Idaho Vacation: Sun Valley Film Festival

This post will be short and sweet.  The Sun Valley Film Festival would make a great late winter Idaho vacation.  Where better to spend a few days than the world famous Sun Valley area? 

Sun Valley boasts of being the first destination ski resort and continues to be one of the best today.
There are a multitude of lodging, and dining options, and unlimited indoor and outdoor activities.

Enjoy skiing, ice skating, and many other outdoor activities then relax at the theatre watching the "cutting edge independent films, premieres, exciting children's programming and previews of new television and web series." 

Film makers from around the world will be presenting their work in this festival which has a long tradition of excellence. 

The dates for 2012 are March 15-18.  Full information on the Film Festival can be found here.  

More Sun Valley information is here. 

Click here for information on Ketchum. 

The Ketchum/Sun Valley area is located about mid-way along the Sawtooth Scenic Byway which begins  at Shoshone, 55 miles to the south.  The northern end point of the byway is at Stanley, 61 miles farther north.  This US-93 highway route is beautiful any time of the year but is especially beautiful in the winter months.

Byway information is here and here.

Idaho Vacation: Idaho Botanical Garden, Winter Garden aGlow

Spring, summer, and fall it has trees, shrubs, and flowers.  In the winter Idaho Botanical Garden has about 250,000 lights for your enjoyment.  Make this an Idaho vacation from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. 

The Idaho Botanical Garden is open throughout the year but is transformed into a glow of holiday lights from Thanksgiving day to January 8, 2012.  Visit the garden from 6-9pm every evening for the dazzling sparkling lights.  In addition to  lights, visitors are provided complimentary hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and cookies in the Folly. 

For further enjoyment, don't miss the G scale model train display in the English Garden.  Santa is present and available for photos and wish lists on weekends and from December 19-23.  A special treat is to interact with Prancer, an actual live reindeer, on December weekends and on December 19, 22, and 23 ( Prancer's availability cannot be guaranteed on all hours during these days). 

Community and school choirs perform most hours Winter Garden Lights aGlow is open, especially on weekends.  Various food vendors are also available on weekends.  A complete schedule of activities, vendors, and entertainment groups is here.

 The Idaho Botanical Garden is a private non-profit corporation.  Land for the garden is leased from the State of Idaho but the garden receives no state funding.  The first board of directors was organized in 1984.  Fourteen separate theme and display gardens make up the Idaho Botanical Garden. 

The garden is located adjacent to the Old Idaho Penitentiary and is part of the Idaho Old Penitentiary District.  Hours, directions, and entrance fees are given here.  Click here to see the other museums and sites in this historical district. 


Additional Information:
Idaho Botanical Garden - http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=37

Winter Garden Lights aGlow - http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=33&CFID=1089623&CFTOKEN=69121070

City of Boise - http://www.cityofboise.org/

Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau - http://www.boise.org/

Idaho Vacation: Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival

Love jazz?  Head for Moscow, Idaho in February!  The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, held on the University of Idaho campus since 1967,  would make a great Idaho vacation. 

Four full days of everything jazz from February 22-25, 2012 will bring thousands of participants and spectators to Moscow. The festival is renowned for the variety and breath of music and dance in this four day period. 

In addition to evening concerts with international artists, daytime programs focus on workshops for grade school, middle school, high school and college musicians and their conductors.  Internationally renown artists as well as Lionel Hampton School of Music faculty and other invited clinicians present the daytime workshops.  There is truly something for everyone. 

According to the festival website, the festival is "designed to entertain, inspire, educate, and inform".  Since its beginning in 1967 with 12 student groups and one guest artist, the event has grown each year. Lionel Hampton joined the festival in 1984.  After experiencing the enthusiasm of the students, Hamp pledged his support of the festival.  The festival adopted his name in 1987.      

What a way to spend an Idaho winter vacation.  Make it part of your plans.

