Category: kifi-local-news

Hadley Bodell

CHUBBUCK, Idaho (KIFI) – The “Chubbuck Days” celebration is back for the weekend in Chubbuck, a summer bash filled with family fun, movies and parades for the community. The celebrations kick off Friday August 7, with the family movie night at Stuart Park.

Simplot is sponsoring the movie night, which begins at dusk (approx. 9 p.m.) and will be the movie “Hoppers,” with free fries available for attendees. Saturday, August 8 will begin with the Chubbuck Days Parade, featuring 50 float entries.

“The parade starts at 10 a.m. and it goes down Hawthorne and Chubbuck roads,” said Kami Berger, Public Works Operations Manager for the City of Chubbuck. “The festival kicks off here at Cotant Park at 11 a.m.”

Parade map, City of Chubbuck

The festival at Cotant Park will go until 3 p.m. and feature over 65 local vendors, food trucks, and bounce houses. There is also a car show and a free watermelon feed. The police department will also have a dunk tank to dunk an officer and Mayor Burch as well as the city council will be present.

“The Pocatello City Council and County Commissioners and the ISU President Wagner will all join in the parade with us,” Berger said. “We’ll have lots of different local businesses here and food vendors like Dippin’ Dots ice cream and snow cones.”

The Chubbuck Days celebration has been going since 1960, with only one year off for COVID, making this the 65th annual event. This year is also special because it jointly celebrates AMERICA250.

Berger said city staff will have department booths at the festival so employees can engage with residents and answer any questions from the community.

“If you want to talk about your utility bill or find out about our 2027 budget, we will be here to answer those questions,” she said. “Even with these increasing temperatures, I think it’s something fun to do and get out of the house, see your neighbors and friends and a lot of businesses you might not even know about.”

This is Mayor Rodney Burch’s first Chubbuck Days celebration, and Berger said he’s focused on representing the entire Portneuf Valley. Burch is committed to showing the partnerships Chubbuck has with the City of Pocatello, Idaho State University and Bannock County.

The movie, parade, car show and festival are all free to attend.

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Hadley Bodell

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Marshall Public Library has been collecting donations of school supplies and hygiene products every year since 2018. Between August 3 and September 12, a donation bin near the front desk of the library will collect new, unopened supplies for students in School District 25.

The school year is right around the corner for District 25 students, and many are underprepared without school supplies like pencils, crayons, watercolor paints, notebooks and more. The library will collect these items throughout the next month to distribute amongst students in need right as the school year begins. Library specialists say this is an important way they can give back to the kids outside the library walls.

“We see so many school kids here at the library after school gets out, but we don’t really see them during the day,” said Megan Nelson, Library Specialist at Marshall. “This is a really nice opportunity to help them out. It’s really important to us that we help them excel in school and help school be a good, safe place.”

Nelson said this year is even more important as the cost of living rises and every family is stretched thin for school supplies. They’re asking for only unopened items to ensure the quality is high for students.

“We would love to see watercolors, backpacks, colored pencils, things like that,” Nelson said. “Sometimes you can find backpacks on really good sales and those get used a lot.”

She added that buying certain items on sale in department stores can be an affordable way to donate to students. Just as important as school supplies are hygiene products for children.

“We need razors, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bars of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, floss, feminine hygiene items, deodorant,” Nelson listed. “There’s no limit to how many hygiene items we would accept for donations.”

Even one bar of soap or one bottle of shampoo will help a student in need in the Pocatello community. Items can be loose or in grocery bags and placed into the donation bin.

“Even one thing, a pretty backpack or a pack of crayons, would be wonderful and would really, really make a difference in the life of a kid here.”

– Megan Nelson, Library Specialist

Nelson also mentioned “pretty items” like pencil cases and pens for younger students. She explained underserved students often get bargain bin or plainer items for their school year, but any decorated notebooks, nice backpacks, or colored pens are appreciated for the drive.

Below is a list of requested items by the Marshall Public Library:

Toiletry Items

Shampoo

Soap

Shaving gel

Lotion

Deodorant

Towels

Washcloths

Combs

Feminine hygiene products

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Disposable razors

School Supplies

Pencils

Notebooks

Paper

Folders

Pens

Crayons

Watercolor sets

Highlighters

Markers

Colored pencils

Rulers

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman declared Friday that the U.S. will win the second and third space race back to the moon, Mars and beyond.

