Borda Ranch Sheep Run Brings Dayton Together Again

On Sunday, May 31, historic downtown Dayton was buzzing before sunrise. Along Main Street, friends, neighbors, families, and visitors gathered at 6 a.m. with coffee in hand, catching up while waiting for the annual Borda Ranch Sheep Run to come down the hill. It felt like a true small-town morning—people visiting on the sidewalks, laughing, telling stories, waving to familiar faces, and enjoying being together while waiting for one of Dayton’s most cherished traditions.

Around 800 head of sheep crossed Hwy 50 and headed toward the Pine Nut Mountains, with many turning toward the Rodeo Grounds along the way. If you’ve ever seen it, you know what a sight it is. If you haven’t, it’s hard to describe—the sound of the baas echoing through town, the bells ringing, the herders guiding the flock along, and the early morning quiet of Dayton slowly waking up around this spectacle.

As the sheep came down Cemetery Road and made their way onto Main Street, you could hear the bells before you saw them. The flock moved through town as onlookers lined the street, taking it all in. Right alongside the herd were the hardworking sheep dogs weaving in and out, keeping the sheep together and gently keeping people out of the way. Watching those dogs work was something special all on its own—smart, steady, and knowing exactly what needed to be done.

Brenda Barr, a newer Dayton resident, was there enjoying her first sheep run and brought along family friends Becky Foster and Patricia Hill of Arkansas, who were lucky enough to experience one of Dayton’s most unique traditions during their travels.

When asked why she came to see the sheep run, Becky said, “It’s an event you’re not gonna get a chance to see. This is my second in my lifetime seeing something like this and I’m not gonna see it again. I am 79 years old and I’m gonna enjoy every moment.” And she truly did.

After the sheep passed through town, friends gathered for breakfast at the historic Union Hotel, where Katie and Glenn Hasbrouck host breakfast each year after the run. Homemade biscuits and gravy, hot coffee, good conversation, and the charm of historic downtown Dayton made for the perfect ending to the event and the start of a great morning.

This was my third year watching the sheep run, and I can honestly say it never gets old. Every year brings the same excitement, and every year there’s something memorable. And, per usual, one lucky driver trying to turn onto Hwy 50 found themselves completely surrounded by sheep. Watching the flock wrap around the car while everyone stood back smiling and laughing—what a sight to see.

Carson City Nancy was there too, and seeing her in the crowd just felt right. She’s one of those great souls in our little town. Having lived in Silver City and as a longtime Dayton resident, she carries such a deep love for this area and its history. Seeing familiar faces like hers gathered downtown is part of what makes mornings like this feel so meaningful.

From the sheep and the herders to breakfast with friends afterward, the Borda Ranch Sheep Run is more than moving sheep through town. It’s Dayton. It’s neighbors catching up along Main Street. It’s history still alive in the early morning hours. It’s old friends, new memories, and traditions passed down year after year.

Thank you again to Borda Ranch for continuing this special tradition and sharing it with all of us. It’s mornings like this that remind us why we love calling Dayton home.