Trailing of the Sheep Festival not offers an unforgettable adventure, but fun volunteer opportunities!
By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist
While Sun Valley, Idaho is known for its premier ski resorts, A-list celebrity cliental and glamorous, yet rural flair, it’s also become known for the unique Trailing of the Sheep Festival– the year’s most anticipated event. The festival honors the longstanding tradition of moving sheep (‘trailing’) from the high mountains to the valley for winter grazing and has taken place for the last 22 years during the second week of October.
Photo courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep FestivalThe five-day family friendly function celebrates the people, arts, cultures and customs of sheep ranching in Idaho and the West. Thousands attend to watch the preservation of history and enjoy the action-packed activities, but for many it's also an opportunity to give back.
Photo courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit and needs volunteers to help with the event. Tasks include: taking tickets, ushering, hosting presenters and performers, working events, assisting at headquarters, helping the press, working at the Sheep Dog trials and tending bar. Although volunteers are expected to fulfill their responsibilities, it's not all work. You can watch the performances, get to know the performers and have fun meeting people from all over the country.
Photo courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival
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And for those who plan on attending, there's a lot to look forward to. Highlights for the 2018 festival include:
-Culinary Events with Lamb Tastings, Lamb Fest at the Folklife Fair, Cooking with Lamb classes, Farm to Table Lamb Dinners and more
-NEW in 2018: Taste & Craft, a local and regional tasting experience, with the Trailing of the Sheep Festival as beneficiary
-Wool Fest with classes and workshops
Photo courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival
-Sheep Tales Gathering, Hikes and Histories featuring Idaho’s sheep ranchers and renowned storytellers
-Sheep Folklife Fair featuring the Basque, Scottish, Polish & Peruvian dancers and musicians, sheep shearing, folk, fiber and traditional artists, children’s activities and more
-Sheep Jam party with food and live music by The Dusty 45s
-Two-and-a-half days of Championship Sheepdog Trials with 70 of the county’s most talented border collies
Photo courtesy of Trailing of the Sheep Festival
-Trailing of the Sheep Parade with 1,500 sheep trailing down Main Street in Ketchum
Trailing of the Sheep Festival takes place October 10th-14 and for more information visit www.trailingofthesheep.org.
To volunteer click here.