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Hagerman Fossil Days 2013

May 14th, 2013 by katie

Did you know that one of the earliest horses lived in North America? Equus Simplicidens, also known as the Hagerman Horse, is Idaho’s state fossil. She was also the first true horse. It was about the size of a modern Arabian horse. However, its bones most closely resembled those of a zebra.

Hagerman is home to over two hundred different species of fossil plants and animals. And, if you come out over memorial day weekend, May 25 – 27, you can experience all this fascinating history, plus tons of other fun diversions!

The list of fossilized creatures from this area includes Sabertooth Cat, a Hyena-like dog, Peccary, Mastodon, Otter, Bear, Shrew, Camel, and Ground Sloth and more. With over 3,000 new fossil fragments found each year, it is one of the most fossiliferous Pliocene-aged sites in the world. The monument also includes a portion of the Oregon Trail.

The Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitor Center

Hagerman Fossil Days Events

A carnival Friday night with live music
Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday
The carnival continues on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m.
Parade winners announced at the carnival at 12:30 p.m.
National Park Service (NPS) lab tours (various times on Saturday)
Live music all afternoon on Saturday
Sunday tours of the NPS labs continue

Location and Lodging

Events take place at the Hagerman City Park and State park. Peruse our list of Southern Central Idaho B&B‘s to find the right one for your trip.

Visited the Hagerman State Park?

We would love to hear about your prior trips to the park. If you have attended Fossil Days, was there a particular event you especially enjoyed?

For additional information on Idaho call 1-800-VISIT-ID

Tags: Hagerman Fossil Days, Hagerman Fossil Days 2013, Idaho bed and breakfasts, Idaho lodging, the Hagerman Horse
Posted in South Central Idaho (Magic Valley) Events | No Comments »

Challis Mountain Lilac Festival

May 13th, 2013 by katie

The Challis Mountain Lilac Festival began as an opportunity to share the magical effect that spring lilacs have on the adorable mountain town of Challis. This is a beautiful time of year, breezes scented by endless lilacs roll over the countryside and perfume the air. The festival also strives to promote family oriented community involvement for the benefit of area residents. Throughout the festival local businesses, organizations and residents will welcome visitors and encourage them to explore the historical heritage of Challis, the ranching and mining industries of Custer County, the Salmon River corridor and the Frank Church Wilderness Area. This festival takes place May 24 through June 21. Here are some events taking place in conjunction with the festival:

Challis Lilac Festival Events

North Custer Historical Museum Opening: May 24th – 26th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is the annual opening for the summer. There will be new displays of local history and artifacts from the local area, including Native American and some prehistoric items. A great way to learn more about the heritage of Challis and its local residents.

Show and Shine Car Show: May 31, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. At the Y Intersection in Challis – Many locals and out-of-towners bring their antique cars for this gathering! Stop by and enjoy the beautiful cars and relax in the park enjoying the sunshine.

Madsen Memorial Roping Contest at Challis Rodeo Grounds: May 31 – June 1

Land of Yankee Fork, Idaho State Park. photo courtesy of Idaho Parks & Recreation.

Veterans Custer County Memorial: June 7th. A Military Tribute at Land of Yankee Fork State Park. This day is a celebration honoring Custer County Veterans! It is also the Centennial Celebration of the Salmon Challis National Forest.

Salmon Challis National Forest Lilac Arts Festival: June 14 & 15, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Lilac Arts Fest at the Land of Yankee Fork State Park, off of Highway 93. The Lilac Arts Fest will feature fine Arts and Crafts by local and regional artisans and craftsman, and of course live music!

Round Valley Horse Show: June 21, Saturday: at Challis Rodeo Grounds.

10th Annual Mario D’Orazio Scholarship Golf Tournament: June 21, 10 a.m.

Central Idaho Lodging

Wherever your travels in the great state of Idaho bring you, make sure to check out our member bed and breakfasts as a great option for comfortable, clean and trustworthy accommodations.

For additional information on Idaho call 1-800-VISIT-ID

Tags: Challis Lilac Festival, Challis Mountain Lilac Festival, Challis Mountain Lilac Festival 2013, North Custer Museum, Salmon River corridor, Yankee Fork State Park
Posted in Central Idaho (the High Country) Events | No Comments »

The Dogwood Festival in Lewiston

April 11th, 2013 by katie

Dogwoods, those stately and picturesque trees, bear clean white blossoms that herald the arrival of spring. In celebration of these beloved trees, the whole of the Lewis and Clark Valley comes together for community, art, food and music events throughout the month of April.