“The outer solar system contains some of the most compelling destinations of exploration. The oceans beneath the ice of Enceladus, the complex environment of Uranus and its moons, the distant worlds and unexplored regions that may hold the answers to some of humanity’s oldest questions – like are we alone?” Isaacson shared. “These are not destinations we should visit once every generation, because planetary alignment is rare and transit times are so long and the missions are just extremely expensive. We should be building the capability to explore them routinely.”

The leader of NASA visited Idaho for the first time ever to highlight INL’s role and growing partnership with the space agency.

“That requires fission-powered spacecraft – capable of traveling farther, operating longer and supporting more power-intensive instruments to help us uncover the secrets of the universe,” he said.

His speech was part of the “NASA Inspiration Tour: Going Nuclear with Idaho National Laboratory,” where Isaacman met with leaders of the Radiant, Antares, and Deployable Energy microreactors.

The visit concluded with a historic press conference at the Aero Mark general aviation hangar at the Idaho Falls Regional Airport with Isaacman, Gov. Brad Little, Rep. Mike Simpson and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly.

You can watch Local News 8’s livestream of the full event below.

The seeds of future space travel started here in the Idaho desert.

“For more than 70 years, Idaho has been the center of American innovation,” Gov. Little said. “Right here in INL, our nation proved what was possible by generating the first usable electricity from nuclear power.”

Rep. Simpson, who advocates for INL funding on the House Appropriations Committee, said the laboratory’s collaboration with NASA will continue to expand.

“The INL and NASA has long had a good partnership, working together on space batteries and other things. It’s going to become greater in the future as we look at reactors for the moon and other places. It’s going to be amazing what happens in here.”

The leaders embrace a future where creativity is encouraged, the impossible is made possible, and space travel expands deep into the galaxy.

“There was a time in which we had innovation that ran so quickly that in a single human lifespan, we went from a powered kite at Kitty Hawk to Tranquility Base in the course of one human lifespan. Just think about that,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly. “We are recapturing that spirit of innovation and that rate of innovation with the return to the moon, with the Artemis mission and the development of the reactors that are going to have to power yet another generation of NASA’s missions.”

Isaacman’s vision to reach the furthest expanses of space is powered by the radioisotope thermoelectric generators and advanced nuclear reactor development occurring at INL.

“The stars belong to everyone,” he said. “Now, NASA, alongside our our partners in the Department of Energy and alongside American industry as well, must once again recalibrate, shift our resources away from what others are already capable of doing, and do what no other company, agency, or frankly, what other nation is capable of accomplishing.”

Isaacman said today’s kids and young people will be the new astronauts, engineers and scientists who will dare to dream, dare to achieve, and dare to join those propelling humankind deep into outer space.

“We must unleash more of the energy potential within matter and use it to overcome the tyranny of distance across our solar system, especially as we venture farther away from our star,” Isaacman concluded.

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Danielle Mullenix

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Twin Falls Police released new information Friday about the August 1 mass shooting at the city’s In-N-Out Burger, saying investigators still have no known motive while confirming the suspect acted alone. The investigation remains active with assistance from the FBI, Idaho State Police and the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office.

Police said 24-year-old Chad Williams opened fire at the restaurant, killing three people and injuring seven others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being confronted by an off-duty law enforcement officer and an armed citizen.

During Friday’s news conference, Chief Matthew Hicks said detectives continue reviewing surveillance video, processing evidence and conducting interviews with witnesses. Officials emphasized there is no evidence anyone else was involved, and investigators believe Williams acted alone. However, authorities say the case is far from over as they continue working to determine what led to the attack.

Police said 10 people were struck by gunfire, including the suspect. Of the three victims killed, two died inside the restaurant while one died in the parking lot. Officials also confirmed one of those killed was an In-N-Out employee.

The three people killed were identified as Ashley Garibay, 23, of Stockton, California, Dale Schultz, 66, of Salt Lake City, and Christopher Claunch, 59, of Hagerman. Some victims’ identities have not yet been released publicly as authorities continue coordinating with their families.

Investigators also recognized the actions of two men who engaged the shooter.

Police identified Jordan Salinas, an off-duty law enforcement officer, as one of the people who returned fire during the incident. They also recognized retired Twin Falls police officer AJ Scott (Austyn James Scott), who confronted the gunman. Authorities credited their actions with helping prevent additional casualties.

