Idaho
‘Let’s Get Weird’: Stanley Winterfest brings a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend
STANLEY, Idaho — The 17th Stanley Winterfest kicks off this Friday with live music and then a whole day of activities on Saturday, including the infamous outhouse races.
Locals originally started this festival to bring the community together, but it has grown into a huge event for Stanley economically. The event also raises funds for local non-profits like the volunteer fire department, the school, and other services.
Check out the video to see more of what Winterfest is all about
Stanley Winterfest will bring a unique vibe to the mountains this weekend
“It is a really unique [event], and it is one of a kind,” said Russell Clark, who helps organize Winterfest. He also operates the Mountain Village. “This event is the largest event for the winter season; the businesses really rely on this weekend for revenue.”
The marquee event is the outhouse races, and they are a sight to see. Every year, people custom make an outhouse on skis, and they hold races in downtown Stanley that are chock full of carnage and entertainment.
“When we first started the outhouse races, they were pretty simple, including just a standard outhouse that was attached to some skis,” said Clark. “Now people really up the ante, and they have really gotten creative in the past four years.”
Other activities on Saturday include the brand new human ice tug and favorites like the adult big wheel race, winter rafting on snow, and a pizza eating contest.
People should also know the motto of the festival is “let’s get weird,” and one of the events includes a drag queen race.
“Our motto is ‘let’s get weird,’ and some people might take offense to that, but overall it is come and explore your inner self and have a little bit of fun,” said Clark. “My favorite part is watching everyone smile, and there is a lot of laughter.”
Lodging can be tricky for this event as all the rooms get booked months in advance, but you might have some luck with cancellations. People can also stay in Sun Valley or make a day trip out of it.
Click here for the event schedule.
This week, crews are working to bring snow to downtown as Stanley hasn’t received as much snow as they normally have. However, there was a lot of snow near Galena Summit and also at Banner Creek Summit on Highway 21.
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Three people overdosed from suspected fentanyl on Tuesday.
The Idaho Falls Police Department reports three people on the 500 block of Ridge Avenue and the 200 block of Short Street overdosed on fentanyl on Tuesday. Two of the overdoses were deadly.
East Idaho News reports police say the deceased individuals were identified as two women, a 24-year-old and a 63-year-old.
Police say they do not believe that the overdoses were connected to a “bad batch” of fentanyl, but rather that the users believed the substance to be a different drug.
It is not clear what drug the fentanyl was mistaken for or made to look like.
According to the release, fentanyl can be found in several forms, including powder, and may appear in different colors and consistencies, making it difficult to identify.
“Because of this, individuals may unknowingly ingest fentanyl while believing they are using a different substance,” according to the release. “These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers fentanyl poses within our community.”
Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic opioid that is often mixed into other narcotics, sometimes without the user’s knowledge, says police. Even a very small amount can be deadly.
The Idaho Falls Police Department, along with community partners, is continuing to investigate these incidents and work to identify and disrupt the distribution of dangerous narcotics in our area.
“We encourage anyone struggling with substance abuse to seek help immediately and urge friends and family members to check in on loved ones who may be at risk,” says the release.
Important safety reminders:
Never take pills or substances that are not prescribed directly to you.
Be aware that counterfeit pills may contain fentanyl.
Call 911 immediately if someone is experiencing signs of an overdose, including slowed breathing, unconsciousness, or blue or gray skin coloration.
Carrying and administering Narcan (naloxone) can save lives during an opioid overdose emergency.
Anyone with information related to narcotics distribution in the Idaho Falls area is encouraged to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208) 529-1200 or submit anonymous tips through East Idaho Crime Stoppers.
BOISE COUNTY, Idaho (CBS2) — A traffic stop along the Highway 21 corridor in Boise County led to the arrest of an Idaho City woman on methamphetamine and other drug-related charges, according to the Boise County Sheriff’s Office.
On May 21, 2026, at about 6:40 p.m., a Boise County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting traffic safety enforcement saw a gray car traveling at a high rate of speed and initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, the deputy recognized behaviors associated with drug activity.
K9 Sage was deployed for a free open-air sniff and alerted on the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
Rochelle Kinney, 46, of Idaho City, was arrested on charges of felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to traffic safety enforcement and addressing drug possession that endangers public safety within Boise County,” the Boise County Sheriff’s Office said.
Concertgoers heading to see Bailey Zimmerman at the Ford Idaho Center on June 5 will be able to kick off the venue’s amphitheater season early with a tailgate-style pre-show party featuring a live DJ, food and drinks, prizes and giveaways, and photo opportunities.
The Ford Idaho Center is hosting its first-ever amphitheater season kickoff party ahead of Zimmerman’s show, partnering with CBH Homes.
Arielle McCormick, CBH Homes’ Director of brand and vision, said the company has long focused on making people feel welcome at community events.
“As Idaho’s number one home builder, we’ve been welcoming Idahoans home for 34 years,” McCormick said. “Making people feel welcomed and ready for fun at whatever event they are here for.”
Organizers said the pre-show party will include a live DJ to keep the energy up before the concert, along with food, drinks, prizes, giveaways and photo ops. Gypsy Tattoo will also be on site offering free flash tattoos inspired by live music.
“I’ve heard they are real tattoos, real flash tattoos, first come, first serve,” McCormick said. “So get here at four-thirty on June 5th.”
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The kickoff party starts at 4:30 p.m., hours before showtime. The event is only for Bailey Zimmerman ticket holders. Tickets have not sold out, but organizers say supplies are limited.
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