Here are some of the fun events taking place this month:

Confluence Grape and Grain. At 415 Main St. Lewiston April 19 from 6 – 9 p.m.
This is the 23rd annual confluence grape and grain, a beer and wine tasting and silent auction benefiting the Center for Arts & History and the Business Student Organization Scholarship Fund of Lewis-Clark State College. Enjoy wine and beer, hors d’ oeuvres, souvenir stem-less wine glass and a Silent Auction! Tickets are $25 and can be purchased in advance at the LCSC Center for Arts & History, LCSC Business Division, Basalt Cellars, Riverport Brewing Company and Inland Cellular. Attendees must be at least 21 years of age as required by law.

Art Under the Elms. At the Lewis-Clark State College Campus April 26-28.
Shop and browse for fine, hand-crafted art and artisan work, featuring over 100 artists. Munch at the international food court with over 20 gourmet food vendors. With your family? Stop by the Family Fun Fair for tea with the Dogwood Fairies! All of this along with a community art mural and live entertainment. See all the festival info at the Art Under the Elms website.

Dogwood Concert: Shambala (Three Dog Night Tribute Band). At Boomers’ Garden (301 Second Ave., Lewsiton) April 27 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Buy online at ticketfly.com

See the rest of the Dogwood Festival events on their website.

Need Lodging while Traveling in Idaho?

We encourage you to choose an Idaho B&B when looking for lodging during your travels. Along with supporting a local business owner, you get a chance to have unique accommodations and a delicious, hearty breakfast in the morning!

For additional information on Idaho call 1-800-VISIT-ID

Posted in Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association | No Comments »

Salmon River Idaho Jetboat Races

April 7th, 2013 by Katie Pate

The mother of all jet boat races returns to Riggins Idaho the third weekend in April, from the 19-21, 2013.

Get ready for big horsepower, amazing drivers and navigators, spectacular boats and engines, and lots of fun in the small town of Riggins! On Idaho’s Salmon River, no one puts on a better jet boat show than Riggins – this is their 29th year!

This is an event that lets you in on the fun and thrill of race boating. There is speed, adventure, risk and a lot of challenge involved.

Watch for free from the river bank in Riggins as jet boat racers from Canada, Mexico, New Zealand & the U.S.A. compete in the final legs of the 2012 U.S.A. World Jet Boat Championship! Don’t miss the action as jet boats race up to 140 mph on one of Idaho’s most thrilling whitewater rivers!

Other than the jet boat races, there are also boat shows, raffles, classic cars and BBQ. Attend the races if you are not participating and get some memorabilia.

Start out the fun at the Show and Shine boat Show at Salmon Rapids Lodge on Friday.

Racers Preliminary Runs: 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Boats will be doing some preliminary runs on the river before the show for your entertainment.

Boat Technical Inspection: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Beside the Salmon Rapids Lodge in parking area

Welcome outdoor Bar-B-Q: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Outside Salmon Rapids Lodge. Adults $10, Children $5

Have You Attended to Salmon River Jet Boat Races?

We would love to hear about your experience or see some of your photos. Leave a comment on the blog!

North Central Idaho Lodging

When traveling in the great state of Idaho, support a local business owner and be treated to unique lodging by staying in an Idaho bed and breakfast. We have member B&Bs all over the state!

For additional information on Idaho call 1-800-VISIT-ID

Posted in Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association | No Comments »

Stanley, ID Sled Dog Rendezvous: Skijoring, Racing & More

February 23rd, 2013 by katie

Ever since reading “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang” as a young girl, I’ve wondered what it would be like to travel via dog sled. Well, this is an opportunity for spectators like me to observe the sled dog community up close.

If you are already a musher (one that leads a sled dog team) and want to participate in some competitions or learn more about happenings in the sport, come to Stanley Idaho on March 9 & 10.

This is the forth annual Sled Dog Rendezvous. Most of the events take place in the beautiful snow-covered hills surrounding Stanley, a quaint country setting. The Rendezvous features multiple mid-distance dog sled races and skijoring. Anyone is allowed to come and enjoy the competition as a spectator.

