It is our delight to spotlight the American Dog Derby this year as they are busy preparing for their 95th anniversary. That’s right in five years Ashton will be celebrating 100 years of the American Dog Derby and the committee is working hard to build and work up to this exciting milestone! Co-Chaired by John Scafe and Rhonda Bell (aka: King and Queen with the wife/mother Kathy Scafe by their side) they are really working hard to keep the tradition alive.
Started back in 1917, the American Dog Derby has lots of history behind it and many volunteers who have come and gone dedicating many countless hours to this nationwide known event! Here in Ashton, our race is the oldest American Dog Sled race nationwide! Our race and Ashton has been published nationwide as well because of the Dog Derby; some places would include Musher Magazine, Anchorage Alaska, California, and recently in the Rails to Trails magazine. We are also very well known on sleddogcentral.com!
Do you have any fond memories of the races? Have any of your relatives participated through racing or volunteering? What is your favorite part about the dog derby?
This year the committee is working hard and looking forward to some new and fun changes like the soup challenge and handing out awards Saturday afternoon on Main Street after all the mushers are in, and eliminating the banquet that night. This is for the convenience of the mushers so they are able to return home earlier. The committee is small right now with a lot of heart and welcome anyone who feels like they could help out, whether it be selling those collector buttons or chairing the snowshoe race on Saturday, there are many jobs still needing bodies to fill!!
The race this year will be February 17 & 18 both mornings beginning at 8:30. A meet the musher night will be Thursday, February 16th at the Ashton Community Center. Booths/Vendors are welcomed during the races on Main St. and Nathan Ricks is the one to contact if you are interested. It is $10 a booth per day. He can be reached at 652-0299.
Parking will be marked on both 6th and 7th street. Please watch for signage. Main Street will be closed for parking. The Flea Market will be opened that weekend as well with proceeds all going for the Dog Derby.
The committee wishes to express appreciation to the many donations, sponsorships, businesses, mushers, and spectators each year. Without any of you there wouldn’t be a race and the tradition would die! Thank You!
The Dog Derby committee will be meeting every Thursday until the race at 7pm at the Senior’s Center. Please come and see how you can help! For any questions or more information please contact
Rhonda Bell @ 360-0921 or 652-7992,
