Ketchum’s history and mining heritage are commemorated each Labor Day Weekend with activities for the whole family, including food vendors, live music, and cultural presentations. Featured during the festivities is the Big Hitch Parade, one of the largest non-motorized parades in the West, showcasing exquisite buggies, carriages, carts, and stagecoaches, including the historic Lewis Ore Wagons. These six massive wagons will traverse a parade route through downtown Ketchum, pulled by a twenty Shire hitch team!

Schedule:

Friday, August 29th

SUN VALLEY STORY TOUR 
10:15 a.m. at the Visitors Center (491 Sun Valley Rd.)
Take a one-hour guided tour of the area’s most historic locales. Reservations (which are required) can be made at 208-726-3423.

COWBOY POETRY

1-4 p.m. at the Ore Wagon Museum (500 East Ave., Ketchum)
Join Idaho Cowboy Poets as they share tales reflecting the land, lifestyle, and stories of times past.

GRAND MARSHAL RECEPTION

5:30-7 p.m. at Ketchum Town Square (480 4th St. East)
This ceremony celebrates the 2025 Grand Marshals who are being honored for their enduring contributions to the community of Ketchum. Food and beverages are provided, courtesy of the City of Ketchum.

Saturday, August 30th

PAPOOSE CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST

8 a.m.–noon at Ketchum Town Square (480 4th St. East)

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.

CHILDREN’S AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
10 a.m.-4 p.m. at East Ave. and 4th St.
Explore pioneer living with a host of fun family activities, including a petting zoo, face painting, cultural arts and crafts, stories by the Northern Shoshone Band of the Shoshone Bannock Tribe, and more!

HORSEMANSHIP AND CULTURAL DEMONSTRATIONS

10-11:30 a.m. at Champions Meadow (200 Sun Valley Rd.)
Experience the culture and traditions of Native Americans at this Pow Wow demonstration with the Northern Shoshone Band of the Shoshone Bannock Tribe. The Eh-Capa Bareback Riders will also exhibit their exceptional and courageous riding skills in a style similar to that of Native American culture.

THE BIG HITCH PARADE

1 p.m. at Sun Valley Rd. and winding north on Main St.
Prepare to be transported back in time with one of the country’s most remarkable non-motorized parades, featuring an impressive display of museum-quality carriages, carts, and stagecoaches and a host of other Idaho equestrian traditions. For the grand finale, the Big Hitch showcases the iconic (and last of their kind!) Lewis Ore Wagons, pulled by a hitch of twenty Shire draft horses.

Reserve Seats: A limited number of reserved bleacher seating is also available for $30 a person. Seats may be reserved online at wagondays.com or at the Ore Wagon Museum (500 East Avenue), which will be open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., from Aug. 11 through 31.

See the route, detour and parking guide HERE

STREET PARTY
2:30 p.m. at Ketchum Town Square and East Ave. (480 4th St. East)
After the parade, enjoy a live concert with “Southern Country Blues singer/songwriter Chris Hennessee, including local food trucks, drinks, and more.

Sunday, August 31st

PAPOOSE CLUB PANCAKE BREAKFAST

9 a.m.–noon at Ketchum Town Square (480 4th St. East)

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.

Date: August 29 - 31, 2025

Location:

Various Locations, Ketchum, ID 83340

Click here for more information