Sled Dog Rendezvous Schedule and Fees

Check-in begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8th. There is a Mushers meeting at Mountain Village Restaurant at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Applications and fees can be turned in at meeting. Dinner will be provided.

Beautiful scenery abounds during the Stanley Sled Dog Rendezvous, March 9 & 10, 2013

Saturday, March 9th at 7:30 a.m. race information will be available and check-in will continue. At 8:30 a.m. the races start. Skijoring will start about 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 10th at 8:30 a.m. the second day of races begins. Skijoring is at 12:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. the awards presentation will take place. For further details, go to www.stanley.id.gov or call 208-774-2286.

Lodging in South Eastern Idaho

If in need of great lodging next time you are traveling through Idaho, please consider staying with one of our member bed and breakfasts. Along with superior service and amenities, you can look forward to a home-made, pipping hot breakfast every morning. Plus, you can feel good about supporting a local business owner. So take some time to explore an Idaho Bed and Breakfast near your destination!

Tags: Dog Mushers, Dog Sledding, skijoring, Stanley Idaho, Stanley Sled Dog Rendezvous
Posted in South Eastern Idaho (Snake River Plains) Events | No Comments »

Upcoming Wood Carving Show in Boise

February 16th, 2013 by katie

The last weekend in February, satisfy your inner lumberjack with a great wood carving show in the lovely town of Boise Idaho. The Idaho Artistry in Wood Show takes place Saturday and Sunday February 23 & 24.

This is one of the leading displays of wood art in the nation. Competitors of all skill levels will showcase their work. The event also includes vendors, raffles, auction and a banquet. Enjoy seeing pieces made by woodturning, carving, burning, marquetry, scrolling, gourds and intarsia.

Do You Carve Wood?

An entry from the 2011 show.

Be a participant in the show! Registration is the Friday before the show opens from 1-6 p.m. at the Boise Conference Center. The participation fee is $5 for registrations at the door. Youth 16 and under may compete without cost.

Artistry in Wood Featured Artist

The 2013 featured artist is Liz Meyers. She is a gourd artist and has worked with this natural medium for the last dozen years. Here is her artist statement:

“Perhaps one of the most unique things about gourd art is that you are using something that you have grown from a seed, watched, watered, and talked to through the growing season; harvested; let dry and mold through the winter and then scrubbed clean to create a palate on which to work. They are dimensional, something you can hold in your hand and feel texture, smooth or rough, dense or lightweight, large or very small. They have their own unique colorings, some very light and creamy and some dark and mottled. They can be woodburned, carved, or painted. They very much mimic wood in their characteristics except for one thing, their shape and size was determined as they grew.”

Need Lodging for the Wood Carving Show?

If you are planning on attending the show, consider staying in a Boise bed and breakfast during your weekend. Experience superior quality and make a friend or two!

Tags: Boise bed and breakfasts, Boise lodging, Idaho Artistry in Wood show, wood carving show in Boise
Posted in Idaho Bed & Breakfast Association, South Western Idaho (Canyon Country) Events | No Comments »

Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival 2013

February 15th, 2013 by katie

Starting in less than a week, the famous Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival takes place at the University of Idaho. This half-week event is from February 20 – 23.

About the Hampton Jazz Festival

For 46 years, the University of Idaho and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival brought together jazz masters and students of all ages to share and celebrate a truly American art form: Jazz music. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival has grown from a one-day event to an amazing four-day experience!

Read the rest of this page »

Tags: Hampton jazz festival, Jeff Hamilton trio, Lionel Hampton jazz festival 2013, Moscow Idaho, Traincha Oosterhuis, University of Idaho
Posted in North Central Idaho (Land of Rivers) Events | No Comments »

Sandpoint Winter Festival 2013

February 13th, 2013 by katie

After 39 years, Sandpoint Idaho continues to bring buckets of winter fun at their Winter Festival, taking place this year from February 15 – 24.

The 2013 Winter Carnival events include favorites from past years including the cool Rail Jam, Cirque de Sandpoint, downtown bonfire, the Schweitzer Extravaganza and more. And, the very popular Skijoring will return as well. Let’s start with this event…

Skijoring – One Horse, One Rope, One Skier.

Combining two favorite pasttimes – skiing and horseback riding – Ski Joring involves horses and riders pulling skiers at high speeds around a course of jumps and gates. Some folks use dogs for these events, but not Sandpoint. These folks are speed junkies!

