Archive for category Valley Events

Casting 4 a Cure – Supporting the Silent Angles

Posted by admin in Casting 4 A Cure, Valley Events on August 12th, 2010

FLY FISHING WITH A PURPOSE – SUPPORTING THE SILENT ANGELS

Life works its magic in mysterious ways and I believe certain people come into our lives for a reason. In August 2009, Teton Springs Lodge & Spa hosted the First Annual “Casting 4 A Cure” fly fishing tournament and party to benefit the Rett Syndrome Foundation. This is when I first met the Farnum family. Ella Farnum, the eldest sibling of the two Farnum children (a third, baby Owen has since joined the clan), was then a five year old delightful child with the hugest brown eyes, thick brown curly hair, the rosiest of cheeks and a smile that perpetually covered her angelic face. Ella was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome in 2008, and this party was for her, and for all the children afflicted with this cruel and unforgiving disease. Not being at all familiar with Rett Syndrome, I did some research.

Rett Syndrome is a unique developmental disorder that occurs almost exclusively in girls but can be rarely seen in boys and is caused by a mutation of the X chromosome. This disease doesn’t discriminate, striking all racial and ethnic groups. The parents, well, they never see it coming. These happy, lovely toddlers develop normally until approximately 18-24 months of age and then they begin to lose their speech and motor skills. The devastation to their small bodies doesn’t stop there. Rett Syndrome causes problems in brain function that are responsible for cognitive, sensory, emotional, motor and autonomic function. These can include learning, speech, sensory sensation, mood, movement, breathing, cardiac function, and even chewing, swallowing and digestion.


Ella’s parents, Bill and Beth Farnum, are ferocious in their commitment to help find a cure for Rett Syndrome. Bill, being a rabid fly fishing enthusiast, decided to combine his passion for the sport into something much more meaningful that simply chasing the illusive Rainbow or Brown trout. “Casting 4 A Cure was born out of a passion to help the children and families afflicted by Rett Syndrome,” says Bill, executive director for Casting 4 A Cure. The Farnum’s commitment is raising awareness and funding research in the hopes of one day finding a cure for Ella, and all the silent angels. Bill continues, “Combining my passion for fly fishing and the fight against RS was a natural progression. Casting 4 A Cure has donated more than $100,000 towards the cause; our goal is to raise one million dollars by 2015 and have a cure in hand by 2020.” Bill realizes this is a lofty goal but one worth reaching for. It’s working.

The Fly fishing community has rallied in a big way & warmly embraces the cause. Integral to the “Casting 4 a Cure” fund raising weekend August 26-28 is the fly fishing tournament held for two days on one of the most iconic rivers in the west, the South Fork of the Snake. This year, over 20 teams, with the help of the expert guides from WorldCast Anglers, will head out early from Teton Springs Lodge & Spa and race to the South Fork for a two day tournament and a chance for major bragging rights (and some pretty great prizes too from the coolest companies: Sage, Patagonia, Scott Fly Rods, Fishpond, Dry Fly Distilling, and Kaenon).

However, the main event doesn’t require drift boats, waders, the perfect fly, or luck for that matter. The true heart of the Rett fundraising effort for this 2nd Annual Casting 4 A Cure soirée is happening at the Spud, Teton Valley’s historic drive-in theater on Friday, August 27th. In addition to first-run flicks, the remodeled Spud is hosting a variety of top notch music extravaganzas this summer season as well as other special events. Everyone is invited to this party, and encouraged to attend, the “Coca-Cola Casting 4 A Cure Concert” featuring live music by the renowned rock and blues band, The Freddy Jones Band with special guests Equal Eyes. Be at the Spud by 5:30 p.m., especially to snag some of the terrific door prizes by K2 Skis, Sage Fly Rods, Patagonia, Fishpond, Grand Targhee, to name a few.