Additional information:
Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival - http://www.uidaho.edu/jazzfest/festival/aboutfestival
City of Moscow, Idaho - http://www.moscowchamber.com/
University of Idaho - http://www.uidaho.edu/
Lionel Hampton School of Music - http://www.uidaho.edu/class/music/

Idaho Vacation: McCall Winter Carnival Update for 2012



Snow Sculpture 2011 McCall
Winter Carnival

 Late January and early February is an exciting time to be in McCall.  This is a great Idaho vacation.  The 47th annual McCall Winter Carnival is 10 days of fun activities that will make you forget how cold the winter actually is.   Mark your calendars for January 27th to February 5th, 2012.

 Check this site for a schedule of events.  There is something for every age and interest.  I wrote about the 2011 event here.  This blog entry is an update for 2012 with photos of some of the snow sculptures from the 2011 carnival. 

Most major events are scheduled for weekends but those days will also have the largest crowds.  For less congestion, consider a visit during the week.  There are still lots of activities. 



Snow Sculpture 2011 McCall Winter
Carnival 



Here are a few of the scheduled events:
Local as well as Idaho State Championship Snow Sculpting
Beer Gardens
Several Music Venues
Kids Carnival
Torchlight Parade
Fireworks over Payette Lake
Mardi Gras Parade
Chocolate and Spirits Tasting
Beard, Hairy, & Sexy Leg Competition
Monte Carlo Casino Night
Family Bingo


Snow Sculpture 2011 McCall
Winter Carnival




Snow Sculpture 2011 McCall
Winter Carnival

 Come and enjoy the fun, celebrate winter.  There are many other activities to enjoy while in the McCall area.  Little Ski Hill, Brundage and Tamarack ski areas are just a few miles from town.  Snow tubing is available at the Activity Barn (described here).  Cross country skiing and snowmobiling is available any direction from town.  Ponderosa State Park (blog here) is serene and beautiful in the winter. 



Snow Sculpture 2011 McCall
Winter Carnival

 McCall is approximately 108 miles north of Boise on ID-55 which is also the Payette River Scenic Byway.  From Lewiston, the mileage is 163 miles. 

Additional Information:


Public Watching Snow Sculptors
at Work 2011 Winter Carnival

 McCall Chamber of Commerce - http://mccallchamber.org/









Idaho Vacation: Payette River Scenic Byway

The Payette River Scenic Byway is 112 miles of non-stop scenic views; most will simply take your breath away.  This byway is a great Idaho getaway vacation any season of the year.  This route has also been designated as a National Scenic Byway. 



Payette River Scenic Byway Information Sign

 The southern end of this byway is at the junction of ID-55 and ID 44 just west of Boise.  The route follows ID-55 to the northern terminus at New Meadows where ID-55 and US-95 meet. 

The southern portion of this byway skirts around the city of Eagle and heads north on the Horseshoe Bend road.  After topping the pass between the metro Boise area and Horseshoe Bend, the scenery changes to the Boise National Forest mountains.  The road drops in elevation down to Horseshoe Bend where we meet the Payette River.  Horseshoe Bend is named for the large horseshoe shaped bend in the river.

In addition to a few places to grab a bite to eat, there are two other reasons to make a stop in Horseshoe Bend.  The Thunder Mountain Line features scenic train rides along the Payette River.  Throughout the year they also have many themed and dinner rides.  Check them out here for a fun and different experience.  Zip Idaho gives a very different experience as it has a series of seven zip lines to let you soar between Ponderosa Pine trees or race with a friend on a 1460 foot long line over 100 feet above the ground below.  Information is found here.

One other note about Horseshoe Bend, it is best to not exceed the 25 MPH speed limit through town.  This author found that it is “strictly” enforced. 



Rafters Enjoying a Float Down The
Payette River



For the next 35 or so miles, the road follows the Payette River through a mostly narrow canyon.  Along the way we pass through the small burgs of Banks and Smith’s Ferry.  The scenery is beautiful and can be a distraction to drivers.  The river is relatively calm in the lower stretches but turns into a churning tumult as it  cascades over rocks higher upstream.  The stretch from Banks downstream to the Beehive Bend Sportsmen Access is the most heavily floated portion of the river and may be the most heavily used of any river in Idaho.  This stretch has mostly Class 1 and 2 rapids with one or two Class 3’s. 



