The American Dog Derby is a historic tradition for Ashton, Idaho, beginning in 1917 it is the oldest dog sled race event in the lower 48 states. However, due to warm temperatures and lack of snow over the winter, the race has been canceled for this year.
“We, as a committee, met and decided that it was just, was not safe for the mushers and people around,” said John Scafe, the chairman of the race. “That's biggest priority is the safety of everybody. We would have had a great race if we would have had snow.”
Although the race had to be canceled, the committee is still dedicated to holding the other events associated with the race. They're calling it the Ashton American Dog Derby Celebration. There will be multiple activities offered for those in attendance. This is a first for the American Dog Derby, as when the race has been canceled in the past no events were held.
“We have a scavenger hunt,” Scafe said. “Probably a musher going to come up just to demonstrate, that people could take pictures with. We have a camel, a donkey, and a white buffalo calf coming up for people to take pictures with and have fun with and pet. So, there's quite a few things going on.”
The celebration also has the traditional “soup challenge” where attendees can pay to taste participants soup to vote for the best. There will also be clay sculpting in place of snow sculpting.
The Ashton American Dog Derby Celebration will be held on Feb. 20-21. More information about the celebration can be found on the American Dog Derby website. The Oldest Dog Sled Race in the Lower 48 | American Dog Derby