Happy 4th from Les Saisons!

Nothing marks the arrival of summer more than the 4th of July, especially in Ketchum. The sleepy streets of slack suddenly explode with shoppers, bikers, walkers and campers for one of the busiest weekends town sees all year. Careful not to hit them! Or maybe avoid Main Street altogether, as you make your way from one festivity to another. Don’t know what your big plans will entail? Besides people watching at Ketchum’s one and only grocery store, Atkinson’s, here are some suggestions for a memorable holiday weekend:

Hailey Days of the Old West Rodeo – July 2 – 4, 2009
A true tribute to the valley’s historical past, the rodeo will feature everything from bull riding to barrel racing and rodeo queens! Tickets can be purchased in advance at Atkinson’s or at the entrance to the rodeo grounds on event day for $10 general admission and $15 reserved seating. The rodeo begins at 7:30pm.

Antique Shows Galore! July 3 – 5, 2009
Both Hailey and Ketchum will host two antique shows this weekend. The Hailey Antique Market, featuring “items from the ordinary to the extraordinary” will be at Roberta McKercher Park and the Hailey Armory. Hours are 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Sunday. Hailey’s Main Street Antique Show, on Main Street in Hailey, will be open 9am-7pm on Friday and Saturday, and 9am-5pm on Sunday.

In Ketchum, you’ll find the Ketchum Antiques Show at NexStage Theatre on Main Street open daily from 9am-5pm as well as the Ketchum Art and Antique Show at the Forest Service Park, west of NexStage Theatre, running from 10am-6pm Friday and Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday.

Gallery Walk in Ketchum – July 3, 2009
Sponsored by the Sun Valley Gallery Association, Ketchum and Sun Valley art galleries will extend their business hours from 5pm – 8pm on July 3rd. Sip on a glass of wine, walk around town and take in some wonderful art collections.

American Tribute with Maureen McGovern – July 3, 2009
Grammy winning artist Maureen McGovern will be performing with the American Chorus & Orchestra on July 3rd at the Sun Valley Pavilion. Show starts at 7pm. Call the Sun Valley Recreation Office at 208.622.2135 for tickets.

Tony Furtado Live in Concert – July 3, 2009
Join Folk/Acoustic artist Tony Furtado at the Boiler Room in the Sun Valley Mall. Doors open at 8pm and the show starts at 9pm. Cover charge at the door is $7.

Hailey Fourth of July Parade – July 4, 2009
The theme, “Live, Work and Play in the Wood River Valley,” will be shaping this year’s annual parade. A Shoot-out Gang kicks things off at 11:30am in the Bullion Square parking lot, with the parade following shortly thereafter at noon on Main Street.

Sun Valley Ice Show – July 4, 2009
Reserve a table under Sun Valley’s veranda, sample your heart’s desire at the dessert buffet and enjoy a Sun Valley Ice Show featuring 2009 US Champions Meryl Davis & Charlie White. Post ice show watch a display of fireworks erupt over Dollar Mountain right from your seat. It doesn’t get more Sun Valley than this! More information and tickets are available at the Sun Valley Recreation Office at 208.622.2135.