It's January, which means it's time for sheepherders, sheep owners, and sheep lovers to gather at the Border Inn to celebrate the sheep industry! Denys started this annual event in 2004 (click
here to read in her own words why she started it.)
This year's event started Friday night with an excellent turnout for the sheep industry appreciation dinner and the open mike program. Saturday events begin in the morning and continue late into the night (see the bottom of the post for the schedule).
Hank returned as the emcee, full of stories and wit.
Reita shared stories about sheepherders visiting her business in Baker when she was just getting set up.
Melanie has been a long-time performer at the open mike night. It's great to see how she is transforming from a little girl into such a lovely young lady.
Joe shared some tales about sheep--and wolves.
Gordon related a story about sheep in Spring Valley.
Christine and her sister shared stories about their Dad Newell's dogs (because dogs are always a favorite topic with sheep folks!) and read excerpts from their Dad's book.
Edna had some great stories.
Buddy, a sheepherder for 41 years, read some of his Sheepherder Poetry and graced the audience with a song.
Mary Kaye, the featured performer for Saturday afternoon, provided a taste of her Western Music with three songs. That sneak peek will help make it a full house--her music is fantastic! She won many awards and accolades in 2013, and it looks like she's going to make 2014 even better.
Francisco shared some stories of being a sheepherder.
It was a great evening, and it continued on past when I could stay. It's so interesting to see glimpses into this traditional way of life that is slowly disappearing.
Check out previous Sheepherders' Parties:
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012, and
2013.
SCHEDULE:
Saturday, January 18, 2014~ Dave Okelberry's Sourdough Pancake Breakfast Buffet from 7-10 a.m.~ Concert featuring Mary Kaye Knaphus at 2:30 p.m.Manti, Utah resident Mary Kaye Knaphus has been awarded the 2012 "Song of the Year" and the 2010 Female Vocalist of the Year by the Western Music Association. She was also named the 2011 Western Female Performer of the Year by Academy of Western Artists. Learn more about Mary Kaye at mary-kaye.com.~ Family Style Roast Lamb Dinner ($25) at 5:00 p.m.~ Sheepherders' Ball featuring Kirk Hoggard and the Silver Sage Family Band at 7:30 p.m.Call Denys or Gary at (775) 234-7300 or 234-7312 for room accommodations.Co-sponsored by the Great Basin National Heritage Area and the Border Inn.
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