Price for admission is only $20 and the kids 12 and younger are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.spuddrivein.com or at the door. The feeling you’ll get for helping to raise money for critical Rett Syndrome research and family support, well, as they say, priceless! While enjoying the great music, food and friendly vibe, be sure to say hi to two of the most special people I have ever met; Beth and Bill Farnum. They’d like to tell you all about Ella.

Call Teton Springs Lodge & Spa for reservations and information: 877-787-8757 or Bill Farnum @720-635-2572.

See you at the Spud and be ready to party!

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Rock the Tetons At Targhee Fest

Posted by admin in Valley Events on July 6th, 2010

Music Guaranteed to Rock the Tetons

Ok, maybe it was the Von Trapp Family who made magical tunes in the high altitude hills so famous in the “The Sound of Music” so many moons ago. But now, it’s the breathtakingly beautiful Teton Mountains that are keeping this tradition alive in the northern Rockies. The spectacular Teton Valley, in eastern Idaho, is quickly becoming a Mecca for quality summer music events and thus drawing visitors from all over North America to its lush countryside. This charming community, hugging the Wyoming border and a quick hop over Teton Pass from iconic Jackson Hole, has historically been recognized more for its famous potatoes, summer recreation and world-class skiing at neighboring Grand Targhee than for its cultural nourishment. However, the gig is up and the word is out that this low-key mountain community is home to not only some of the country’s most renowned musicians but also nationally recognized painters, sculptors, furniture makers, glass blowers, musicians, authors and filmmakers. It’s not difficult to understand why a creative force is blossoming in the shadow of the Tetons; the inspiration one can draw from the incredible beauty of this valley has the power to unleash the artist in all of us.

Visitors are drawn to Teton Valley this summer for a line-up guaranteed to excite any music aficionado coupled with a full schedule of outdoor adventures. Better plan on an extended stay. For many welcomed outsiders, the optimum home base for sampling this area’s wares just happens to be Teton Springs Lodge & Spa.

Located in the heart of Victor, Idaho, this four-season resort community is literally surrounded by the finest array of outdoor activities this area has to offer, the best of the west so to speak. Hang by the pool, tee it up on the award-winning Teton area Headwaters 18 hole golf course, cruise into the adjacent Caribou-Targhee National Forest on your fat tires, perfect your fly casting technique on the resort’s ponds and indulge in a massage. Or, simply take in Idaho’s most splendid scenery as the resident Bald Eagle soars overhead.

Only a driver and five iron shot away from the resort, you’ll take to the streets of Victor, 58 North Main Street to be exact, for “Music on Main.” Music on Main, compliments of the Teton Valley Foundation, is celebrating its 5th summer as a music force in Teton Valley, unifying community and visitors alike. This free series opens on July 15th and repeats every week through August 19 and consistently delivers on its promise to pack critically acclaimed bands into every Thursday session. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and arrive hungry. There’s a diverse blend of local (Teton Valley) food and libation on site.

Targhee Fest 2010 - Music Rocking the Tetons

There’s barely time to sleep; the next stop on your Teton Valley magical music tour is the Grand Targhee 6th Annual Targheefest July 16-18. This low-key but immensely popular event offers the best of Americana and the mountains don’t remain quiet for long. The 23rd Annual Targhee Bluegrass Festival, the nationally recognized granddaddy of music festivals in the Rockies, kicks off on August 13th. Both events are definitely worth planning your Teton Valley vacation around. Targhee festivals take place on their intimate outdoor stage nestled in a band of Aspens and the hills definitely come alive for these events. A combination of premier performers, activities for the entire family, a relaxed, casual atmosphere all provide a two festival knock-out punch. The resort even provides free shuttle service from Driggs to this Alta, Wyoming, venue festival weekends and the nice folks at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa will help with any other transportation needs you may have

Other Noteworthy Teton Valley Music Extravaganzas:

July 10

Linn Canyon Ranch presents “Competitive Trail Challenge” – wannabe cowboys or those looking for a glimpse into the authentic west shouldn’t miss this event! Music by “The White Buffalo,” western arts & crafts, horse training demonstrations, silent auction and a whole lot more.

