BY KAREN BOSSICK

Ketchum’s annual Wagon Days celebration received the prestigious Esto Perpetua Award from the Idaho State Historical Society this week.

The award, named for Idaho’s state motto “Let it be perpetual,” recognizes individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving the stories, places and traditions that define the Gem State.

This particular award honors the region’s mining legacy and pioneering spirit preserved through Ketchum’s nationally recognized Big Hitch Parade with its museum-quality stagecoaches, freight wagons, and carriages. It also acknowledges Wagon Days’ full lineup of cultural programming that includes talks about the history of mining in the area, an afternoon of cowboy poetry, Sun Valley history bus tours, horsemanship demonstrations, Shoshone-Bannock dancing, close-up looks at the Lewis Ore Wagons that ferried silver and ore and a street dance featuring country western music.

“Wagon Days is one of Ketchum’s most treasured traditions,” said Ketchum Mayor Pete Prekeges. “It’s a unique opportunity for our community and visitors to come together and experience the history, culture, and spirit that define this valley.”

This year’s Wagon Days celebration, held Sept. 4 and 5 over Labor Day Weekend, will feature the Big Hitch Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday.

That will be followed by a Wagon Days Street Party at Ketchum Town Square featuring Susie Brown, a Billboard Top-15 hit songwriter and recording artist, who has shared the stage with such notables as Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood.

Originally from Alpine, Utah, she began playing fiddle at 4 and went on to master multiple instruments, including guitar, mandolin, ukulele, accordion and bass before achieving national prominence as the lead singer of The JaneDear Girls on their breakout hit “Wildflower.”

Reserved seating for the Big Hitch parade along Main Street near Sun Valley Road is now available for $30 a seat at https://www.wagondays.com/.