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Three Island Crossing's future in doubt
For nineteen years, the Three Island Crossing has been a part of Glenns Ferry's legacy. But its future may become part of the community's history, if more citizens are unwilling to step up to the challenge of organizing and operating the annual event.
During last week's meeting of the Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce, TICO board memberJim Orr announced that the Three Island Crossing Organization, the organization that coordinates and runs the annual event, had disbanded (although no official notification had been issued by the organization), and that Dale Jeffrey, TICO president and one of the event's staunchest supporters had quit.
But Monday, nine of the 12 paying TICO members, and three other interested people met at Carmela Winery and reached consensus that the Crossing should be held. It was pointed out that several people who had participated in past river crossings were willing to do so again.
Members Lerry Heath, John Morris and Jim Orr were assigned to a nominating committee and directed to submit recommendations for board members and officers at a special meeting scheduled for Monday, Nov. 22.
The board agreed that a town meeting should be held, probably in early January, to drum up support and boost volunteerism, as recommended during the last Chamber meeting when TICO member Jimi Orr announced that the future of the Crossing was in jeopardy.
Over the past few years, the Crossing, which began as a simple community gathering to celebrate Glenns Ferry's connection with Oregon Trail pioneers, has burgeoned into one of the premier tourist attractions in the state. But that growth meant more work for volunteers, whose numbers dwindled as the event grew.
The Crossing, which at one time consisted of activities beginning Friday night and concluding Saturday afternoon, grew to include two dances, and a Sunday auction.
But members want things scaled down and future Crossings to be more reflective of the old days.
They are hoping the Chamber, the original organizer of the annual Crossing, will be willing to step in and help with future activities.
Chamber members did not commit to taking over the responsibility of organizing and running the annual Crossing. Instead, former Chamber president Dale Smith recommended the town meeting be held sometime in January to determine whether area residents even cared about the continuation of the Crossing, and establish their willingness to help coordinate and operate the event.
A specific date has not been set for that meeting, but Pegi Bybee-Robles, past secretary for TICO, said time was of the essence, noting that she had already received a phone call from an advertiser wanting information about next year's Crossing. Chamber member Jean Mullen also said she was beginning to receive phone calls about next year's event.
TICO members decided move the river crossing back to 11 a.m. Member John Frank, manager of Three Island Crossing State Park, noted that revenue from admission fees declined after the river crossing was changed to the evening.
Funding next year's Crossing is a huge hurdle members must straddle in order to pull off the 2005 event. At present, the organization has $2,500 in its account--not nearly enough to pay for advertising, entertainment, and other essentials.
In the past, dances and auctions have been held to raise financial support, and members believe such events should continue. The first dance/auction is tentatively scheduled for some time in February.
Lanham reported that the organization had plenty of souvenirs from past Crossings and could be sold next year. The members unanimously decided not to purchase new souvenirs for the 2005 Crossing in hopes of cutting operating expenses.
Although Pegi Bybee-Robles resigned as the organization's secretary earlier this month, she is willing to help in some capacity with this year's Crossing, according to board member JoAnne Lanham. Crossing members are hoping Bybee-Robles will be willing to oversee crafters and artisan booths.
During last week's meeting, members voted unanimously to appoint Julie Burton as the organization's new secretary. Board members Jimi Orr, Jean Allen, Kathy Pruett, and Lanham said they would be willing to serve another term.
JoAnne Lanham said she would like to see the event reflect the flavor of the old days, when the Crossing was meant to "uphold history and celebrate [Oregon Trail] pioneers," and was more of a community celebration.
Starting from a small community celebration, the annual Three Island Crossing reenactment has grown into one of the state's premier tourist attractions. An average of 1,500 people visit Glenns Ferry and Three Island Crossing State Park each August to watch local reenactors cross the Snake River in an effort to bring history to life, and tell the story of the Oregon Trail pioneers who braved the cold and treacherous waters of the Snake River in order to reach the land of milk and honey known as the Oregon Territory.
But history could be lost, or at least somewhat diminished, if community members and the Chamber are unwilling to step up to plate and help organize future Crossings.
Recent attempts to expand on the Crossing celebration have been meeting with resistance. A few years ago, TICO began a scholarship program for seniors from Glenns Ferry, Mountain Home, Duck Valley, and Bliss high schools. Auctions and dances were held throughout the year to help raise operating revenue.
But those additions also added up to more work for Crossing organizers, all of whom are volunteers, and whose numbers are decreasing.
"Attempts to make it spectacular made it a spectacle," said Chamber member John Morris, citing safety issues that have arisen over the years.
The Crossing was marred last year after two horses, owned by Jeffrey, drown during a practice. Animal rights groups threatened to hold protests during the Crossing, but failed to materialize.
Last week, when TICO held nominations for officers, no one showed interest in accepting a position, said Lanham, a member of the TICO board.
So the future of Glenns Ferry's prominent history now lies in the hands of its citizenry, which must now decide whether the story of the Oregon Trail crossing of the Snake River is important enough to retell. And it will be the citizenry that will have to rise to the challenge to help keep the annual event alive.
TICO is looking to the public for inspiration, and asking anyone with comments or suggestions to mail their ideas to P.O. Box 639, Glenns Ferry, ID. 83623.