August 27

The Spud Drive In hosts the 2nd Annual “Casting 4 A Cure” concert to benefit the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (www.casting4acure.com) and presenting Chicago based “Freddy Jones with special guests Idaho’s Equal Eyes.” Teton Springs Lodge & Spa and the Teton Springs Foundation are proud sponsors of this wonderful event and be sure to check out all of the terrific special events happening at the historic Spud Drive In this Summer!

Call Teton Springs Lodge & Spa Lodge & Spa to secure your Teton Springs Lodge room/suite or luxury cabin in the Beautiful Teton Valley for this summer’s Magic Music Tour (toll free 877-787-8757). See you in Teton Valley and don’t forget those dancing shoes!

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A Jackson Hole Vacation Guide

Posted by admin in Valley Events on June 10th, 2010

TETON VALLEY IDAHO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFERS VISITORS MAGNIFICENT HOT AIR BALLOONS COUPLED WITH AN OLD FASHION FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION!

Any legitimate summer Jackson Hole Vacation Guide will steer travelers visiting the area to neighboring Teton Valley, Idaho, for the annual 4th of July Festival. Also known as the “Hot Air Balloon Rally” and the “Teton Valley Summer Festival,” this event, once lauded as one of the Top 10 Events in North America by the National Bus Tour Association, will sure to please the entire family. Teton Springs Lodge & Spa, located in the heart of Victor, Idaho, finds itself smack in the middle of all the holiday festivities. Guests of Teton Springs Resort will also discover a complete laundry list of activities & outdoor recreation right outside their lodge or cabin door.

4th of July in Teton Valley

Only 25 minutes from Jackson Hole, vacation guide in hand, you’re ready for the 29th Annual 4th of July celebration but be sure give yourself plenty of time to sample the incredible activities and recreation at Teton Springs. A sampling includes: golf on the award-winning Headwaters Course, pampering treatments at the Stillwaters Spa & Salon, swimming, hiking, mountain biking, tennis, basketball and state-of-the-art fitness center. Fly fishing at dusk on the resort’s stocked ponds is also a terrific way to close out a dynamic day in Teton Valley. If you’re a beginner, we can help with that too with on-site instruction by resort experts. Tired yet?

Agriculture and ranching have historically been the economic engines in this fertile land on the west slope of the Tetons, but tourism is quickly becoming this valley’s bread and butter. An area map and a Jackson Hole Vacation Guide show the breathtaking Grand Tetons looming large, dominating the valley’s scenery. The Teton River, a Blue Ribbon tributary and fly fishing Mecca, is also one of this valley’s natural attributes. Year-round special events also draw visitors to this quaint but dynamic valley but none represent the heritage and character of Teton Valley more than the 4th of July Balloon Festival.

 

Check out the full schedule at Teton Valley Chamber so you don’t miss a thing. If for some reason you can’t take in all four days (sometimes a day of fishing on the nearby South Fork of the Snake River gets in the way!) at least put these on your holiday “must do” list:

  • Hot, hearty breakfast at the Teton County fairgrounds (a bargain at $5.00 – set your alarm for “early!”)
  • Taking in the prep for balloon launch (the atmosphere and sounds are riveting!)
  • Soaring across the quiet Teton sky in a hot air balloon (advance reservations required thru the chamber)
  • The Tetonia Rodeo (this could easily rate #1!)
  • The Victor 4th of July parade (get there early with your lawn chairs – this is a big deal!)
  • Arts & Craft fair in Victor & Antique & Fine Arts Show in Driggs
  • What else but the fireworks!
  • Widespread Panic at the Spud Drive-in on July 4th (o.k., so this isn’t part of the Balloon Rally but talk about ending the holiday weekend with a different kind of fireworks!)

Call the nice folks at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa to book your room for the summer’s premier holiday weekend. Or better yet, ask about one of the signature 3, 4 and 5 bedroom cabins. You’ll dig the cabins at Teton Springs so much we’ll probably see you around through Labor Day! Toll free: 877-787-8757

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