Officials outlined the scale of the emergency response, saying the first officer arrived within about three minutes of the initial 911 call. It took investigators approximately 90 minutes to confirm there was only one suspect.

Dispatchers received 85 emergency calls within the first 10 minutes of the shooting, while more than 150 first responders from approximately 50 agencies responded to the scene.

Support services remain available for victims and their families. Twin Falls officials said assistance is being provided through the American Red Cross, while the city is partnering with NOVA to provide counseling and other recovery resources.

Authorities stressed Friday that the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives with the Twin Falls Police Department continue working alongside the FBI, Idaho State Police, and the Twin Falls County Sheriff’s Office as they analyze evidence and continue interviewing witnesses. Police are still asking anyone with photos, videos, or additional information that has not yet been shared with investigators to come forward.

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Curtis Jackson

STANLEY, Idaho (KIFI) — Three people were airlifted to hospitals Thursday afternoon following a serious two-vehicle crash on State Highway 75 south of Stanley.

The crash happened around 4:45 p.m. Aug. 6 near milepost 175.3 in Custer County, according to Idaho State Police.

Troopers said a 38-year-old Boise man was driving a 2012 Nissan northbound when he went off the right shoulder of the highway. Police said he then overcorrected, crossed into the southbound lane and collided with a 2020 Toyota.

The Toyota was being driven by a 23-year-old man from Cleveland, Tennessee, and was carrying four passengers.

The driver of the Nissan, along with the Toyota driver and one Toyota passenger, were transported by air ambulance for treatment. The remaining passengers in the Toyota were taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

Emergency crews blocked the southbound lane of Highway 75 for about two and a half hours while responding to the crash, though traffic was still able to move through the area.

Idaho State Police continue to investigate the incident.

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Curtis Jackson

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — A 20-year-old Idaho Falls man was killed Thursday evening in a crash involving a motorcycle and a pickup truck south of Idaho Falls.

The collision happened around 5:39 p.m. Aug. 6 at the intersection of South Yellowstone Highway and South 15th West, according to Idaho State Police.

Troopers say the man was riding a black 2014 Honda motorcycle northbound on Yellowstone Highway and was merging from the center turn lane into a travel lane when the crash occurred.

At the same time, a white GMC pickup traveling southbound was attempting to turn left onto South 15th West. The pickup was occupied by a 61-year-old man and a 61-year-old woman, both from Shelley.

The motorcyclist died at the scene from his injuries.

Police say the rider was wearing a helmet, and both occupants of the pickup were wearing seat belts.

The crash closed the northbound lane of Yellowstone Highway for about three hours while emergency crews responded and investigators processed the scene.

Idaho State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

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Danielle Mullenix

RIRIE, Idaho (KIFI) – Firefighters continue making steady progress on the Big Rock Fire, with containment increasing to 54% as crews work to secure fire lines and eliminate remaining hot spots.

The lightning-caused wildfire, which started one week ago on July 31, is now mapped at 2,142 acres. Fire officials say the slight decrease in acreage is the result of more accurate mapping, not a reduction in the burned area.

Image courtesy of the US Wildfire Services Idaho Great-Basin

More than 305 personnel remain assigned to the incident, where an aggressive full-suppression strategy continues to protect nearby communities, homes, critical local businesses and other resources at risk.

According to fire managers with the US Wildfire Services, the fire remained within its existing perimeter Thursday and overnight. Crews made additional containment gains on the northern flank above Cress Creek while continuing work east toward state endowment lands.

Although overall fire activity has diminished, firefighters say significant heat remains beneath the surface throughout the burned area. Smoldering root systems, burning snags and occasional torching juniper trees continue to pose challenges as crews transition into the mop-up phase of the incident.

Firefighters are now working deeper inside the fire perimeter, locating and extinguishing hidden hot spots while reinforcing containment lines north of Kelly Canyon and near state endowment lands. Additional engines have also arrived to assist crews as they focus on securing Heise Road, Kelly Canyon Road and South Snake River Road in hopes of eventually restoring public access.

Crews are also removing hazardous burned trees and expanding defensible space around homes where smoldering vegetation continues to threaten structures. Officials say the southern portion of the fire near the road corridors remains uncontained.

Image courtesy of the US Wildfire Services Idaho Great-Basin

Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, officials report no firefighter or public injuries and no residences have been lost since the fire began.

Hot, dry weather remains a concern

Friday’s forecast calls for sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-90s, relative humidity between 12% and 16%, and light winds shifting from the southeast in the morning to the west during the afternoon.

