara Thrasher and Jo Murray. Since that first year, the WRWF has given out nearly $5 million in 294 grants to support local needs of all kinds. In 2025 alone, WRWF awarded $375,000 to 25 different local organizations.
The impacts of these grants are widespread and far-reaching. Just about every aspect of life in and around the Wood River Valley has been positively impacted by the WRWF’s help and support. That’s why the Hailey Fourth of July Committee unanimously voted for the WRWF to be grand marshal for Hailey’s annual Independence Day parade
“It’s such an honor to celebrate the women who’ve made this happen,” Jeannie Shroads, WRWF president, said.
“I think it’s wonderful,” added longtime WRWF member Marcia Liebich. “A lot of us have put a lot of time into this over the years and it’s really nice to be recognized and to celebrate our community and remind people you can make a difference.”
“Time, treasure or talent, any or all, there’s a lot of ways to help,” Barbara said. “In a small community like ours, you can see the difference you’re making.”
Hailey’s iconic Days of the Old West Fourth of July celebration offers events from July 2–6 this year.
The Sawtooth Rangers Rodeo will run from July 2–4. All three nights are likely to sell out and there are no tickets available at the gate. Tickets can be bought in person at any Atkinsons’ Market location or at the Hailey Welcome Center or online at SawtoothRangers.org.
The 142nd Days of the Old West Fourth of July Parade will meander down Main Street in Hailey starting at high noon.
The 10th anniversary of Sawtooth Brewery’s Riverfest will rock the crowd at Hop Porter Park from 1–5 p.m., featuring free live music, kids’ entertainment, food trucks and local beer crafted just up the street.
The Life Church’s 4th Annual Family Fun Fourth community event takes place from 1–4 p.m. at 931 N. River St. Festivities will include food, games, races, waterslides and a pie-eating contest. Find out more at TheLifeChurchSunValley.org.
Fireworks will light up the skies above Hailey at dusk on July Fourth.
Hailey’s 26th Annual Fourth of July Antique Fair will take place July 4–6 at Roberta McKercher Park. The fair features over 50 vendors from across the Northwest, offering unique and collectible antiques, art, jewelry, primitives, pottery and vintage clothing. Find out more by calling Blue Cow Antiques at 208-312-4900. The Wood River Farmers’ Market will also be at Roberta McKercher Park on July 5th.
To find out more, register for the parade or to make a donation to support the fireworks and all the Fourth of July festivities, please go to ValleyChamber.org or visit the Hailey Welcome Center at 781 S. Main St. in Hailey, 208-788-3484.
