Three Island Crossing set Aug. 9

The annual Three Island Crossing re-enactment of the Oregon Trail pioneer efforts to cross the Snake River at Glenns Ferry will be held Aug. 9.

The annual event, organized by the Three Island Crossing Organization (TICO) has become synonymous with Glenns Ferry and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state of Idaho.

Each year, the Three Island Crossing celebration plays host to thousands of visitors, giving them an opportunity to glimpse into America's past.

The crossing begins with an equestrian/pedestrian parade on Friday evening, Aug. 8. Meeting up at the Elmore County Fairgrounds at 5:30 p.m., equestrians and pedestrians will parade down 1st Avenue in Glenns Ferry, then wind their way down Commercial and Madison Avenues to the Three Island Crossing State Park.

Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade, but they must be on horseback or walking (no motorized vehicles allowed) and are encouraged to dress in pioneer clothing.

A dance will be held at 9 p.m. at the "Spirit of the Horse Corral" downtown. Jim Burk & the Country Gentleman will provide the music. Admission is $5; no admission will be charged for children 12 and under.

At 6 a.m. Saturday morning, the Glenns Ferry chapter of the Ladies of the Moose and the VFW will serve breakfast for a nominal cost.

Entertainment will be held throughout the day and includes a Mountain Man Village, where visitors can learn about the North American Fur Trade and try their hand at throwing a knife and tomahawk.

Native American dancers, dressed in brightly beaded ceremonial dress, will dance, and the Weil Family and Jim Burk and the Country Gentlemen will perform.

The still dangerous crossing re-enactment begins at 5 p.m. with a dedication by Pastor Don Woody.

Admission to the crossing is $7 per person, children 12 and under are admitted free. Admission includes entry to the park, the interpretive center and the crossing re-enactment.

It is during the actual crossing that a piece of American history is revisited as wagons and equestrians engage in a tug-of-war battle with the current of the Snake River, much as the pioneers did as they risked life and possession in order to reach their final destination, the Oregon Territory.

The river crossing is always an anxious but exciting time for spectators and participants alike. Outriders have the difficult task of keeping the wagons from drifting downstream.

This is especially difficult in the section of river commonly referred to as "The Hole" between the third island and north bank of the river. Here, wagons can get caught by the swift current and tip over. Safety apparatus allows teamsters to quickly release their teams from the wagon to keep them from being pulled under.

Yet just as it was for the pioneers, the task of crossing the Snake River is still treacherous and difficult, and every precaution is taken to prevent injury to people and animals.

Because of reseeding at the usual parking area, this year visitors will be directed by signs and volunteers to an alternate parking site. Parking for disabled people will be located near the pavilion.

Immediately following the crossing, a raffle for a rifle will be held. Tickets are on sale now and cost $10 for one or $25 for three. The rifle is on display at Hometown Hardware in Glenns Ferry.

Sunday's activities begin with breakfast at 8:30 a.m., provided by R n' L Catering, of Boise. A nondenominational church service, officiated by Pastor Don Woody, will be held at 11 a.m. R n' L Catering will begin serving lunch at noon, and the auction begins at 1 p.m. All those events will be held at the Elmore County Fairgrounds.

Volunteers are essential for making the Crossing a success and contributing to its smooth operation.

Anyone interested in helping should contact either Dale Jeffrey at 366-2550 or 366-2569, or Pegi Bybee-Robles at 366-2255.