STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

When the Trailing of the Sheep Festival launched 28 years ago, it was Flat Top Sheep Rancher John Peavey taking the mic in his hand as he told stories of faithful sheepdogs who went above and beyond duty and other tales of the range.

On Saturday, Oct. 5, others will be sharing the stories as the festival holds a Celebration of Life for the former Idaho State Senator as part of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. The Celebration of life storytelling and reception, free and open to the public, will start at 6 p.m. at The Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival would not exist without the efforts and advocacy of John Peavey, a third generation Blaine County sheep rancher, who, along with his wife, Diane Josephy Peavey, created, actively supported and fostered the festival into what is now an internationally recognized event celebrating the history and culture of sheep ranching in Idaho and the West.

Peavey, who recently served as President of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival’s Board of Directors, actively kept up his work and passions until his passing in June of 2024, at the age of 90. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival was very special to him as it allowed him to share his love of the sheep, the land, and his many stories which helped educate and inspire both local residents and visitors from around the world.

The Trailing of the Sheep Festival recently received another feather in its cap as it was selected as one of the top 10 Best Fall Festivals in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. That honor tops a long list of Bests that the festival has been recognized with by national publications since its inception.

“We are privileged that the Trailing of the Sheep Festival has secured yet another prestigious award, and we are excited to showcase our 28th annual event next week,” said Laura Musbach Drake, Trailing of the Sheep Festival’s executive director.

Volunteers are needed for the festival to work at such events as the Sheep Dog Trials, taking tickets at the For the Love of Lamb event, fair booths, greeting at Festival headquarters and even parking bikes.

To help, sign up at https://trailingofthesheep.org/volunteer/. Or, call 208-720-7395.

The festival runs Oct. 2 through 6. To learn more, visit www.trailingofthesheep.org.