Big Sheep Parade

Sunday, October 11, 2026

12:00 Noon

Main Street, Ketchum

FREE!

(No Dogs Please!)

Join an authentic trailing of the sheep down Ketchum's Main Street as part of their annual migration to winter pastures. A band of 1,200 sheep parade down Main Street with sheep ranching family members and herders headed south. The parade includes historic sheep wagons and participants from the Folklife Fair, each identified by sign-bearing dancers from the Footlight Dance Centre. Blessing the flock this year is The Rev. Kathleen Bean, Associate Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ketchum. After the parade passes, you are invited to walk with the families herding the animals to their resting place south of town.

In Memoriam
We remember those from the Festival Family and Industry we sadly lost since the last Festival closed, express our condolences to their family and friends and honor them with a riderless horse in the Festival's Big Sheep Parade on Sunday. In the 2026 Parade, we remember Colby Castle.

2025 Sponsors

DLEvans-square-box-cmyk-enlarged-bank (1) - John Martine

Additional Information

Sponsor a Sheep!

EWE too can sponsor a sheep in the Big Sheep Parade for just $35.00!

Donate and receive this "ONE OF THE HERD" button to proudly wear during this year's Festival in support of "your" sheep!

*A processing fee will be added to your online donation when you check the box. Thank You!

NOTE: On-line sales for Parade Sheep Sponsors end at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, October 6. Should you still wish to sponsor a sheep in the Big Sheep Parade and receive your "One of the Herd" button, please visit us at Headquarters during the Festival.

Parade Etiquette

Thank "Ewe" for Obliging!

The mix of wary animals and curious spectators is always an adventure. Help make the experience fun and successful by following important parade etiquette.

This is not a reenactment of an historic event. This is Idaho living history. We hope you will join us!

No dogs are allowed at the parade for the sake of the sheep and the safety of spectators. Please leave your dog at home or in the car.
Stay on the curb at all times! If you step into the street, others along the route can’t see and if the sheep see a funnel ahead, it will spook them. It is for YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF THE SHEEP AND ANIMALS.
DON'T jump into the middle of the sheep - even for that perfect photograph. It will frighten the sheep.
DON'T walk through the sheep. Stay behind them.
DO look for a volunteer or rancher if you spot a problem.
Always follow the advice and instructions of volunteers and parade officials. They are there for your safety and the safety of the sheep.
DO bring children but keep them with you at all times.
DO take pictures but only from the side of the parade route.
DO be considerate of keeping your voice low as the sheep pass by as to not spook them from their recently quiet living in the mountains.
DO enjoy the experience!

IN SUMMARY: Stay calm. Stay on the curb. No dogs. Keep actions and voices low so as to not spook the sheep. Let the ranchers and herders do their jobs. Be courteous. Have fun!