The more we learn about the heritage of our friends and neighbors the more cultural awareness we foster. We deepen and create more meaningful interactions with those around us. We work to build a community based in respect and empathy for other people. We learn to celebrate each others differences as well as our shared similarities and humanities.

We see the beauty in each other.

17th Annual Heritage Night

Layers of Legacy

Asian American Heritage in Idaho

March 31, 2026

The Shore Lodge Upper Pavilion

6-8 pm

“Layer of Legacy” centers on a shared goal for the evening: exploring how members of the Chinese community carried their traditions, customs, and cultural practices with them to Adams, Idaho and Valley County. Through stories, history, and artistic expression, we’ll highlight the lasting impact of these traditions on our region.

A special focus of the event will be artwork that reflects Chinese heritage, offering a tangible and visual connection to cultural identity and lived experience. While some of our previous programs have introduced aspects of Chinese life and focus on specific local individuals or areas (see Idaho Talks to learn more), this gathering adds another meaningful layer—deepening understanding and strengthening our connection to the diverse legacies that shape our community.

Ronald James: Retired English and Social Studies teacher, Twin Falls School District. Currently an occasional adjunct instructor of East Asian History at Idaho State University and a member of the Twin Falls County Historic Preservation Commission (TFCHPC). The TFCHPC is involved in an ambitious, multi-phase archaeological survey of Chinese gold mining sites in the Snake River Canyon for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

Renae Campbell PhD: Terry Abraham and Priscilla Wegars Endowed Assistant Professor of Asian American Historical Archeology, Director of the Asian American Comparative Collection

Meghan Caves PhD Student: Polly Bemis archeological site work

Slide Show Gallery Photos Courtesy of Yidan Guo

Yidan Guo: Chinese artist and humanities educator whose work focuses on cross-cultural dialogue and visual arts

Performance by

Boise Traditional Chinese Dance Group

Raffle booth

We will have a small raffle booth at Heritage Night. Please arrive early to purchase tickets for some great theme related items.

One of our treasured raffle items this year will be a matted print from our guest artist Yidan Guo.

Heritage Night Presentation Library

Photos in the ‘Wilderness’ Courtesy of Niki LeClair, Heather Thiry, Mark Wood and Lyle Nelson.

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Thank you to all who attended our

16th Annual Heritage Night

West Central Mountains

WCM Inspires Winter Recreation

A Deep Heritage Shaping our Future

April 2, 2025

The Shore Lodge Upper Pavilion

6:00 – 7:30 pm

Guest Speakers:

Niki LeClair: Cat Skiing Pioneer

Lyle Nelson: Olympic Biathlete

Brad Stears: Snowbikes

Mark Wood: McCall Area Snowmobilers

Lori Benton: McCall Figure Skating

Heather Thiry: Backcountry Rescue

Action Smokejumper Photos Courtesy of Todd Haynes

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15th Annual Heritage Night

Smokejumper Cultural Event

We learned about a community within our community.

Tuesday, April 2 2024

The Shore Lodge Upper Pavilion

6:00 – 7:30 pm

A special thank you to McCall Smokejumper Base
and Base Manager Todd Haynes

and to our master of ceremonies for the evening, former smokejumper Kasey Rose.

Guest Presenters Included:

(Years Jumped, Total Jumps)

Kasey Rose – (1989-2005 , 300)

Todd Haynes – (2002 – Present, 472)

Joe Brinkley – (1998 – 2021, 373)

Eric Brundige – (1977 – 2009, 586)

Kyle Esparza – (2010 – Present, 284)

Rick Hudson – (1973-2008, 609)

Eldon Askelson – (1966 – 1978, 116 and Pilot)

Jordan Silver – (Pilot)

Garrett Hudson – (2007 – Present, 368)

Dan Booth – (2007-Present, 308)

Want to learn more about these smokejumpers, plus additional information about Region 4 (Boise, Idaho City and McCall)? Check out this website: https://r4jumpers.com/