Fire managers say with no rain expected, and even hotter temperatures forecast for the weekend, extinguishing lingering hot spots could be more difficult.

Closures remain in effect

Officials continue to urge the public to stay away from the fire area while suppression efforts continue.

The following areas remain closed:

Cress Creek

Heise

Kelly Canyon

Stinking Springs

Wolf Flats

Table Rock

Several public land and recreation closures also remain in effect across the area.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has lifted its temporary closure for river camping at designated campsites along the South Fork Snake River Canyon between the Conant and Byington boat accesses. However, camping remains closed at Kelly Island Campground, Wolf Flats, Warm Springs and dispersed campsites along River Road.

Trail closures also remain in effect, including the Cress Creek Nature Trail, Stinking Springs Trail and other hiking and biking trails in the Kelly Canyon and Heise areas.

Fire officials ask residents and visitors to continue following evacuation notices, obey road closures and avoid entering the fire area while crews work to fully contain the wildfire.

The Big Rock Fire is being managed through a multi-agency response that includes the U.S. Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, local fire departments, sheriff’s offices, emergency management agencies and numerous local partners. Fire managers also thanked the community for its continued patience and support as crews work to strengthen containment in the coming days.

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Hadley Bodell

DOWNEY, Idaho (KIFI) – For the last two years, local farmers in Downey have been voicing their opinions on the potential for solar farms in south Bannock County. It’s a hot topic again as commissioners move to rewrite a 2024 ordinance that banned solar farms in Bannock County.

Public hearings, held before the ordinance passed, allowed Bannock County residents to share their concerns about large solar farms in their backyards. Other locals supported the development, saying they were excited over the potential financial gain from a proposed solar farm.

In the end, a 2-1 vote by Bannock County Commissioners banned industrial solar panel farms. The one opposing vote was County Commissioner Chairman Jeff Hough.

Former County Commissioner John Crowder, who voted to ban solar farms in 2024, said it boils down to a political battle in Bannock County that leaves taxpayers nervous about what large-scale projects they should support.

“The solar energy stuff is a scam. It’s not efficient. And they wouldn’t do this without tax subsidies going towards them,” Crowder said. “This is what you see with these types of projects. The guys that are going to profit from them are going to be in favor of them. No regular citizens who stand to absorb the risks, whether it’s environmental risks or aesthetic risks or whatever – they’re going to be opposed.”

A moratorium was placed on solar farms in 2024 while commissioners deliberated on the outright ban passed in March 2024. A similar strategy was used just last month by Bannock County when they placed a moritorium on AI data center permit proposals, to allow 180 days to deliberate new ordinance.

At the beginning of August 2026, Pocatello for Accountable Government Agencies put in a public records request for the new draft ordinance. Originally, Heather Disselkoen– co-founder of the agency– was denied because the document was protected under client-attorney privilege. Through more requests, Disselkoan discovered a third party interest had been given access to the ordinance five weeks prior to the public.

“It was information we felt the public needed to know. This was an elected commissioner, commissioner Hough, who had released it to a third party interest,” Disselkoen explained. “Who happens to be Dustin Manwaring, the attorney for Balanced Rock [Power] and in my opinion, he was giving them preferential treatment over members of the public.”

Disselkoen took to Facebook with her discovery and the post garnered serious traction online, skyrocketing to Pocatello for Accountable Government Agencies’ top post. With Commissioner Hough in communication with Manwaring prior to the new ordinance becoming public, he released this statement regarding the situation:

Email statement from Commissioner Jeff Hough, courtesy of Heather Disselkoen

Locals in Downey echoed Disselkoen’s sentiment that this was a breach of trust and a favoritism to outside parties rather than Bannock County constituents. While nothing about Commissioner Hough’s actions were unlawful, residents say it’s a breach of their trust.

“Draft ordinances were supposed to be a protected document,” said Des Hauser, a business and land owner in Downey. “To find out they’re leaked to Dustin Manwaring, by Commissioner Hough, like, that breaks a really big sense of trust.”

Local homemaker Rebecca Falcon said that elected officials should advocate for the people of their county, and that current commissioners aren’t listening to the people of Downey when it comes to a potential solar farm.

“They’re forcing it on us,” Falcon said. “I think they’re supposed to represent us. Our commissioners are not representing the people of this area.”