Winter on The North Fork
Payette River

 Numerous outfitters and guides provide expert advice and equipment for river excursions.  Trips can be tailored to any age and/or experience level.  See contact information below.  The North Fork and South Fork Payette River join at Banks.  The South Fork is very popular for its many class 4 and 5 rapids.  The North Fork is mostly a continuous series of Class 5 rapids and is not suitable for rafters and kayakers who are not experts. 



Kayaking at Kelly's Whitewater Park near Cascade

 Several Forest Service campgrounds are located near the highway in this stretch and there are a number of turnouts to allow slower drivers to safely pullover and let those in a hurry to pass.  A number of turnouts allow for viewing rafters and kayakers on the river.  There is also a nice beach area a couple miles south of Banks.  There is also access to many secondary roads that lead away from the river and to many other camping and other outdoor recreational opportunities.  The road is open all seasons but will likely be snow covered and/or icy during winter months.  It is best to not be in a big hurry on this stretch of highway.



Rainbow Bridge Over North Fork
Payette River

 The highway east from Banks follows the South Fork Payette River.  This roadway is also the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway and is described  here.   Going east to Lowman, one has the choice of returning to the Boise area via ID-21 and the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway or continuing up river towards Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains on the northern portion of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. This scenic byway is described here, here and here.



ID-55 Holiday Traffic Heading South Along the Payette River



ID-55 is one of two main highways from the Boise area to central and northern Idaho.  As such, it can be very busy, especially during summer and holiday weekends.  It is not uncommon for a steady stream of recreational vehicles, boats, ATV’s etc. to be headed north on Fridays and south on Sundays.  If your travels allow, plan to avoid these times. 



Cattle Grazing in a Meadow in
Long Valley



Fall Colors in Aspen Near Cascade

 A few miles north of Smith’s Ferry the road leaves the river and soon opens to the Round Valley prairies and meadows.  Another 5-6 miles and Round Valley is left behind and we enter the south end of Long Valley.  Long Valley stretches all the way to McCall.  Cascade is the next community we encounter.  Historically, Cascade was economically tied to the lumber industry.  Today, tourism and recreation top the economy. 



Fall Colors With Cascade Reservoir in Background

 Cascade is the gateway to Cascade Reservoir, a twenty mile long impoundment on the Payette River.  Year-round fishing highlights the outdoor activities here but there are certainly many additional activities in this outdoor wonderland including all kinds of water sports, bird watching, hiking, biking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and more.   

Lake Cascade State Park has nine campgrounds scattered around the reservoir with six boat launch ramps.  Some sites have water, sewer, and electricity.  There are also Forest Service campgrounds. 

FR 22 goes east of Cascade towards Warm Lake, South Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek.  Access to many other lakes and streams are found in the area.  Tamarack Resort is located near the North West portion of the reservoir. 



Pastoral Scene With Tamarack Trees Changing Color
Near Smith's Ferry

 Continuing north on ID-55 we soon arrive in Donnelly, the main access point to Tamarack Resort.  Donnelly has a few stores, restaurants and gas stations but not much else.  We continue our trip towards McCall. 

The resort town of McCall is located on the southern end of Payette Lake and offers every amenity any traveler could want.  Ponderosa State park is just northeast of town and is described   .  There are numerous events throughout the year in McCall with the Winter Carnival the most well known.  Ice sculptures line the streets during the carnival which is held in late January and early February.  Brundage Mountain Ski Area and Resort is located just a few miles west of McCall

From McCall we head in a more westerly direction towards the community of New Meadows.  ID-55 and the Payette River Scenic Byway end in New Meadows where the highway intersects with US-95.  Turn right and head towards Riggins and Grangeville and points north or stay left and head towards Council and back to the western Treasure Valley area. 

The route makes a great day-trip loop or just go up and back on ID-55.  The scenery will look different depending on which way you travel.  This makes a wonderful Idaho vacation any season of the year. 

