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.
Old Fort Boise Days Grand Marshals
Introducing our 2022 Old Fort Boise Days Grand Marshalls- Gary and Pat Rohwer!
Gary and Pat Rohwer met at the University of Nevada, Reno. Gary was from Nevada and Pat was from Alaska. In 1971 they moved to Parma and have never left. The Rohwers started Bar Diamond Laboratory in 1971 in the back rooms of a small farmhouse. They lived with the laboratory in the house, temporarily, for 28 years! In the 1980s they started making rumen cannulae which are sold to livestock researchers worldwide. Parma residents are not surprised to see huge Holstein steers with holes in their sides. The Rohwers are actively involved in many Parma groups and activities. Gary was an EMT and Fire Commissioner for 37 years. Both Pat and Gary are involved with the Lions Club. Gary was a board member for the Bruce Mitchell Scholarships for many years. Pat is currently a board member for the SOS Scholarships. Both Pat and Gary are members of the Kirkpatrick Memorial Community Church. The Rohwers have two amazing sons, Forest and Cary; two brilliant daughters-in-law, Anca and Nicole; and three perfect grandchildren, Hunter, Aidan and Willow. The Rohwers say thank you for the honor of being the Old Fort Boise Days Grand Marshalls 2022. They will be serving you at the Parma Lions Club OFBD breakfast.
Come join them! We are excited to honor them at OFBD 2022!
2022 Old Fort Boise Days Theme Announced!
FIELDS OF DREAMS
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Please support Old Fort Boise Days by donating today!
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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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