Craig Wilker named grand marshal of the Bancroft Pioneer Day Parade

BANCROFT — This year’s grand marshal of the Bancroft Pioneer Day Parade is no stranger to the community as many know and have a great love for Craig Wilker.

Craig has been a face around the rodeo scene for years and his love for ranching has always been prominent. He was also an influential educator at Grace High School for 30 years. Many know and love what this man continues to stand for.

Craig was born in Soda Springs and raised on his family's ranch in Thatcher.

He graduated from Grace High School and then attended Weber State University on a football scholarship. After he graduated with a degree in education, he taught in Snake River for four years.

But his heart was in the Gem Valley and the family ranch. He came back to teach math at Grace High School and raise his daughter, Autumn, with his wife Janice.

Years after retirement, Craig and Janice are still involved with raising cattle on their ranch in Thatcher.

Craig remembers attending the Pioneer Day Rodeo in Bancroft as a small boy with his grandparents. He later became a participant on the rodeo team and roped for many years. He and LaMar Viso once won the team roping competition at the Bancroft rodeo.

Now Craig shares his rodeo knowledge and cheers on Autumn and her daughter Sierra as they live out their dreams. He enjoys working and competing in livestock events with them.

So many good friends and acquaintances have been made by Craig during the time that he's participated in Pioneer Day events in Bancroft.

Craig has given much of his time over the years and even donated sand for the arena which has been greatly appreciated.

With humility, Craig is proud to be part of this great Pioneer Day tradition.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Bancroft.