Additional Information:

Boise National Forest - http://fs.usda.gov/boise/

Horseshoe Bend - http://www.horseshoebendidaho.com/

Idaho Scenic Byways - http://www.idahobyways.org/ or http://www.visitidaho.org/scenic-byways/

Idaho Outfitters and Guides Ass'n (White Water Trips) - http://www.ioga.org/

Idaho Historical Highway Marker Guide - http://itd.idaho.gov/hmg/

Cascade Chamber of Commerce - http://www.cascadechamber.com/

Lake Cascade State Park - http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/lakecascade.aspx

Donnelly Chamber of Commerce - http://www.donnellychamber.org/

Tamarack Resort - http://www.tamarackidaho.com/

McCall Chamber of Commerce - http://mccallchamber.org/

Brundage Mountain Ski Area and Resort - http://www.brundage.com/

New Meadows Area Information - http://meadowsvalley.com/

Idaho Vacation: Roseberry Historical Townsite

 Railroads are unpredictable.  Roseberry was settled expecting the railroad to come through the town, the railroad choose a different route.  Visit the historic Roseberry townsite and enjoy a step back in history on your Idaho Vacation. 
 

Roseberry General Store



The historic Roseberry townsite is located just a mile east of present day Donnlley.  Settled in 1905 by Finnish immigrants, Roseberry became the largest town in Valley County by 1911.  At its zenith, Roseberry boasted saw mills, flour mills, a brass band, a beautiful 5-sided hotel, and even their own baseball team. 



Front Window for the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Methodist-Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Roseberry is located in a beautiful settting, large green meadows with mountains on every side.  Agriculture was practiced in the valley meadows and was supported by timber from the mountains.  Life was promising until 1914 when the railroad  decided to lay their tracks 1 1/2 miles to the west.  The town of Donnelly was developed to be near the railroad.



Finnish Pioneer Cabin in Roseberry



This railroad’s decision was a death sentence for Roseberry.  Slowly the town started to decline and fade away.  The Roseberry general store stayed open until 1939.  The building was used for various other purposes until it was purchased by Frank Eld in 1969.  This was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Roseberry.

Frank Eld started restoring the store and the town, one building at a time.  In 1971 Frank and his mother Ella Eld started the Valley County Museum.  In 1973 the Methodist-Episcopal church, which had been moved from Roseberry to Donnelly, was moved back to within 7 feet of its original Roseberry location. 



Valley County Museum, Roseberry

 Today Roseberry boasts some 20 historic buildings moved here from all over the valley.  Buildings include Finnish cabins, a Finnish blacksmith shop, bandshell, the old McCall City Hall, a one-room school house and more.  There is also a collection of old farm machinery collected from around the valley.  In 2009, a Finnish barn dating back to 1912 was rebuilt and is now the largest building in Roseberry. 



Pioneer Cabin, Roseberry



Today the Valley County Museum and General Store are the center pieces to visit.  The General Store sits in its original 1905 location and is open for business.  The store reflects the 1905 period but has modern conveniences such as European gifts, Byers Choice Carolers, Byers houses, Roseberry branded wine, old fashioned  toys and candy. Vintage signs, thermometers, and other hard to find items adorn the shelves. 

Summer activities include music festivals and other events. 


Barringer House, Roseberry



Buggy and Other Equipment, Roseberry



Antique Grain Drill, Roseberry



Roseberry townsite is located a mile east of Donnelly on Roseberry Road.  Donnelly is about 12 miles south of McCall and about two hours north of Boise on US-55.  Additional information about Roseberry and a schedule of events can be found here.  The store and other buildings are open May - September.  Phone numbers are 208-325-5000 or 208-315-1080.  The store and museum are closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Clearly, this is a work of love for Frank Eld.  Make this a stop while traveling on your Idaho vacation.

Idaho Vacation: Murphy Outpost Days

Here is a great suggestion for an Idaho vacation that is close to southwest Idaho population centers and a really fun experience.  Murphy Outpost Days, June 3-5, 2011 is a celebration of western heritage in Idaho's oldest county.  Outpost days are held in Murphy, the county seat of Owyhee County. 



Antique cars at Murphy Outpost
Days 2010



The outpost days venue is adjacent to the Owyhee County Historical Museum and residents of this sparsely populated county go all out to celebrate.  Visitors are definitely welcome! 



