Has anyone else noticed the prevalence of “Fun Day” to describe gatherings in our community–and it’s true. We in the Little Snake River Valley really know how to have fun! Right after Labor Day, we have an end-of-summer, about to plunge-into-fall-work, guess-it-will-be snowing-soon celebration. This year the Community Barbeque included a barbeque (go figure), bouncy big toys for the kids and some grown-ups, live music, an arts and crafts display, and, of course, The Mostly Peruvian Soccer Tournament. One of our neighbors donates the use of his hayfield, next to the museum, as a soccer venue. Most years, the hay is put up, and the stubble is a little stiff. This year, due to generous (some might say overabundant) rains, the field featured somewhat soggy windrows, some of which had been raked aside to allow for clear soccer fields. This year, eleven teams played. A few were turned away, after being deemed to be too far afield and too semi-pro to participate. This gives you an idea of how many Peruvians are employed in agriculture in our area and surrounding communities. This is a day that the players look forward to all year. Even though several of our sheepherders left their flocks for the day to play for our team, the Osos de Ladder Ranch, alas, our guys did not prevail. Still, a good time was had by all–truly Fun Days!

Peruvian soccer game in the hayfield next to the Little Snake River Museum

Sundog, entertaining the crowd

A fabulous quilt by Aggie Stocks on display.

Rainbow over the swingset and museum

Oso Antonio with Rhen

Kids in line for the bouncy toy, with their shoes off

Eamon on the bungee pull, with Brenden

Museum Director Leila Emmons with McCoy , Tiarnan, and the garden planted with the kids on Pioneer Day

Sally Martinez supervises the roasting of the lamb, beef and pork

Peruvain soccer players check out the Strobridge House

Rhen at the top of the slide which has terrified generations of children

Museum scarecrow

Tiarnan and Siobhan under the sunflowers