Gyro Days this week
The Lead Creek Derby Gyro Ball floats under the River Street Bridge in Mullan in 2019. That year the ball took roughly three-and-a-half hours to get to Wallace's Sixth Street Bridge.
SNP File Photo
WALLACE – This week marks the 83rd running of the Wallace Gyro Club’s Lead Creek Derby — the club’s signature and sole fundraiser supporting college scholarships, youth programs, and civic initiatives.
Festivities kick off Wednesday, June 18, with a modern twist on a beloved tradition. With the closure of KWAL, the Gyros are launching a digital version of Radio Day. This live video broadcast will stream on Wednesday afternoon from the sidewalk outside the Wallace Elks. Expect plenty of laughs, games, food, drinks, Lead Creek Derby tickets, and more. The public is warmly invited to swing by for a burger and a beer or tune in via Facebook Live.
On Thursday, the only carnival to visit the Silver Valley this year rolls into downtown Wallace.
“We have the same great carnival again this year that we have enjoyed the last few years. They will have rides and games, and we encourage everyone to come to Wallace on Thursday or Friday night or all day and night on Saturday to enjoy the carnival,” Gyro President Hunter Gust said.
Thanks to generous support from local businesses and individuals, the Gyro Club has once again provided free passes to K-8 students in Mullan and Wallace, distributed through schools before summer break. The carnival will be set up at 6th and Cedar Streets — bring the kids and enjoy the fun!
Friday night brings a musical highlight as the Wallace Elks Drum & Bugle Corps parades through town, performing upbeat favorites from their extensive repertoire. Their first stop is the 1313 Club at 6 p.m., followed by a tour of local pubs. Everyone is encouraged to join the procession and enjoy the music.
Saturday’s main event — the Lead Creek Derby — begins at noon when the ceremonial ball is dropped from the Last Chance Bridge in Mullan. This year’s honor goes to Wayne “Sano” Haldi, a lifelong Wallace supporter. A 1955 Wallace High School graduate and longtime pro at the Shoshone Golf and Tennis Club, Sano has worn many hats in the community over the years.