There will be an Old West Days Parade this year after all – but now it will be up to members of the community to step up and make it a good one.
The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Old West Days Committee met late last week to review how best to move forward regarding hosting the western parade event during Old West Days. Despite still not meeting the criteria of 30 entrants – only 20 confirmed at time of the decision – there was agreement and recognition the community wants to see a parade.
Old West Days Committee Member Vicky Garnick said, “We made the original decision to find an alternative to the parade that still celebrated our Western Heritage because the Parade was in decline for decades and Memorial weekend is now a busy time of year.”
Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer Anna Olson added, “The two years of Covid has left our community still struggling with the manpower to put together parade entries, we get it. but despite this reality we feel we needed to give the community the chance to show up.”
Organizers would especially like to see the old west theme observed with horses and horse-drawn entries, western dance groups, dude ranches along with other entries that reflect Jackson’s traditional community spirit. Those wishing to participate should call the Chamber at 733-3316 as soon as possible.
