Saturday, January 18, 2014

2014 Sheepherders' Party

 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.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

New Cell Tower Going Up in Snake Valley

 Yesterday afternoon, something caught my eye: a change in the scenery in Snake Valley. Something really, really tall was going up.

Was it finally arriving? A permanent cell tower? I drove closer to get a better look.

 I saw a worker climbing on it. He looked so small. Since summer we've been able to use cell phones in the Baker/Garrison area due to a temporary Commnet cell tower, about 30 feet high. They said once they got the permits in place, they would put up the permanent tower, 180 feet high.

 What I was seeing wasn't even the whole tower.

They put on the top section this morning, and I went back for a closer look.

What at first looked like part of the tower turned out to be three guys, clipped into the tower and assembling the top section. What a job!

 Cell service will certainly improve communications here in southern Snake Valley. Commnet specializes in cell towers in rural locations, and a kiosk is supposed to open in the Border Inn soon. Do you think you'll be using a cell phone more often now, or will you save it just for traveling?

Sunday, January 5, 2014

R.I.P. Snake Valley 2013

We are sad to see our friends, family, and neighbor leave us. Here we pay tribute to them and the roles they played in our lives. May they rest in peace.
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Belen "Celia" Torres Ayala, of Baker

Edward John "Robin" Bell, III, of Ely and Baker

Margaret Fay Davis Carlson, formerly of EskDale

Robyn Ashley Ewing, formerly of Baker

Rob Ewing, formerly of Baker

Josephine Anne "JoAnne" Brown Garrett, of Baker

Albert R. Genz, of Baker

Merle Maxine Gardner Henriod, of Pleasant Valley

Jack McCune, formerly of Baker

Richard Mortenson Swallow, formerly of Spring Valley

Frank J. Yacapraro, of Baker


Previous lists: 2012, 2011

If you know of someone else from Snake Valley who has died in the last year, please leave a comment below and we will include that person as soon as possible.