In an area known internationally for its snow, skiing, and winter sports, the months of September and October are wonderful fall festival months in Sun Valley and Ketchum.  Set against the backdrop of fall colors and quaking aspen leaves, two special festivals welcome families to this central Idaho resort area.

Over Labor Day weekend, the city of Ketchum celebrates the 50th anniversary of the historic Wagon Days, focusing on the area's mining heritage. Families can enjoy a full weekend of activities including a shoot-out on Main Street, an old-fashioned fiddling demonstration, and a kids' carnival. 

Highlighting Wagon Days is Saturday's Big Hitch Parade, the largest non-motorized parade in the west, with nearly 100 tacks, carriages, wagons, antique buggies, and stagecoaches.  The parade's historic wagons are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline. To commemorate the event's 50th anniversary, the Budweiser Clydesdales will be making a special appearance in the parade, something families won't want to miss. (For interesting information about Clydesdale horses, see wagondays.com and follow the link in the text to Budweiser Clydesdale Hitch.)

In 2007, the 14-day 40,000-acre Castle Rock Fire cancelled Wagon Days, so mark your calendar to attend this year!

October 11-12 marks the annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival through Ketchum and Hailey. The Festival demonstrates a century-old tradition when sheepherders would move their flocks from the summer pastures in the mountains north of town, through the Wood River Valley, to winter grazing areas in the southern Idaho desert.

The tradition is celebrated with a weekend of activities devoted to the heritage of sheep ranching:  sheep-shearing demonstrations, storytelling, foods, music, and dancing inspired by the Basque and Peruvian cultures.

Ski season will be here soon, but don't miss enjoying fall in the Sun Valley area and these two festivals for families.

Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau

(866) 305-0408  •   www.visitsunvalley.com

Wagon Days Celebration

(866) 305-9899  •  www.wagondays.com