Ketchum Celebrates Wagon Days with Big Hitch Parade and Community Events

The 69th annual Wagon Days celebration returns to Ketchum on Sept. 4–5, bringing a weekend of history, Western heritage, and community celebration to the Wood River Valley. The event honors the region’s mining legacy and pioneering spirit, culminating in the nationally recognized Big Hitch Parade and a full lineup of cultural programming throughout town. 

On June 4, Wagon Days will receive the prestigious Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society. Named for Idaho’s state motto — “Let it be perpetual” — the award recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the stories, places, and traditions that define the Gem State. 
 
“Wagon Days is one of Ketchum’s most treasured traditions,” said Pete Prekeges, Ketchum Mayor. “It’s a unique opportunity for our community and visitors to come together and experience the history, culture, and spirit that define this valley.” 

Wagon Days Schedule Overview 
Weekend highlights include the Sun Valley history bus tour, cowboy poetry at the Ore Wagon Museum, the Grand Marshal reception, the pancake breakfast fundraiser, children’s activities, horsemanship demonstrations, the Big Hitch parade, and the Wagon Days Street Party featuring live music. The Ore Wagon Museum serves as Wagon Days headquarters, offering event information, maps, merchandise, and exhibits highlighting Ketchum’s mining heritage—including an up-close look at the Lewis Ore Wagons. For the complete schedule, to register for the parade, and event updates, visit wagondays.com.  

Wagon Days Parade 
Witness one of the nation's most extraordinary non-motorized parades, a living tribute to the history, heritage, and spirit of the American West. The Wagon Days Parade features a spectacular procession of museum-quality stagecoaches, freight wagons, carriages, and horseback riders, showcasing Idaho’s enduring equestrian traditions. The grand finale is the world-famous Big Hitch, where twenty Shire draft horses pull the historic Lewis Ore Wagons—the last remaining ore wagons of their kind. Community groups, businesses, and individuals are invited to participate. Register to enter the parade at wagondays.com. 

Street Party & Concert Featuring Susie Brown & Band
Following the passing of the Big Hitch Parade down Main Street, the celebration continues at 2:30 p.m. with the Wagon Days Street Party at Ketchum Town Square and East Ave. The event features a live country music performance headlined by Susie Brown, along with local food vendors, beverages, and family-friendly activities. 

Susie Brown is a Billboard Top-15 hit songwriter and former Warner Bros. recording artist who has shared the stage with Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, and Carrie Underwood. Originally from Alpine, Utah, she began playing fiddle at age four and went on to master multiple instruments including guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion, and bass. 

Reserved Parade Seating 
Reserved seating for the Big Hitch parade is available for $30.00 per seat. Seating is limited, ground-level only, and no elevated or bleacher-style seating will be provided as in past years. Seating within the reserved section along Main Street near Sun Valley Road is available on a first-come, first-served basis. To purchase seating, visit wagondays.com. 

For more information, view the full schedule, or reserve seating, visit wagondays.com.