The City of Ketchum Announces Grand Marshal and Poster Artist for 2025 Wagon Days

Two esteemed locals will be honored for their contributions to the community at this year’s Wagon Days, including The Pioneer Saloon owner Duffy Witmer as Grand Marshal and artist Heather Mehra-Pedersen as the featured poster artist.

The City of Ketchum is pleased to announce Duffy Witmer as this year’s Wagon Days Grand Marshal and Heather Mehra-Pedersen as the official poster artist for the events. This year’s honorees have been selected for their significant contribution to the community and this year’s events, and their embodiment of the Wagon Days spirit. Mehra-Pederson’s artwork will be featured on all official Wagon Days promotions, including the annual poster, which is available for sale leading up to and during Wagon Days events. Witmer will be honored at the annual Grand Marshal Reception and in the Big Hitch Parade.

Witmer and his Ketchum restaurant, The Pioneer Saloon, have served as pillars of culture, community, and cuisine for decades. He has worked at the landmark restaurant for 52 years, buying partial ownership in the business in 1977 and full ownership in 1986. In Feb. of this year, Witmer’s restaurant was one of six in the country to be awarded a James Beard America’s Classic Award, which recognizes outstanding independently owned restaurants with timeless appeal who are known for reflecting the character and cultural traditions of their communities.  

"I am delighted to name Duffy Witmer as Grand Marshal of the 2025 Wagon Days. Duffy represents all the values that we treasure as a community: historical preservation, stewardship, and community spirit. I look forward to the Big Hitch rolling by the Pioneer Saloon — to me, it will represent two old friends coming together and toasting the journey that has brought them to this day. It will be wonderful to celebrate Duffy’s journey and honor him for all that he has contributed to our community."

– Neil Bradshaw, Mayor of Ketchum

“I must have bought a few drinks at the Pioneer Saloon for the nominating committee the night before I was selected,” jokes Witmer. “A handshake and a drink go a long way in this great town of Ketchum. Fifty-two years of living in Ketchum…I am humbled.” As far as Witmer’s favorite part of Wagon Days, he states,” I have always loved the Saturday of the Wagon Days parade; It’s as good a day as any to ride a bike around town.”

Heather Mehra-Pedersen is a free-spirited artist driven by a passion for colors and textures, primarily using palette knives on large canvases. Hailing from the Wood River Valley, Mehra-Pedersen’s love for nature and passion for the great outdoors make her the ideal artist to capture the essence of this historic event.

“Spending my young adult life as a Wood River Valley resident, I never missed Wagons Days. Standing in this moment today, I’m in awe, humbled by the opportunity to contribute to such a cherished tradition. It truly feels like an emotional full circle.”

-Heather Mehra-Pedersen

The Grand Marshal Reception will take place on Friday, Aug. 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Ketchum Town Square. This ceremony celebrates the 2025 Grand Marshal, who will be honored for their enduring contributions to the Ketchum community. Food and beverages are provided, courtesy of the City of Ketchum.

Heather Mehra-Pedersen’s artwork will be displayed at the Ore Wagon Museum, located at 500 East Avenue, Ketchum. Wagon Days posters will also be available for purchase at the Ore Wagon Museum. The Museum will be open daily Aug. 11 through Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit wagondays.com

ABOUT THE CITY OF KETCHUM

The city of Ketchum is located in the Wood River Valley in south-central Idaho. Founded in 1880 during the mining boom, Ketchum is now regarded as one of the most popular destinations for winter and summer visitors due to its world-class skiing, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, restaurants, art galleries, and shopping. The city of Ketchum hosts the famous annual Wagon Days Parade, held on Labor Day weekend, and numerous other year-round attractions. Ketchum is home to more than 10,000 full- and part-time residents. For more information about the city of Ketchum, visit ketchumidaho.org.