BY MARY GERVASE

History is moving out of the textbook and onto the lawn. From May 18–20, Hailey Elementary will host the debut of Wild West Days, an immersive, community-wide initiative designed to transform Idaho’s heritage into a hands-on experience for every fourth grader in the county.

More than 250 students from public, private, and homeschool communities will participate in a three-day "experiential journey." The program features 12 interactive stations covering four distinct eras, including First Nations, the Fur Trade, the Oregon Trail, and the rise of local industries like mining and ranching.

Rather than passive observation, students will engage in "make-and-take" history. Highlights of the circuit include:

Gold Panning & Archery: Mastering survival skills and local industry.

The Trail Kitchen: Learning the art of sourdough preparation.

Cattle & Wool Empires: Engaging with live animals and handcrafted tools that shaped the region’s economy.

While the Blaine County Historical Museum and the local School District provide the educational framework, the event’s heartbeat is its network of local contributors:

The Bellevue Historical Society: Hosting the "Trail Kitchen" sourdough station.

WRHS Construction & Cabinetry: Students under instructor Ian Blacker are custom-building equipment for the "Cattle Legacy" station.

Regional Experts: Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Member Bobette Wildcat Haskett will lead a segment on "Adornment and Traditional Clothing," while the Green family will provide award-winning sheep for the "Wool Empire" station.

UI Extension Service: Providing archery and wilderness trailers to facilitate outdoor skills.

The events will take place on the south side lawns of Hailey Elementary according to the following schedule:

May 18: Alturas and Carey Elementaries

May 19: Hemingway and Bellevue Elementaries

May 20: Hailey Elementary, Syringa Mountain Charter School, Pioneer Montessori, Trinity School, Community School, and the Homeschool 4th Grade Community.

How to Support:

Community members wishing to ensure the success of this recurring program can make a contribution via the Blaine County Historical Museum website at https://www.bchistoricalmuseum.org/. Indicate "Wild West Days" in the comment section to direct your donation.