Trailing of the Sheep
March 31, 2005
By Ron Daines
March/April 2005 -- Complaints about sheep manure on an Idaho bicycle path have evolved into one of the country's largest celebrations of sheep.
Idaho sheep woman, Diane Peavey, said that when Blaine County built the new pathway in the Sun Valley and Ketchum area, it wasn't long before officials began fielding calls about sheep droppings caught in the wheels of bicycles and roller blades. Instead of digging in their heels for a fight, area sheep producers, who had trailed their sheep through the region for years, invited people to come help with the herding.
Today, said Peavey, the three-day Trailing of the Sheep Festival draws more than 10,000 people from 35 states and a dozen foreign countries. The festival, scheduled this year for Oct. 7-9, highlights the industry's traditions and includes food, stories, music, dancing, shearing and dogs trials.
Peavey said producers are amazed at the response, making comments like, "I cannot believe there are 10,000 people cheering sheep down the road."
For more information, go to the festival Web site at www.trailingofthesheep.org or call (800) 634-3347.
<< Back