KETCHUM, Idaho — Sheep lovers from across the Gem State should head to the Wood River Valley for the annual "Trailing of the Sheep" festival in Ketchum starting Wednesday.

The five-day festival kicks off on Oct. 8 with events honoring and celebrating the materials sheep provide. Early festivities include lamb cooking classes, cheese making and wool felting workshops.

The festival honors the tradition of sheep trailing – moving sheep from high mountain pastures in the summer to areas in the south of the region.

According to a festival spokesperson, many of the traditions originate from Basque, Scottish and Peruvian cultures but have been preserved in the Gem State by sheep ranching families.

Border collies and their handlers from across the country will compete for awards in the Na

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