Quick Idaho Quiz — Test Your Gem State Knowledge!

1. What is the official state flower of Idaho?

2. What is Idaho’s state bird?

3. Which gemstone is the official state gem of Idaho?

(Answers at the very end of the blog.)

Discover Donnelly: The Magic of the Huckleberry Festival

Every August, the heart of Valley County bursts into color, music, and the sweet scent of Idaho’s state fruit — the huckleberry. Nestled between the scenic Payette Lake basin and the mountains that lead toward McCall, Donnelly offers perfect growing conditions for huckleberries. Its cool summer nights, warm sunny days, and surrounding pine forests create the exact mix of temperature and soil acidity these wild berries need to thrive.

It’s here that the Huckleberry Festival transforms the town into a weekend-long celebration of Idaho culture, small-town charm, and berry-loving bliss.

What Makes the Festival Special

This year’s event runs August 15–17, 2025, and is packed with activities for every age:

• Huck Trot 5K Fun Run to kick off Saturday morning

• Parade down Main Street with colorful floats and plenty of hometown pride

• Dozens of artisan vendors selling handcrafted goods, art, and huckleberry-inspired foods

• Concert in the Park under the summer stars

• Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast & community picnic to close out the weekend

You can expect to see Main Street lined with visitors sampling huckleberry ice cream, pies, lemonade, and jams — all while enjoying that crisp mountain air that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Our Team’s Tradition in Donnelly

For our real estate team, the festival isn’t just a calendar date — it’s the highlight of our year. Our team owner, Barb, opens her cabin in Donnelly for a two-night team retreat during the festival. It’s a time for us to step away from the busy pace of real estate, connect as friends, and enjoy the best of Valley County.

My wife, Sara, loves this trip for its peaceful mornings and long porch chats. Our kids, Silas and Penny, live for the huckleberry treats, the parade, and the kids’ games. They dart between vendor booths, cheer at the floats, and end the day sticky-fingered and happy.

These moments remind us why we love what we do — helping families not only find a house, but a place they can build memories.

Why Donnelly (and the Festival) Are Worth the Trip

1. A Celebration of Idaho’s State Fruit
   Wild huckleberries are a taste of pure Idaho. Donnelly’s surrounding forests are prime picking grounds, and the festival honors the berry’s cultural and culinary significance.

2. A True Small-Town Welcome
   Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong attendee, you’ll feel like part of the community from the moment you arrive.

3. Perfect for Families
   Safe, walkable, and packed with activities — from the Huck Trot to pancake breakfasts — kids have as much fun as the grown-ups.

4. Gateway to Valley County Living
   With its year-round recreation and tight-knit community, Donnelly is more than a vacation spot — it’s a place many choose to call home.
   
   

From Treasure Valley to Valley County — We’ve Got You Covered

As licensed REALTORS®, our team serves both the Treasure Valley and Valley County. Whether you’re looking for a vacation cabin, an investment property, or a full-time residence in Donnelly, McCall, Cascade, or beyond, we can help you find your perfect Idaho getaway.

Answers to the Quick Idaho Quiz

1. Syringa (Lewis’s mock-orange)

2. Mountain Bluebird

3. Star Garnet