Photos: Josh Hway/Dynamic Photowerks
But the Cutest Puppy Contest and the Klondike Dog Derby Concert Series will stay the course.
The lack of snow has prompted the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby to cancel this year’s sled dog race. “Given current conditions and long-term weather forecasts, our board of directors unanimously determined it is in the best interest of mushers who planned to race this year, our sponsors and our volunteers to cancel at this time,” says Bethany Hway, Klondike Dog Derby founder, vice president and race director.
Despite the cancellation, two associated events will still take place in the coming days.
First up is the Cutest Puppy Contest, which will take place from 1–5 p.m. January 25 at Back Channel Brewing Co. in Mound. Participating pups must be 1 year old or younger and registered by 2 p.m. that day. The entry fee is $25, which will support the 2026 Klondike Dog Derby race and includes a raffle entry for a Klondike merch basket.
Next, the Klondike Dog Derby introduces its first ever Klondike Dog Derby Concert Series at Maynards in Excelsior from 4–10 p.m. January 31 and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. February 1. Enjoy musical stylings from Shag Performs and Jacuzzi Puma on the first night, followed by Ragtown, Ledfoot Larry and Pop Rocks the following day.
For more event information, visit klondikedogderby.com.
Klondike Dog Derby
Facebook: Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
Instagram: @klondikedogderby
