Dog sled racing is coming back to Southeastern Idaho.
The American Dog Derby, which happens annually in Ashton, Idaho, is the oldest dog sled race in the United States. The two-day event begins Friday on the corner of 5th St. and Main Street in Ashton.
The race has been happening since 1917. It’s a staple of the community; it brings everyone together, including local businesses that sponsor the race and various local churches that participate in the different events. Last year’s races featured participants from six different states.
In addition to the five dog sled races, there will be plenty of activities for everyone — including your dog. Here’s the schedule:
Friday
8:30 a.m. — Races start
9:30 a.m. — Snowshoe race between local pastors and bishops
Saturday
8:30 a.m. — Races resume
9:30 a.m. — Registration for kids’ races open
10:30 a.m. — Mutt race
11:00 a.m. — Kids’ snowshoe race
12:30 p.m. — Weight pull
The mutt race allows children to participate in the festivities by attaching their own dogs to sleds and going for rides. Children may also choose to run their dogs around a snowy track. The organizers of the race ask that people only bring well-behaved dogs.
The weight pull is a competition to see which dog can pull the most weight over a short distance. Each participant gets a prize.