Memorial Day weekend will kick off a busy summer season
By Dana DuGan
The traditional start of the summer season will begin this weekend. Family and friends will gather, intrepid campers will head into the mountains, and typical American foods will be consumed.
But reeling it back, this federal holiday was inspired by an unofficial event called Decoration Day. It began on May 1, 1865, when more than 10,000 people—recently freed slaves, black schoolchildren, soldiers and their allies—gathered to decorate graves and have a parade. Its purpose was to honor deceased Union soldiers, held captive in Charleston, S.C., during the Civil War. Black workmen dug up the bodies and reburied them with honors. Gradually, the tradition morphed into Memorial Day to honor all soldiers who died in military service.
In the Wood River Valley and its environs, there will be ample attempts at boating and swimming, barbecues and picnics, music and memorials, hikes, runs, and fishing. In fact, there are a myriad of activities in pursuit of all of the above.
Saturday marks the opening day of fishing at The Nature Conservancy’s Silver Creek Preserve south of Bellevue near Picabo. The event will include a free barbecue at the Visitor Center from 12-2 p.m. Everyone is invited to fish, walk or simply enjoy the preserve, but please leave dogs at home—they are not allowed. To reach Silver Creek Preserve, head south on Highway 75, turn left (east) at the blinking light at Timmerman Hill, and then turn right (south) on Kilpatrick Bridge Road.
At the opposite end of our region, at Redfish Lake near Stanley, runners can join the 9th annual Redfish Lake Lodge Memorial Run, Saturday, May 25. All races will begin and end at the Lodge. The one-mile kids’ race for ages 3-10 years old will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Half Marathon, 10k and the 5k courses will begin at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., respectively.
At 12 p.m., the Bluefish Challenge—jumping in the lake—is open to all, with small prizes and “bragging rights,” said Jeff Clegg, owner of Redfish Lake Lodge.
Among the extras will be a pre-race meal (no-host) served from 6-8 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the post-race meal is included in the registration for all athletes. The outdoor food gazebo will also be open for the season.
Meals may be purchased online on the registration site (redfishlake.com/redfish-lake-lodge-marathon) or by calling the lodge on or before May 24 at (208) 774-3536. Live music will be provided throughout the evening.
The Lodge is offering deals on rooms for registered runners: their friends and families can book two nights at regular rates and receive the third night for half off.
Throughout the weekend and into the next week, Velvet Falls Dance Hall in Stanley will showcase live music. In fact, bringing it all back home on Thursday, May 30, will be a show starting with Muzzie Braun. The beloved Idaho singer/songwriter will open for Micky & the Motorcars, out of Austin, Texas. For tickets, visit mountainvillage.com.
Back in the Valley, the 18th Annual Hailey Memorial Day Ceremony, to be held 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday, May 27, at the Hailey Cemetery, will honor the nearly 400 veterans from Blaine County laid to rest there. This year the theme is “The Spirit of freedom will never let us forget our fallen heroes.” It will also commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I, with local American Legion Post No. 24 and David Ketchum Post No. 115.
The Mountain Home Air Force Base Honor Guard, the Navy Operational Support Center and the Idaho Army National Guard will participate in the ceremony.
Music will be provided by the Boise Highlander Bagpipers and A Few Good Men. The Girls Scouts of Silver Sage Council will host refreshments and the Boy Scouts will greet the attendees.
For more information, call (208) 720-7395 or (208) 788-2007.
