By Mike McKenna
Putting on good events is hard and often stressful work. But after more than a year, most local events producers like The Chamber are ready to start bringing people together again. We have a lot to celebrate and catch up on.
That’s why, no matter how challenging it can be to put on events like parades, festivals or a concert series, the smiling faces and happy memories they make are worth it.
The Wood River Valley’s return to events fully kicks off with Hailey’s Days of the Old West Fourth of July celebration. With the Fourth falling on a Sunday this year, festivities will take place all weekend long.
Friday, July 2nd: The Annual 4th of July Hailey Antique Show starts off a three-day run at Roberta McKercher Park. In addition to lots of great antiques and crafts to peruse, there will be food and beer vendors and even a mechanical bull for the brave—or foolish—of heart. The Antique Show runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call (208) 312-4900.
The Sawtooth Rangers Rodeo also kicks off three nights of fun on Friday, which is family night, so kids 12 and under get in free. The rodeo begins nightly at 7:30 p.m. Mutton-busting starts at 6 p.m. on the 2nd and 3rd. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Hailey Welcome Center or at any Atkinsons’ Market location. For more information, go to SawtoothRangers.org.
Saturday, July 3rd: The Hailey Tree Committee is hosting Idaho Founders’ Day and the 25th Anniversary of the BCRD Native Plant Arboretum on Saturday, July 3rd. The family-friendly event runs from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arboretum, just off the corner of Fox Acres Road and Highway 75, adjacent to the Wood River Trail in Hailey. Come meet the Idaho state flower and state tree and learn about the Gem State’s symbols and species, including lots of kids activities. The Lorax will be there and you can meet the Idaho state horse, the Appaloosa, sample treats from the state fruit, the huckleberry, and tour the Arboretum and learn about native plants. For more information contact Linda Ries at plries75@gmail.com or call (703) 919-4396.
Sunday July 4th: The Days of the Old West Rodeo returns to Main Street on Hailey at high noon. This year’s parade grand marshals are local educators. After the parade, head on down to RiverFest. Sawtooth Brewery will host the 7th annual beer and music fest from 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Hop Porter Park. As usual, Independence Day ends in style with Hailey’s stunning fireworks show at dusk.
The Chamber is also excited to announce a few other July events we will be helping with, including the 49th Annual Ray Nelson Invitational Little League and 2nd Mountain Classic softball tournaments, the Road to Summer’s End Concert Series and our first post-COVID Business After Hours (BAH) on July 22nd at First Interstate Bank and Pioneer Title in Ketchum.
For more information, check out ValleyChamber.org or call (208) 788-3484.