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Three Island Crossing pioneer recreation will go on
The Annual Three Island Crossing will be held this weekend despite rumors that this year's event might be cancelled after a tragic accident that resulted in the drowning death of two horses during a practice session Aug. 1.
During a special meeting of the Three Island Crossing Organization, Inc., held last Wednesday afternoon at World Wide Equine, it was the consensus of the TICO board that any participant still wanting to cross the river on Aug. 14 should be given that opportunity.
Still visibly shaken by the accident in which his two Belgian draft horses died, Dale Jeffrey, President of TICO and wagonmaster of the event for the past two years, led the assemblage in prayer, asking for protection of this year's participants and animals.
On Aug. 1, while practicing for this year's crossing, the bit on one of Jeffrey's horses got caught on the yoke bar, a piece of wood that connects perpendicular to the wagon tongue and joins the horses together. This prevented the horse from raising its head out of the fast-moving and deep water. Because both horses are attached to the yoke bar, the second horse was also forced under water.
At some point, the wagon began to tip, putting pressure on the emergency release pin. Despite his best efforts, and at risk to his own life, Jeffrey was unable to release the pin.
The wagon was recovered later that day. On Monday, the horses were recovered downstream near Slick Bridge.
Another horse that had been swept downstream during the practice was later found alive on one of the islands.
Following the accident, which made headlines in media throughout the region, Three Island Crossing State Park was inundated with phone calls, several from animal rights organizations, who are threatening to send protesters to this year's event, reported park manager John Frank.
While protesters cannot be banned from the Crossing, Elmore County Sheriff Rick Layher said they would not be allowed in any area that is off-limits to the public during the event.
One caller to the Sheriff's Department suggested Layher look at a section of Idaho Code pertaining to cruelty to animals. Layher said he read the code and conferred with Aaron Bazolli, Elmore County Prosecutor. Bazolli indicated he would not prosecute under the code because of lack of "intent" to cause injury to animals, Layher said.
Over the years, Three Island Crossing organizers have developed several safety features in an effort to reduce risk to animals and people. Wagon modifications have been made to reduce the risk of tipping, and "quick release pins" have been added to allow wagonmasters to detach their animals from the wagon.
But more modifications to the quick release system may be needed, said Jack Pruett, who has participated in the crossing for many years and has been involved with developing some of the modifications.
Additionally, safety procedures are readdressed before each practice session, which typically begins the first weekend of July. Lifejackets also are required. And animals must be healthy and capable of making the crossing or they are not allowed to participate, Jeffrey noted.
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Elmore County Sheriff's Department waterways division were on-scene when the accident occurred but were unable to save the horses. Both agencies are expected to participate in the crossing this weekend, said Donnie LaBelle, Marine Deputy Supervisor for the Elmore County Sheriff's Boating Safety Division.
Frank said the park had received numerous calls following news accounts about the accident. Dozens of people have cancelled their reservations at the park. Frank said he did not know whether the cancellations were in response to the accident, or uncertainty about whether the crossing would still take place.
In cooperation with TICO, Frank has been reviewing the accident in an effort to find out what went wrong and how future accidents can be avoided.
Although the Idaho State Department of Parks and Recreation has expressed concern about the long-term impact of negative publicity resulting from the accident, the agency continues to support the crossing, Frank indicated.
The Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce also continues its support of the crossing, according to Chamber Secretary Pegi Bybee-Robles.
When asked his opinion, former wagonmaster Marv Wootan said he believes the crossing is "important," and must go on because "we owe it to our ancestors."
The Three Island Crossing Reenactment portrays the actual crossing of the Snake River made by nearly 265,000 pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail during the mid to late 1800s.
"If one person on a horse shows up, we'll have a crossing," said Jeffrey.
"I'll be there," responded Roy Allen, who has been participating in the crossing since 1984.
Besides the actual river crossing, numerous other activities will take place during the weekend, including traditional dances performed by Native Americans from the Duck Valley Reservation, music and raffles. A mountain man village will also will be on display.
The crossing kicks off with an all-equestrian parade on Friday night followed by a dance at Spirit of the Horse Corral (378 E. Idaho Ave.) at 9 p.m. The Country Gentlemen will provide music.
Vendors, artisans and the mountain man village will be set up on Friday and open all day Saturday.
Saturday's activities begin with a breakfast at 8 a.m. sponsored by the Loyal Order of the Moose #1446, and VFW Post 3646. This all-you-can-eat breakfast costs $4 per person.
The Bob Nora Band will provide music for Saturday night's dance at the Spirit of the Horse Corral.
Sunday's events will be held at the Spirit of the Horse Corral and begin with an 8 a.m. breakfast catered by R & L BBQ & Catering.
A non-denominational church service will begin at 11 p.m. A consignment auction will be held at 1 p.m.