4-H Youth moving the herd to the
corrals, Murphy Outpost Days, 2010



The colorful weekend starts at 7:00pm Friday June 3 with an evening of entertainment by Cowboy Poet Art Honey.  Admission is just $10. 






Panning for gold, Murphy Outpost
 Days, 2010



Saturday events officially get under  way at 10:00am with food & craft vendors, antique car show, lost art demonstrations in the museum, and events such as gold panning, fast draw contests, and other activities to keep you moving and entertained.  Live music is provided throughout the day.  For me the highlight of Saturday comes at noon when a small herd of longhorn cattle arrive at the corrals, herded by local 4-H'ers and their leaders.  More on this later.  Be sure to enter the raffle for a quilt and for a rifle.  A live auction begins about 3:00pm.  Face painting and kids activities help keep everyone involved.



4-H Youth moving Longhorn cattle to the corrals, Murphy
Outpost Days, 2010



Back to the cattle drive.  After the cattle are penned, the 4-H youth put on a demonstration of cattle handling without use of modern chutes.  They are guided by leaders to separate calves from the mother cows (not an easy task), then the calves are roped and heeled and paint branded.  I was extremely intrigued by watching this activity. 



4-H Youth working calves, Murphy Outpost Days, 2010

 The leaders had great patience as they taught the "next generation" how to properly work cattle.  The skills and patience of both leaders and youth give me great confidence in the future.  I doubt that any of these youth will ever be found on the pages of police reports.

Sunday events also begin at 10:00am and run until about 4:00pm when the World Championship Horny Toad Race take the spotlight. 



Spinning wheel demonstration,
Murphy Outpost Days, 2010

 The Owyhee County Museum needs to be visited during this weekend.  It is full of local historical displays as well as having large exhibits of western memorabilia such as a huge collection of bridle bits, types of barbed wire, etc.  Antique agricultural, mining, and railroad machinery is also on exhibit along with an old schoolhouse.

For more information call the museum at 208-495-2319 or visit their website at:
 http://owyheemuseum.org/default.asp?pageName=Events



Part of the kids activities, Murphy Outpost Days, 2010



Due to the diversity and type of activities, this event is one of the more interesting festivals celebrating the western way of life and the settling of southwest Idaho.  It is a super Idaho vacation and a great thing to do.

Murphy is located about midway between Marsing and Grandview on highway 78 on the south side of the Snake River.  It is best approached by going south of Mountain Home to Grandview and highway 78 or by going south of Nampa, cross the Snake River and to highway 78.  From Nampa, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Murphy. 

If you want to add other activities to this trip, a visit to Cleo's Ferry Museum is on the route just north of the Snake River crossing as you head to Nampa.  More information on this eclectic museum is found here.  If traveling from Meridian, Kuna, or Boise your route of travel can also take you on the Western Heritage Historical Byway.  These byways are described here and here.  Both of these byways take you through the Morley Nelson Birds of Prey Conservation Area described here. 

Idaho Vacation: The Western Heritage Historical Byway

The Western Heritage Historic Byway is one of the shorter scenic byways in Idaho.  This tour makes an easy Idaho vacation with a chance to view beautiful raptors and awe inspiring views of the Snake River canyon.

This historic byway leads into the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, home of the largest concentration of nesting raptors in North America.  Some 24 species of raptors inhabit this area.  The weekend of May 13-15, Kuna hosts the Birds of Prey Festival.  More information is here.

This byway begins on the south side of I-84 exit 44 as ID-69 begins its journey towards Kuna.  Coming from the east or west, take exit 44 and head south on the five lane highway that traverses the eight miles to Kuna.  The road takes you past subdivisions, agricultural fields and a hint of the vast sagebrush plains to come. 

In Kuna, turn onto East Avalon Ave, heading west, to Swan Falls Road .  Turn south on Swan Falls Road.


Boundary of Birds of Prey Area with Kuna
 Butte on right background



Almost immediately on the right is the Kuna Visitors Center.  The center is staffed seasonally by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce and happily provides information and orientation on the attractions of this byway and the surrounding area.

