06/15/2026
Congratulations Ann!
Payette honors Ann Skippen Curtis as 2026 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal
The City of Payette, Idaho Historical Society and the Payette Chamber of Commerce are proud to announce Ann Skippen Curtis as the 2026 Payette Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal.
Few individuals have contributed more to preserving and sharing the history of Payette County than Ann Curtis. Through decades of community involvement, journalism, business ownership, and historical preservation, she has helped ensure that the stories of our region remain alive for future generations.
Born in Payette County on January 2, 1940, Ann spent her childhood on a family ranch in Sweet, Idaho. She attended schools in Sweet, Montour, and Emmett, and in 1955 was honored as the Gem County Fair and Rodeo Queen.
Following graduation, Ann pursued a career in journalism, working as a newspaper reporter and photographer. During her career she traveled extensively, interviewed notable individuals, and documented the people and events that shaped communities throughout the region.
Returning to Payette in the mid-1990s, Ann opened Ann's Book Store, a beloved downtown business that became a gathering place for readers, historians, and friends.
In 2002, former Payette County Commissioner Kenny Gissel invited Ann to become Coordinator of the Payette County Museum. After receiving museum training in Boise, she accepted the position and has now devoted more than twenty-four years to preserving the history and heritage of Payette County.
Under her leadership, thousands of visitors, students, families, and researchers have discovered the stories that define our community. Her dedication to historical preservation has made her one of Payette County's most respected historians and community ambassadors.
As Payette celebrates Independence Day and our nation's historic 250th Anniversary era, it is especially fitting to honor a citizen whose life's work has been devoted to preserving the history, values, and spirit of our community.
Ann Skippen Curtis embodies the qualities of service, dedication, and community pride that the Grand Marshal designation represents.
The City of Payette and the Payette Chamber of Commerce invite residents and visitors alike to join in recognizing Ann during the 2026 Payette Fourth of July Parade.
