STORY AND PHOTOS BY DEREK SVENNUNGSEN

Blaine County Recreation District’s May Day Play Day at Quigley Trails Park in Hailey just took place. And, if you weren’t there, you missed a resounding start to the spring biking season.

It was a perfect night for the nearly 300 attendees, with lots of food, s’mores, sunshine and dramatic clouds as the backdrop for the fun-filled evening.

It was clear in speaking with parents and younger riders that the event had exactly the effect that the BCRD intended.

“This is our first time at the beginner pump track,” said Devon King, who attended the free event with his daughter.

Having moved to the valley last fall, he expressed how impressed he was with all the pump track, the wooden bridges and the flow trails for bikers and hikers.

“We love it here!” he exclaimed as he rode off to chase his daughter down the track.

Local dentist Hillary Whipple, herself a transplant more than 11 years ago from Alabama of all places, was guiding her kids along the track and some of the other features.

“We are just stoked to be here,” she said, adding how great it is to have so many outdoor options to do with her kids in the valley.

Amber Weber came to the Wood River Valley from Detroit just before the pandemic.

“We’re here to celebrate biking and the community,” she said, peering from behind her Detroit Lions sunglasses. “Events like these are super supportive for local families.”

BCRD board member Mary Fauth said that the event is a way to bring the community together, raise awareness of the ever-growing Quigley Park Trail System and let everyone in the valley come together to share in bikes, food, and scenery.

“The BCRD is also celebrating its 50th year, so there are lots of other events to participate in all summer,” she added.

Learn more about upcoming events at https://bcrd.org/about-us/50th/.