Located near the visitors center is the Pioneer Cemetery which holds about twelve graves.  Also in this area are remnants of Silver Trail, the stage and freight route linking Idaho City to the NE and Silver City to the SW with the newly established town of Boise. 

Swan Falls dam and powerhouse is located about twenty-one miles south of Kuna and is the termination of the byway.  Heading south from Kuna, Swan Falls Road is a good two lane highway and is paved all the way to the dam. 

About three miles south of Kuna is the boundary of the Birds of Prey Conservation Area.  There is a pullout with signs and information about recreation in the area.  Not far to the west, Kuna Butte rises from the plains and provides a good overview of the sagebrush plains to the south and the agricultural area to the north.  A 2-track dirt road leads onto the butte.

Slightly over another mile south is Kuna Cave Road .  Kuna Caves is an underground lava tube that the Bureau of Land Management recommends not be visited by the general public.  The area has no maintenance and is reportedly quite trashy, dusty, and smoke stained from repeated bonfires and irresponsible littering.  Because it is not recommended I will not give additional information except to provide a web address.



Initial Point



Initial Point Road is on the left, another 3.5 miles south.  Initial Point is located one mile east on a dirt road.  A short hike to the top of the hill gives an unrestricted commanding view of the Owyhee Mountains to the south and of the vast plains of the 482,000 acre Birds of Prey area in all directions.  The towns of the Treasure Valley are visible as are areas of eastern Oregon. 



Mores Mountain behind Bogus Basin,
view from top of Initial Point



Initial Point is significant as it is the starting point for Idaho’s first land survey, begun in 1867.  Map coordinates in Idaho all take reference from this point.  A brass survey cap set in concrete marks the spot.  A rudimentary 2-track 4-wheel drive road is accessible all the way to the top.  This is a great spot to have a picnic lunch but there are no tables or restrooms.  The walk from the bottom to the top is only about 1/4 mile.

Return to Swan Falls Road and continue south another 7.5 miles to a pullout with restrooms.  Dedication Point is a short ¼ mile walk to the rim of the Snake River Canyon.  The nature trail is packed gravel and  wheelchair accessible.  Picnic tables and rest benches are located along the trail along with interpretive signs. 

Snake River Canyon, view from Dedication Point

Dedication Point overlook gives spectacular views of the huge Snake River canyon.  Raptors are easily seen from this point as they glide on thermal updrafts looking for prey.  Interpretative signs provide information on the geology, flora and fauna of the area.  It is impossible to not be impressed with the majestic power of the great Lake Bonneville flood that shaped and contoured the canyon.  Binoculars are recommended as the raptors nest in the crevices of the rock walls and are particularly active from early-March to late-June. 

Swan Falls Dam and Power House, view from Three Pole Overlook
Sinker Creek Butte is in background

Continue in a southeasterly direction for another 3.5 miles to another smaller pullout for another overview of the canyon and Swan Falls Dam and powerhouse.  Three Pole overlook is aptly named as you will see from the power poles adjacent to the overlook.  There are no guard rails at this location.  Be careful of the canyon edge. 

The road quickly makes a sharp right turn and starts down the canyon toward Swan Falls Dam.  Although the road is paved and 2-lane, it is steep and has several sharp turns.  Use caution especially in cold weather when ice can be on the roadway. 

In about one mile the paved road ends at Swan Falls Dam.  The original powerhouse, constructed in 1901, was decommissioned in the mid-1990s after a new powerhouse was constructed.  The old powerhouse in now a historical display and tours can be arranged through Idaho Power.  Tours must be arranged in advance due to security reasons. 

Park at Swan Falls Power Plant and Dam, maintained
by Idaho Power

Idaho Power  maintains a nice shady park with ADA accessible restrooms adjacent to the dam.  There is no overnight camping at the dam but there are numerous camp areas along the river both upstream and downstream from the dam.  A dirt road follows the river downstream approximately four miles.  The area is  popular with outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, boating, rafting, mountain biking, and upland and waterfowl hunting.  The dock area below the dam is a popular put in for watercraft.  Beautiful views of the canyon walls and impressive and unique rock formations are found in the canyon bottom. 

