About Us
In 1834 Thomas McKay, an associate of the Hudson Bay Company, built a fort on the east bank of the Snake River. The fort, now known as Old Fort Boise, was located at the mouth of the Boise River, 40 miles from present day Boise. In 1854, due to frequent Indian raids, the fort was abandoned. Despite this, the military desired to build another fort in the area, but, before this plan could go into effect, gold was discovered in the Boise Basin in 1862. It was now necessary, more than ever, to protect the vast number of travelers coming to the area.
On July 4th, 1863, the military chose a location for the new Fort Boise and construction began soon afterward. A town site was located next to the fort, and with the protection of the military, the town grew quickly. A major reason for this growth, other than the gold rush, was its location along the Oregon Trail. Parma’s Old Fort Boise on the Eastern edge of town has a replica of Fort Boise, a museum and an authentic pioneer cabin. An RV park, picnic area and campground are available at the west end of the park.
2025 Old Fort Boise Days Grand Marshals
Melinda & Skip Smyser
Melinda & Skip Smyser were married in 1981. They have made their home in Roswell since he proposed to her from the Idaho State Capitol Chambers where he was serving as Parma’s Legislative Representative. They raised four children; Lincoln, Logan, Landon and Lauren who all graduated from Parma High School.
Melinda grew up on a Ranch in Middleton. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and master’s degree from the College of Idaho. After teaching she became a school counselor with over 30 years of experience. She became Regional Director for U.S. Senator Jim Risch and served as his Campaign Manager. Meinda served in Gov. Little’s Administration as the Director of Drug Policy. Prior to that she served in the Administration of Gov. Otter as the Director of the Department of Labor.
Skip has spent his entire life in the Community, graduating PHS where he was Student Body President and four-year letterman. He attended Eastern Washington University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Art’s in Political Science. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army serving in Germany. Upon leaving active duty he enrolled in Gonzaga University School of Law. Skip served as Ada County Prosecutor and then as Deputy Attorney General for Idaho. He then started his own law firm in Boise and Parma. He maintained his law office for over 40 years. He is approaching his 50 years in the Idaho State Bar.
Uniquely, Melinda and Skip both served as Idaho State Senators representing Parma. They are both active in Sterry Memorial Presbyterian Church in Roswell.
They coached many sports in Parma and supported several community programs and events for over 40 years. They are active in the Parma Lions Club. Skip belongs to the Parma American Legion, He served as chair for several years for OFB. He currently serves on the Idaho Lottery Commission. Melinda is one of the founding members of the Mentoring Network. “One Hour Once a Week, Changes Lives. She is also active in Parma’s PEO which is a women’s education philanthropic, (Scholarship Program). She currently serves on the College of Idaho Board of Trustee’s.
The Smyser’s love the people of the Parma Community and thank them for the many opportunities that our small town has provided to them and their family. We are Blessed!
2025 Old Fort Boise Days Theme: PATRIOTIC
Join in on all the fun this year with this fun theme!
Build a float and enter the parade.
Donate Now
Please support Old Fort Boise Days by donating today!
**PLEASE READ**
We need more participation from the community in ALL the contests we have planned for Old Fort Boise Days. Our committee has worked hard to plan a fun week for the community. We hope you will come out to join us and get involved so we can continue to provide these fun community events!!
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