JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is calling off its traditional Old West Days Parade, unless the community can convince it otherwise.
In a letter to Chamber members, the Chamber cited dwindling participation in the parade as the biggest factor in its cancellation.
“[T]he number of horse drawn, western-themed floats has been on a decline for many years,” the Chamber said.
Late May is also no longer a lull in tourist season, the Chamber said, so it’s less important to draw in new visitors. And the annual 4th of July parade takes place 36 days later.
“If in the next week a number of groups come forward to participate with horse drawn, western-themed floats, the Chamber is happy to reassess,” the letter said.
“The Chamber values Jackson Hole’s heritage greatly and would love to host what may again be the longest horse-drawn parade in the nation. In order to do so, we invite those of you who are keeping our history alive and strong to participate.”
Old West Days, a 10-day festival, will go with or without the parade. There will still be music, swing dancing, the Ranch Tour, High Noon Chili Cookoff, and more, the Chamber said.
