Heath family’s rodeo legacy continues at Gem County Fair

For the Heath family in Emmett, the Gem County Fair is more than just a gathering; it’s a tradition.

As the Grand Marshall of the Gem County Fair this year, Eddie Heath continues a family tradition that began in 1949.

“Well my dad, of course, started it all and, my mom was just right beside him” stated Eddie Heath.

It all started with Eddie’s father, Harold “Curly” Heath, who became well-known as a rodeo clown and got his moniker from his curly hair. Curly brought other remarkable guests to the fair, such as Mini Pearl, the well-known mule, and even Coonie, a pet raccoon.

See how the rodeo heritage has been carried on by the Heath family.

When Eddie attempted to carry a rattlesnake home, it stands out as a particularly memorable experience.

“My mom said ‘you can take that rattlesnake somewhere or I won’t be here’ well mom stayed and the rattlesnake went,” said Eddie Heath.

The most well-known of the Heath family was perhaps Mini Pearl. The cherished mule passed away in 1982 at the age of 46. Eddie recalls how they used to load her into the car, and occasionally they would forget to roll down the window, causing her rear end to fly through.

Curly, Mini Pearl, Eddie, and Matt Heath have all been inducted into the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in our local history, which is no surprise to lifelong Emmett locals.

Eddie’s son, Matt Heath, remarked, “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame was very humbling.”

Early on, Eddie and his brother participated in their father’s clown act and raised animals as part of the fair tradition. Matt, the youngest of three boys and the only one who was interested in going the rodeo route, carried on the heritage.

Matt Heath remarked, “Mini Pearl was the most famous one out of the bunch,” alluding to Curly’s grandfather’s mule, which was very dear to him until his death in 1988.

From 1996 to 2013, Matt rode in the rodeo, riding his first bull and steer at the Gem County Fair. Linkon Heath, Eddie’s grandson, is now prepared to write his own rodeo chapter, carrying on the Heath family legacy.

“I asked him this year, I said you want to enter in the sheep riding and he goes yep and so, he’s ready to go for it,” said Matt Heath.

When questioned about his next show, young Linkon said, “Riding sheep.”

“It’s going to be pretty neat, you know, his grandfather is the grand marshall of the rodeo and he’s going to be riding his sheep so it’s going to be pretty darn cool,” said Matt Heath.

Even though the Heath family is well-known for their clowning, they have a unique meaning for the fair. Even though the event has expanded over the years, its core is always the same: a chance to honor Emmett’s agricultural heritage and encourage the upcoming generation of local residents.

Eddie Heath remarked, “They’ve really, really changed it… for the better,”

In Emmett, the fair has served as a venue for 4H, rodeo, and fat stock sales. This week and weekend are the busiest for Emmett and Gem County, according to Matt.

Growing up, Matt grew pigs for the fair, thus 4H played a significant role in his life. For the past seven years, his daughter has continued that custom by showcasing animals.

Matt Heath remarked, “It’s my favorite week in Emmett,”

Thursday marks the beginning of the Gem County Fair, which will take place from July 31 to August 2.

Gem County Fairgrounds can be found at 2199 S. Johns Ave., Emmett, ID 83617.