BY JOELLEN COLLINS
In reminiscing about the many joys of my life, I get a special kick out of thinking about the array of cultural, local and simply delightful happenings I enjoyed in the 45 years I spent in a “small” town in Idaho. Life in Ketchum was filled with more amazing activities than one could attend, even in a big city.
From my condo in town, I enjoyed easy access to almost any event. Luckiest of all, from my small deck overlooking Highway 75 across from Knob Hill, I was able to watch the Trailing of the Sheep. On these days, we honored the origins of the region by celebrating the tradition of the trailing of the sheep from up north to warmer climes as winter approaches. From my perch, I could wave at the other parade participants, and when the full band of sheep appeared, shout to the daring kids who risked being followed up the hill by recalcitrant sheep.
Some years, I volunteered as a community helper in the crowded town by reminding children to stay on the curb and not run out to pet the sheep, and to remind others to keep dogs away, as they might distract the hurrying herd or be hurt by the accompanying sheepdogs. I loved meeting children during this positive occasion of laughter and a bit of drama coming down the road. I renewed my sense of local history at an event as unusual as this one by chitchats with neighbors and many who had driven or flown a long way to our lovely area.
I had a favorite pair of sneakers that I enjoyed because they had “gold” panels on them and were comfortable and easy to wear walking back and forth on the streets, and, in this case, provided another kind of delight to me. I met many women from all over the country and even a couple of locals who admired my zippy shoes. It was a way to stop for a bit and answer simple questions that usually resulted in smiles for my listeners.
I also remember being asked where there was a nearby restroom. After one parade, I was inspired to write a column about how women often made new friends while waiting for available but scarce locations. Standing in lengthy lines to go into a small cubicle or port-a-potty, for more time than men, enabled us to encounter strangers or friends with congeniality, maybe some rueful laughter, and an openness to enjoy that very minute and that very day.
So, I miss the Trailing of the Sheep, now a special occurrence that brought to my mind and to the minds of many others how special our part of the world was at that moment, in that time, without war, and without anger. Instead, we shared camaraderie, laughter, rueful smiles — community.
I am content now, in a new place of meaning and joy, but I will always miss the events and people I loved in the Sun Valley area and certainly this unique parade. Cheers to all the attendees, past and future!