A 17 mile state designated scenic byway extension of this route leads to Celebration Park, Idaho’s first archeological park, and further west to highway 45 and Walters Ferry.  Loop tours can be incorporated with this trip. The Idaho designated extension of the Western Heritage Historical Byway is covered in a separate Idaho vacation guide here.

Contact and additional information:

Kuna Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center – (208) 922-9254, http://www.kunachamber.com/

Bureau of Land Management – (208) 384-3300, http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/four_rivers/Snake-River_birds_NCA.html

Western Heritage Historic Byway: www.byways.org/explore/byways/2593

Idaho Power- (208) 736-3458, 
http://www.idahopower.com/OurEnvironment/Recreation/swanfalls/default.cfm
Idaho Tourism: 1-800-VISITID, www.visitidaho.org/

Idaho Vacation: Gunfighter Skies 2011 Airshow

The Gunfighter Skies 2011 Airshow features the United States Air Force Thunderbirds.  Put Mountain Home Air Force Base on your trip radar for an exciting September weekend and an Idaho vacation.  Best of all, it is free!

The airshow is sponsored by Silver Wings of Idaho, a part of the 366th Fighter Wing, Mountain Home AFB.  The USAF Thunderbirds will be flying on both Saturday September 17 and Sunday September 18, 2011.  Because the air show will be held on a USAF base, security checks will be in place.  Please review the FAQ's on the web site for recommended highway access, security procedures and guidelines, and all other useful information. 

Here is the essential show information:
Gunfighter Skies 2011, Saturday and Sunday September 17-18, 2011, Mountain Home Air Force Base.  Gates open at 8:00am both days.  Web Site: http://www.silverwingsofidaho.org/, Contact Names: Shane Zenner or Paula Riggs, Phone: 208-587-2173. 

As of March 19, 2011, there is not much detail about the show on the web site, more details will be added a bit later in the year. 

Mark September 17-18, 2011 on your calendar, grab some sunscreen, and get ready for a full weekend commemorating the history of airpower and the development of Mountain Home and Mountain Home AFB.  This event will be a great addition to your Idaho vacation plans.

Idaho Vacation: Orofino Lumberjack Days Festival

Lumberjack Days may be one of the more unique festivals held in the US.  Orofino has been hosting this celebration of the logging industry since 1947.  Add the 64th anniversary of this show to your Idaho vacation list. 

With events like birling, springboard chop, vertical and horizontal chop, single and double bucking, axe throwing, speed climbing, tree topping, choker setting, and hot sawing, one may want to do a bit of research before attending this event.  Fortunately, all is explained on the user friendly web site for this family friendly celebration.  Events start on Thursday September 15 and conclude Sunday September 18, 2011. These events require agility, strength, balance, concentration, and stamina.  Think balancing on a spring board while chopping or climbing a 65 foot tree in just a few seconds. 

The contests are for serious competitors (i.e. professionals) as well as divisions for seniors, juniors, and locals.  Special events feature lumberjills (females) as well as mixed Jack and Jill pairs.  In addition to lumberjack events there is also horse pulling, truck driving, and, of course, a Lumberjack Days queen contest.  The Lumberjack Days Celebration is held in conjunction with the Clearwater County Fair.

Complete information can be obtained from the Lumberjack Days  web site and by contacting Orofino Celebrations, Inc., P.O. Box 543, Orofino, ID 83544, phone 1-208-476-3412, email info@orofinolumberjackdays.org.  Orofino is located approximately 43 miles east of Lewiston, on the historic Northwest Passage Scenic Byway, and is the starting point for the Elk River Back Country Byway. 

Lumberjack Days can be combined with numerous other outdoor activities in the region.  There is an abundance of recreational opportunities to fit every agneda and family activity.  Add this to your list of Idaho things to do. 

Idaho Vacation: Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest

Where can you find a harmonica contest with nationally ranked judges and contestants in a community of only 35 population?  Get your Idaho map and find Yellow Pine.  Make plans for an unusual but fun Idaho vacation. 

