Today’s “Idaho Day” festivities will include commemorations in both the House and Senate chambers this morning, the official state celebration starting shortly after noon in the Lincoln Auditorium, and observances at schools and elsewhere around the state; there’s more info here. The House is planning Native American tribal presentations and a performance by the Fort Hall Drummers, along with singing by schoolchildren and an Opera Idaho soprano. The Senate ceremony will include music and prayer. The Lincoln Auditorium program will feature Gov. Butch Otter and First Lady Lori Otter; Adams Elementary School children singing “Here We Have Idaho;” a state history presentation; and performances including traditional Chinese dance and the Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Drummers.

Idaho Day was established by last year’s Legislature, to be observed each year on March 4 to commemoration the creation of Idaho by President Abraham Lincoln on that day in 1863.