For Downey ranchers and farmers, the rural landscape is a way of life and where they’ve raised families for generations. Many of them can’t imagine life with thousands of acres of solar panels surrounding their properties, which the Balanced Rock Solar Farm Project promises.

“It would be in my backyard. I’d be surrounded by three sides. Our way of life, the enjoyment of our property, the reason why we bought it, where we live, all would be changed forever,” Hauser said. “Not to mention the value of the property is going to depreciate.”

Business owners in South Bannock County are looking for growth to the small towns like Downey. Joel Mcquivey is the owner of All American Roofing and Gutters, a business that relies on growth to the Marsh Valley.

“It will really affect the resale value of my properties. What I struggle with is that I want to be able to do what I want with my property, I feel my neighbors should be able to do the same,” Mcquivey said. “But I also feel that what I do on my property should help boost the value of theirs, not take away from them.”

Residents who support the solar farm project believe the financial gain outweighs the devastation of the land. Mcquivey said he has friends who would be crazy not to at least try and lease their land to install solar panels.

“Who’s looking to buy when you’ve got a solar farm 150 feet from your fence? Nobody. It kills the resale value of your home.”

-Joel Mcquivey

The entire project aligns with Gateway West, a power energy project designed to reliably deliver energy from eastern Wyoming to western Idaho. The area just west of Downey is already home to a large substation, making the land valuable to all energy developers. Mcquivey said simply, “look elsewhere.”

Falcon said she was offered the money for a solar farm on her property near the substation, however, she declined. It’s not about the money, it’s about the rural lifestyle and protecting the history of generations of families in Downey.

“This is our home. In my mind, I can’t reconcile any value on my life and my history,” Falcon stated.

Falcon and Hauser have fought for their land in the past when solar farms were originally brought to the commission table in 2024. The commissioners at the time heard the concerns of locals and set the ban in place. Now, these same residents are prepared to fight again for their community.

“We all bought ag land, so to find out that they would turn our ag land into an industrial complex is just mind blowing. If you don’t want to be a farmer or a rancher out here, sell it and go somewhere where you can buy industrial property.”

-Rebecca Falcon

Hauser said when the ban went into place two years ago, it felt like a temporary fix. They knew the fight wasn’t over because Manwaring and other attorneys could continue trying to get the ban overturned. During the public hearing process for the ban ordinance, Hauser and Falcon did grunt work in Downey getting the community to rally behind them– knocking on doors, hosting open houses at the library, and gathering people to attend public hearings.

“With this particular project, nobody was talking about it, nobody knew. They didn’t knock on our doors and tell us our own neighbors were involved in this potential project,” Falcon said. “It was about getting out and talking the neighbors in the community and letting them know because majority of people had no idea what was coming our way.”

The local farmers worry for the newcomers to Downey, unaware their backyard may soon be filled with blinding solar panels. Their main concern is the destruction of the land, because once it’s done, Hauser says the damage is irreversable.

“It’s not like the town would feel the benefit of the power. It’s going to get shipped out of here. So we have to give up all of our landscape, our way of life,” Hauser said. “People live in these communities because they embrace their rural lifestyle. None of us signed up to say we want to live in an industrial solar complex.”

Falcon says the project fronted by Balanced Rock would total almost 15,000 acres of land near Downey.

“We will definitely keep fighting,” Hauser said. “We’re not going to stop. We just have to keep a watchful eye on what goes on and be willing to stand up and be advocates for the people who might not feel they can.”

Residents in Downey have utilized the public records requesting system and will continue showing up in every possible way to stop the solar farm ban from being reversed.

Local News 8 will continue following this story as it develops and more information becomes available.

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David Pace

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho National Laboratory’s collaboration with NASA is propelling spacecraft to the depths of the universe with its nuclear propulsion generators.

NASA’s top official Jared Isaacman will touch down in Idaho Falls Friday to tour the laboratory’s facilities and visit the heart of America’s nuclear space program.

Projects and research at the area empowering space missions past, present and future.

“We have made radioisotope thermoelectric generators that have powered the Curiosity and the Perseverance rover that are on Mars,” said INL Tour Ambassador Liza Raley. “A New Horizons mission went all the way past Pluto. When the rocket took off, Pluto was a planet. It took nine and a half years for it to get to the Kuiper Belt, passing Pluto. By the time it arrived, Pluto was no longer a planet. It had been downgraded.”

INL scientists are laser-focused on powering the future of space exploration.

