Don’t Miss The Big Sheep Parade At The 25th Annual Trailing Of The Sheep Festival In Idaho

 

There are some things you can only experience in Idaho, like the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. In case you didn’t know, this annual festival celebrates the arts, history, and culture of sheep ranching in Idaho. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind festival and it all culminates with an event known as the Big Sheep Parade. Watch as over a thousand sheep make their way down Main Street as part of their annual migration – it’s an amazing sight to see! Here’s what you need to know about this year’s festival.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.

Be a part of something truly special when you attend this year's Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum, Idaho. Now in its 25th year, the festival is a jubilant celebration that's not to be missed!

Started from humble beginnings, the festival's mission is to gather, present, and preserve the history and culture of sheep ranching in Idaho. The festival is an exciting and educational experience in which children and adults alike can engage with rich cultures of the past and the present.

This year's festival will take place October 6-10, 2021. This unique event has definitely made a name for itself. It's been recognized as one of the best fall festivals in the world by the likes of National Geographic, Travel Channel, USA Today, and MSN.

The highlight of the festival is, of course, the Big Sheep Parade. Boy, is it an amazing sight! Taking place on the last day of the festival on Main Street in Ketchum, visitors will witness 1,500 sheep marching down the street with sheep ranching family members and herders.

The parade is all part of the sheep's annual migration to winter pastures. The event also includes sheep wagons, sign-bearing dancers, and a pipe band. Bring your camera because this is a sight you'll want to preserve forever!

The festival boasts a plethora of events leading up to the parade. Indulge in delicious lamb-centric cuisine, dance at the Folklife Fair, and partake in classes and workshops at Wool Fest. There's so much to see and do, you won't even know where to start.

Many of the festival's events require a ticket, which can be purchased online ahead of time. Additionally, the festival plans to follow current CDC guidelines with regards to wearings masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing.