Experiences with the fall Trailing of the Sheep Festival?

My husband, a friend, and I are considering going to Idaho around the time of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival (October). We have not been to Idaho before, but enjoy vacationing in mountainous areas (Colorado, Arizona (northern), New Mexico, Vermont). I spotted the website about this festival several years ago when we were living in the (flat) Midwest and found it so appealing as it seems to incorporate many of the things we enjoy - lovely scenery, celebration of cuisines, folkloric music and activities, educational aspects, and - it sounds funny - sheep. (I find the culture associated with sheep herding cool, not sure why!)

So my question is: is this festival as advertised? Do people really go to this thing, are the events associated with it well-run, is the weather usually nice then, etc? I would hate to convince my husband and our friend to spend one of our annual vacations on something that was really just a handful of poorly-run under-attended activities with a nice website.

Second question: can you recommend a reliable vacation rental service or resort with rental units that would have easy access to Hailey and Ketchum? I%26#39;ve found several on the web but not many recent reviews. We%26#39;d be looking for a two bedroom, two bath to share with our friend.

Thanks!

Experiences with the fall Trailing of the Sheep Festival?

First of all, Trailing of the Sheep , well, not sure how BIG the whole thing is. I have never been to any of the activities. One reason they have it in October is..that this is a slow season and they want to bring people into the valley. the weather is pretty nice, you can check how it has been (but living here for 30 years, it ALWAYS changes) and no people around, which really is nice. They do have some things coordinated for the festival, but this in not a big festival. They have already run most of the sheep through the valley and this is one of the last times. I always laugh when you see Pee spots everywhere, with a few other sights of the herds. What place in the world can you call your boss and say you%26#39;ll be late, because the sheep are in the road!!! YEs, they go, at places, right down the road.

I would try any of the property managements. I work with one High Country Property, they give me business, otherwise, rent a condo from the Sun Valley Company. You will get the access of all the amenities right there, and a nice walk, 1 mile, into town. The sheep do have interesting history. one thing that i always tell my friends is , when you see the flocks, there is always 1 black one for each 100...that is my only piece of interesting info!!!

LEt me know if you need more help...enjoy