28th Annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival
Various LocationsThe 28th annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival will be held October, 2-6, 2024! Sheep have been trailing through the Wood River Valley of Idaho for well over a century and are an integral part of Idaho’s heritage. Each fall the iconic Trailing of the Sheep Festival honors the 150+ year annual tradition of moving sheep (‘trailing’) from high mountain summer pastures down through the Valley to traditional winter grazing and lambing areas in the south. This annual migration is living history and the focus of a unique and authentic Festival that celebrates the sheep, herders, history, food, arts, cultures, and traditions of Idaho’s sheep ranching families, highlighting the principal contributors – the Basques, Scottish and Peruvians. 2024 Festival Highlights include: Big Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep trailing down Main Street in Ketchum, Idaho. National Qualifying Sheepdog Trials featuring 80 of the county’s most talented border collies and their handlers competing for top awards. Sheep Folklife Fair featuring Basque, Scottish, Polish, and Peruvian dancers and musicians, sheep shearing demonstrations, 80+ sheep and wool product vendors, children’s activities and more. Sheep Tales Gathering will feature “The Future of Conservation In A Crowded West,” a conversation and panel focusing on the importance of both private and public ...