As celebrations go in Ketchum, Sun Valley, Idaho it doesn't get any bigger than Wagon Days.
The Big Hitch Parade is the highlight of the celebration. It has grown into the largest non-motorized parade in the West, displaying more than a hundred museum-quality buggies, carriages, tacks, carts, buckboards, and wagons of every variety in existence today. The Wagon Days Big Hitch, historic wagons used to haul ore from the area, are powered by an authentic 20-draft mule jerkline.
Adding spice to the parade is a lively assortment of authentically costumed individuals, numerous breeds of horses, from Arabs to Morgans to Pasos. Plus, professional and scholastic marching bands from around the state and the intermountain west.
This year was the 50th Anniversary of Wagon Days and the legendary celebration did not disappoint. The Budweiser Clydesdales were invited to join the parade along with the past Grand Marshalls of previous parades. The event was not only a great tribute to the history of Idaho, but also a tribute to this close knit community, the organizers and voluteers of Wagon Days who truly make this celebration a successful party.
I felt privileged to be be invited to photograph all of the activities of this event, including a ride in the lead ore wagon of the big hitch at the practice session. As I bounced around like a rag doll in the massive wagon trying to capture the moment, my mind raced back to history when these great wagons traveled much more treacherous paths through the mountains. I was in awe of the skill of Muleskinner Bobby Tanner and his amazing crew. The mules of his team were exceptional world class athletes by anyone's standards!
Check out Pure Vision Studios Events and Celebrations Gallery/Wagon Days 50th Anniversary and double click for the slide show. Here you can see the massive ore wagons, historic wagons and the beautiful horses, mules and donkeys who pull them. The classic colorful characters of the old west come alive to tell the tale of Wagon Days.
