August 30 – September 1 Wagon Days

Since 1958, the City of Ketchum has celebrated its mining history with one of the largest non-motorized parades in the west. Come spend the weekend with the whole family and watch the Big Hitch Parade on Saturday at 1 p.m, featuring quality buggies, carriages, carts and stagecoaches, is one of the largest non-motorized parades in the Pacific Northwest.

2024 Schedule
Friday, August 30th
OreWagon Museum, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Friday, Aug 30th to Sunday, Sep 1st
Get an up-close look at the massive Lewis Ore Wagons. Come inside the museum to view historical items from Ketchum’s founding, mining history, and Wagon Days. Step outside for a tour of Ketchum’s oldest surviving building, the Bonning Cabin. The historical exhibit was developed in partnership with City of Ketchum, Blaine County Historical Museum, and The Community Library’s Regional History Department. The Ore Wagon Museum also sells reserved seating for the parade and Wagon Days souvenirs.

Location: 500 East Ave., Ketchum

Cowboy Poetry – 1:00 pm, Ore Wagon Museum
Mosey on over and listen to Cowboy Bards as they spin their yarns of the old open range, a way of life now just dust in the wind, and tales of folks and times long since ridden off into the sunset. Cowboy poetry, born from the tradition of wranglers swapping tales around the campfire, is sure to tak.

Grand Marshall Reception, 5:30 – 7:00 pm, Ketchum Town Square
This ceremony celebrates the 2024 Grand Marshal, Will and Julie Caldwell, who are being honored for their enduring contributions to the community of Ketchum. Food and beverage courtesy of the City of Ketchum.

Saturday, August 31st
Papoose Club Pancake Breakfast, 8:00am – 12:00 pm, Ketchum Town Square
Serving an all-you-can-eat country breakfast of pancakes, sausages, and eggs, all flipped fried and served by club members and local characters. Proceeds benefit children’s programs throughout the Wood River Valley.

$10 or $8 senior/youth, under three eat-for-free

Cultural Presentation: Pow-Wow Demonstration, 9:30 AM, Festival Meadows
Experience the vibrant culture and traditions of Native Americans at this pow-wow demonstration. Join the Northern Shoshone Band of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe as they gather to dance, sing, and honor ancestral traditions. Historically, the Shoshone-Bannock tribes seasonally migrated to the Wood River Valley, where they sustainably hunted and gathered on the land. This demonstration offers a unique opportunity to witness and celebrate their rich cultural heritage that continues to thrive in the region today.
Children’s Activities – 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Ketchum Town Square
Town Square hosts open to the public children’s activities including a petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, and an interactive historical experience. Wagons Ho!, offers children a hands-on experience and understanding of how pioneers lived.

Wagon Days Big Hitch Parade, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us for one of the country’s most remarkable non-motorized parades, featuring an impressive display of museum-quality carriages, carts, and stagecoaches. Riding clubs and cultural equestrians highlight the diverse tapestry of Idaho’s equestrian traditions.
Reserve seats HERE
Wagon Days Street Party, 2:30 pm, Ketchum Town Square
Following the passing of the Big Hitch down Main Street, pop over to Ketchum Town Square for the Wagon Days Street Party, featuring a live concert with music from Southern rock and outlaw picker Chris Hennessee.

Sunday, September 1st
Papoose Club Pancake Breakfast, 9:00am – 1:00 pm, Ketchum Town Square
Serving an all-you-can-eat country breakfast of pancakes, sausages, and eggs, all flipped fried and served by club members and local characters. Proceeds benefit children’s programs throughout the Wood River Valley.