Over 2,000 Sheep Set to March Through Brigham City Saturday

UPDATE: This Saturday, October 7, 2023, more than 2,200 sheep will take over the streets of Brigham City, Utah, in a nearly century-old family tradition. The Jensen family is set to lead their flock down Highway 89, attracting crowds eager to witness this unique spectacle.

The annual sheep march, a cherished tradition since the 1930s, signals the seasonal migration of the flock from summer grazing grounds in the mountains of Cache County to their winter home near Bear River City. The event is expected to draw thousands of spectators, eager to see the sheep navigate the streets and enjoy a slice of local agricultural history.

Lane Jensen, livestock manager and a third-generation rancher, expressed the emotional significance of the event. “It was the lifestyle and wanting to carry on the legacy and heritage of my grandfather,” he shared. His grandfather, Eph Jensen, began herding sheep after serving in World War I, establishing a legacy that continues today.

The journey will begin on Friday, when the flock will cross the backcountry to reach Mantua. On Saturday, they will depart Mantua around 8:00 a.m., with plans to arrive in Brigham City by 9:00 a.m.. During this time, the westbound lanes of Highway 89 will be temporarily closed to facilitate the march, enhancing safety for both sheep and spectators.

As the sheep make their way north on 600 East and turn west on 600 North, the community will gather to greet them. Local bank employees are already preparing to welcome the flock, with children bringing snacks to celebrate the event. “The excitement is palpable,” Jensen noted, adding that the presence of the crowd helps keep the sheep on the pavement, preventing them from straying onto lawns.

This event not only highlights the rich agricultural heritage of the region but also reinforces the bond between the Jensen family and the local community, reminding all of the importance of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of the sheep parade, a detailed map of the route is available online. Don’t miss this chance to witness a living piece of history as it unfolds in Brigham City.

Stay tuned for updates as the march approaches!