Ski Joring is an equally exciting show for spectators and everyone’s invited to watch the action. There will be booths, food, and some fun surprises. Skijoring is taking place on February 16 & 17 at the Bonner County Fairgrounds (two miles north of Sandpoint), in the rodeo arena.

The competition starts at noon and gates open at 11 a.m. Admission is $3 but parking and children under 12 are free and each paid admission will receive a raffle ticket to win great prizes. Vendors will be present so don’t worry about getting hungry or thirsty at the event…root for your favorite winter cowboys and cowgirls!

Downtown Rail Jam and Bonfires

One of the biggest events of Winter Carnival, the rail jam is a freestyle contest where skiers and snowboarders put up their best acrobatic moves while sliding on handrails and other man-made features. The Rail Jam is on Friday February 15th. Points are awarded for style, amplitude, difficulty and variety. Spinneybent Rails provides a rail jam setup that’s 30 feet wide and 100 feet long rail with two features, a handrail and box. Riders compete for prizes from 7B Boardshop and other sponsors. Spectators can keep warm and catch the excitement by roaring bonfires.

Sandpoint Lodging for Winter Festival

Look forward to a great night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast when you choose an Idaho bed and breakfast for your accommodations when in Sandpoint.

Tags: Cirque de Sandpoint, Sandpoint Winter Festival 2013, skijoring, skijoring with horses, the Schweitzer Extravaganza
Posted in Northen Idaho (Panhandle) Events | No Comments »

The Fire and Ice Winterfest in Lava Hot Springs

January 23rd, 2013 by katie

Beat the winter blues! Come for a very fun weekend in the lovely small town of Lava Hot Springs, about two hours north of Salt Lake City.

The town is renowned for it’s natural hot springs (hence the name “Lava Hot Springs”) but there are some pretty chilly events at this festival as well! Taking place the first weekend in February: 1-3, 2013.

The zaniest event is probably the Polar Bear Float – Jump into the freezing water dressed in your craziest costume, and float down the river on an inner tube! In the past, costumes like the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus and members from the infamous band KISS have made appearances floating down the Portneuf. Join in the jump for a chance to win prizes and maybe international fame!
The Polar Bear Float takes place on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

Read the rest of this page »

Tags: Fire and Ice Winterfest 2013, L Mountain Lava Hot Springs, Lava Hot Springs, Polar Bear Float at Fire and Ice Winterfest, Running of the Bulls at Fire and Ice Winterfest
Posted in South Eastern Idaho (Snake River Plains) Events | No Comments »

Winchester Idaho Ice Fishing Derby

January 17th, 2013 by katie

If you love winter sports, have you checked out ice fishing? Or, transversely, if you like fishing – ever done it on ice?

Check out that Winchester Lake State Park Ice Fishing Derby, held Saturday, January 26th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Try your hand at Ice Fishing during the Winchester Idaho Ice Fishing Derby, January 26th.

There will be two categories: 12 years old and under or 13 and above. Prizes to be awarded to top three places in both categories. Some rules to keep in mind:
*Only trout will be considered
*Longest combined length of legal, six fish limit
*Fish must be measured by 2:00 PM at the boat launch to be eligible
*Bring your own food and beverage

Simply register at the boat launch at 8 a.m. and pay the $5 park entry fee.

1st Annual Cascade Ice Fishing Derby

This year, Cascade will also hold an ice fishing derby. It takes place the same day as the event above – so depending on where you are, you can choose between one of these two events. Come to the American Legion in Cascade for an entry ticket around 6 a.m., before heading to Cascade Lake. Cost is $25 and all funds benefit the Idaho Youth Outdoors Assoc. This competition includes cash prizes up to $500 for perch, rainbow trout and junk fish! Get more details on the ice fishing derby website.

Need Lodging for your Visit?

Whether its Cascade or Winchester, we have comfortable and welcoming lodging throughout the state of Idaho. By choosing an Idaho bed and breakfast, you support local businesses. So, if you’re heading to Winchester, check out our Northern Central bed and breakfasts or if Cascade Lake is your destination, check out our local South Western Idaho bed and breakfasts in the area.

Tags: Cascade Ice Fishing Derby, Cascade Lake, Idaho Ice Fishing, Winchester Idaho Ice Fishing Derby, Winchester Lake State Park
Posted in South Western Idaho (Canyon Country) Events | No Comments »