“We’re currently working on four missions – all launching within a 12-month time span,” said Space Nuclear Power & Isotope Technologies Director Stephen Johnson. The first of those is a July 2028 mission that we’re supplying radioisotope heater units for an multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator (MMRTG) that is Dragonfly, which is going to Saturn’s moon Titan.”

INL is also assisting the Rosalind Franklin Mission in placing a lander and rover on Mars in October 2028.

“Then in November of 2028, they are targeting launching a small fission reactor Space Reactor-1,” Johnson said. “That will power a craft using nuclear electric propulsion that will go to Mars and launch into Mars some small helicopters.”

Finally, the next year, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) will power the Promise rover on the lunar surface.

With major ambition, NASA is also preparing to bring a nuclear fission reactor to the moon by 2030.

“NASA has a whole moon base plan, right? They’re going to need a lot of power for that plan,” said Nuclear Reactor Technology Division Director Justin Coleman. “They have the power right now for the initial steps. They don’t need a reactor today. But again, that’s the reason NASA’s looking at a reactor that’ll be launch-ready by 2030. It will completely change the paradigm in the type of power generation you have on the moon.”

To accomplish that, INL and its partners are focused on making nuclear reactors and batteries that are lighter and more compact. 

“When we think about reactors for defense and even space or mobile applications, you think of things that are constrained by weight and size,” Coleman said. “So they have to be able to fit into a small package, and they have to be light enough to be able to fly around in a C-17 to transport by truck or to transport by rocket.”

In this revolutionary era merging space exploration and advanced reactor technology, for NASA and INL, the sky is not the limit.

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Dylan Carder

FORT HALL, Idaho (KIFI)- The 61st Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival began Thursday at the Shoshone-Bannock Festival Grounds in Fort Hall. The four-day gathering runs through this Sunday under the theme “One people, one purpose, one future.”

The festival originated in August 1964 when then-recreation director Reeves Nawoosky organized a social powwow to celebrate a successful summer of activities. Roselynn Yazzie, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Public Affairs Manager, said the event is free and open to the public. “I would like to warmly welcome everyone to the 61st annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival,” Yazzie said. “This is our biggest event of the year.”

High-speed Indian Relay racing serves as a central attraction at the festival. The sport originated on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation more than 100 years ago and is passed down through tribal families. Each four-member team includes one rider, one catcher and two holders who manage three horses during bareback exchanges. Riders must complete a lap with each horse and dismount without assistance or losing control of their animals.

Competitive powwows are held at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor. Blackstone, a group from Saskatchewan, Canada, is serving as the host drum for events that draw dancers and drum groups from across North America. Yazzie, Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Public Affairs Manager, noted the diverse attendance. “There are people from as far as Canada. Our host group is from Canada. And they’re the Blackstone singers from Saskatchewan, Canada and we have people from everywhere,” Yazzie said.

The festival schedule includes a Children’s Day Powwow Thursday night at 7 p.m. Main Grand Entries follow this Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., as well as this Sunday at 1 p.m. Yazzie described the gathering as both a destination for families across Indian country and a “homecoming” for tribal members who live elsewhere. “I grew up dancing and, just kind of traveling with my grandparents all over and I feel like I just love coming to powwow and hearing the music and just being around community and family,” Yazzie said. “So that’s my favorite part.”

Two parades are part of the festival itinerary. The Children’s Day Parade traveled along Agency Road on Thursday morning. The Main Festival Parade, featuring tribal leadership, community floats and traditional attire, is scheduled for 1 p.m. this Saturday.

Other athletic events include the All-Indian Rodeo and traditional Native games. Indigenous artisans are selling beadwork, leather goods and jewelry, while food vendors are serving local specialties such as frybread and Indian tacos. The event also features royalty pageants to select Miss Shoshone-Bannock and the Festival Princess.

Yazzie explained that this year’s theme, “One people, one purpose, one future,” focuses on community wellness and unity. “I hope they feel connected, to this land, this region, to all our people in general,” Yazzie said regarding the visitors. “And I feel especially right now, like we all need to feel, you know, united and, celebrations like these provide those opportunities. And any time you could be a good neighbor, is a great opportunity for you to learn something or maybe walk away with something, an experience you never had before.”

The 61st Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival concludes this Sunday. The final Grand Entry is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Delbert Farmer Festival Arbor. You can find a full schedule of events at https://shobanfestival.com/

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