By MIKE MCKENNA
Even though Labor Day has come and gone, summer doesn’t officially end for a couple more weeks. And we sure are fixing to make the most out of the last month or so of warm weather around here. So we hope you’re ready for September to Remember in the Wood River Valley
The fun kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 8 from 8:30–10 a.m. when The Chamber will be teaming up with NAMI, the Blaine County Education Foundation, BCRD, Blaine County School District, CSI, Footlight Dance Centre, Higher Ground, I Have A Dream Foundation, Lee Pesky Learning Center, Mountain Rides, Sodexo, Sun Valley Music Festival, The Advocates and 5B Suicide Prevention Alliance to host a Wake Up with The Chamber at the Community Campus.
On Sept. 10, the fun starts with Meet the Fleet at the airport in Hailey from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. After stopping by that free event, swing by and help decide who makes the best chili in the Valley at the 5th Annual Firefighter’s 5 Alarm Chili Cook-Off! It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 1 to 5 p.m. on Main and Silver streets in Hailey, at the Centennial Building by Click IT and Hailey Heritage. To enter or for more information, please email info@ValleyChamber.org or call (208) 788-3484.
The 30th Annual Wood River Toy Run also takes place on Saturday, Sept. 10. The motorcycle ride to help raise money for those in need during the most magical time of the year concludes with a kids’ carnival, music and food at Bellevue City Park at 1 p.m.
On Thursday, Sept. 15 from 5–7 p.m., the Warfield Distillery & Brewery in Ketchum and Wells Fargo Bank will host a Business After Hours in the heart of Ketchum. “BAHs” are always free and everyone is welcome to attend and connect with our community.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Fest will kick off at Town Center West in Hailey and run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Roberta McKercher Park S. 4th Ave and Hwy. 75. Festivities include loads of live music, food, drinks, kids’ games and regional leaders will be honored. Sawtooth Brewery’s Ketchum Oktoberfest taps the keg the night before and the fun at Festival Meadow runs from 5-7:30 p.m. on Friday and from noon to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.
On Sept. 22, Insurance Specialist Group will host a BAH from 5-7 p.m. at 519 South Main Street in Hailey. The next night, Friday Sept. 23, Mountain Humane starts its 50th Anniversary celebration weekend with a concert by Jeff Crosby.
The brave (a bit masochistic) folks who love to hike up the face of Warm Springs will be taking part in the 44th Annual Baldy Hill Climb on Saturday, the 24th. There is no day-of-race registration and online signups close the Thursday night before the hike.
The rocking month of events comes to a close on Sept. 30th as the Night Bocce World Championships will return to its new home at Hop Porter Park in Hailey!
You can find out about these events and much more at the newly revamped ValleyChamber.org or by calling (208) 788-3484.