The 2011 contest will be the 22nd annual installment of this popular, remote, back-woods festival.  Events start Friday afternoon August 5 and conclude Sunday morning August 7, 2011.  The outdoor stage is open to all entertainers Friday and most Saturday.  The popular "Crowd Pleaser" contest will also be at the outdoor stage.  Winners of this contest are chosen by popular vote. 

The Harmonica Contest begins at 11:00am inside the Community Hall and concludes later Saturday.  Divisions of the contest include Youth, Diatonic, Chromatic, and Groups.  Winners are announced on Sunday morning with winners performing at the awards ceremony.  Concerts by the judges are given both Friday and Saturday evenings in the Community Hall.  All performances are free except the judges concerts which are a low price of only $10.   

Because of the remoteness of Yellow Pine and lack of motels, attendees are encouraged to camp at one of the nearby campgrounds or at dispersed camping spaces in the forest.  Vendors and meals are available at the contest site.  Yellow Pine is located near the confluence of the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek.  Access is by one of two primary routes - Highway 48 (Lick Creek Rd) east of McCall or by traveling east of Cascade on Warm Lake Rd.(Forest Road 22).  Continue east of Warm Lake on Forest Road 579 to Landmark  Ranger Station then north on Forest Road 413 to Yellow Pine. 

There are many outdoor activities available in the Yellow Pine area.  Fishing is popular as well as hiking.  The Idaho Centennial Trail roughly parallels Forest Road 413 from Landmark Ranger Station almost to Yellow Pine.  Yellow pine is also the access point for the Frank Church River of no Return Wilderness Area.  Yellow Pine is in the Payette National Forest.

Information - Yellow Pine Harmonica Contest, VYPA - Harmonica Contest, PO Box 10, Yellow Pine, ID 83677;Information & General Store:(208) 633-3300, Hotel:(208) 633-3377, RV & rustic cabins:(208) 634-5527, RV & cabins Alpine Village:(208) 633-8300; email: fillerd@q.com; web site: http://www.harmonicacontest.com/. 

Due to remote location and scarcity of facilities, attendees are encouraged to review the web site information and use a good map before embarking on this Idaho vacation.  This is sure to be a memorable weekend, filled with music, good food, new friends, and an appreciation of outdoors Idaho.  Add it to your list of Idaho things to do and see.  The entire weekend  is a family friendly event.

Idaho Vacation: National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival

Spring is the time of year to plan your Idaho vacation.  Listed here and in other posts are a few of the significant  festivals and events to include in your list of Idaho things to do. 
Here is another unique one-of-a-kind Idaho festival.  If you enjoy fiddle music, Weiser, Idaho is the place to be the 3rd week of June.  Make it an Idaho vacation to remember.

The information is believed to be accurate and is largely taken from the respective sponsoring organization web pages.  Contact information is that given by the sponsoring organization. 

National Oldtime Fiddlers Contest and Festival - June 20-25, 2011, PO Box 447
2235 Paddock Ave., Weiser, ID 83672, 208-414-0255, http://fiddlecontest.com/index.php.  Judged contests are held in the air-conditioned gym at Weiser High School. 

Fiddling has been popular in Weiser since 1863 with fiddling contests from 1914.  Formal fiddle contests date from 1953 and the present association with National Oldtime Fiddlers has been in place since 1963. Weiser is more or less formally recognized as the "Fiddling Capital of the World".

There are many additional activities during the week including: workshops, parades, car shows, steam engine equipment displays, a carnival, bluegrass bands, and other activities to fill every one's schedule of entertainment.  City park is turned into Bluegrass Village with food and craft vendors and numerous bands.  An area near the school accommodates campers for those wishing to spend the night. 

Tickets are available now from the web site by calling the festival office, by fax or by mail. Ticket prices for the judged nightly contests range from $8.00 for children, $14.00 for general admission and $16.00 for reserved seating.  The National Grand Champion Finals on Saturday night tickets are $20 or $25 for general admission and reserved seating, respectively.  There are no charges for 30+ hours of Bluegrass band performances in the park. 

Check out the festival web site for full schedules of activities.  This is always a busy and entertaining week.  This festival is sure to bring smiles to everyone in the family.  Add this festival to your list of things to do in Idaho in 2011.