STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival has been honored for its “Outstanding Cultural Tourism Preservation Efforts.”

The Society of American Travel Writers awarded the festival one of two Phoenix Awards at its 2017 annual convention.

Travel writers awarded the other Phoenix Award to the Shorefast Foundation, which initiated the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada. Dedicated to securing a resilient economic future for the island, the Foundation provides a residency-based contemporary art venue for artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians who come to be inspired by the ocean island and its treasure trove of songs, stories and tradition of those who came for the cod.

“Their passion compels them, and their desire propels them,” said Catharine Hamm, president of the society and travel editor for the Los Angeles Times, of the two organizations.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival was nominated for the award by Stan Wawer, a freelance travel journalist from California who covered the festival a few years ago. Wawer said the festival contributed to a quality travel experience through conservation and preservation.

“It was a no brainer for me to nominate the Trailing,” he added.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival, founded 21 years ago, showcases the sheep ranching tradition of the Wood River Valley. At one time, Ketchum was the second leading shipper of sheep in the world behind Sidney, Australia.

The festival highlights a way of life that includes the lonely existence of sheepherders who spend months by themselves tending sheep in the mountains north of Sun Valley. And it educates the public about wool and lamb meat through fiber and cooking classes and its popular Sheep Folklife Fair.

Laura Musbach Drake, executive director of the Trailing, said festival organizers were delighted to receive the award from a prestigious travel journalism organization.

“We know that our story is a great travel story—and are thrilled that many others now know that, as well,” she said. “As attendance continues to grow at our Festival, it proves people are interested in seeking out unique cultural travel experiences, and the Trailing of the Sheep Festival is certainly one of the best.”

The 2018 Trailing of the Sheep Festival will be held Oct. 10-14. Visit www.trailingofthesheep.org for more information.