Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby
Saturday, February 4, 2023 (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM) (CST)
Description
LEARN MORE AT
https://www.klondikedogderby.com/
— PRE-RACE EVENTS —
HUG A HUSKY- FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2023
EXCELSIOR, MINNESOTA
PRESENTED BY THE GUNKEL FAMILY FOUNDATION
1 PM SHUTTLE BUSES OPEN
WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Shuttles will be running to the Excelsior Library throughout the day until 7 pm!
Shuttle Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Water Street next to Excelsior Public Library
1:30-4 PM SLED DOG VETERINARY CHECKS
DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR
Come watch 300+ four-legged canine athletes get their required pre-race veterinary checks! You’ll see a variety of husky breeds, from fluffy Siberians to sleeker Alaskan Huskies. You might be surprised at how lean and fit these dogs are. Remember, they are the equivalent of ultra-marathon runners!
1:30 pm Introduction to Vet Checks (Dr. Jackie, Head Vet), Main Stage
2 – 4 pm Veterinary Checks, West Parking Lot Excelsior
2-6 PM SLED DOG RIDES
EXCELSIOR COMMONS
Take the kids (or yourself!) on a real sled dog ride around the Historic Excelsior Commons.
2 – 6 pm Sled Dog Rides (pre-purchased), The Excelsior Commons
- SOLD OUT -
4-6 PM HUG-A-HUSKY & MEET-THE-MUSHERS EVENT
DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR
Bring your camera and get ready to hug some huskies and meet our racers. Grab a few autographs, and be sure to pick the teams you’ll be rooting for at the finish. Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs. Some of them might be a bit shy (pre-race jitters!).
4 pm Music, Main Stage
4 – 6 pm Hug-A-Husky, West Parking Lot Excelsior
Music, Food Trucks Open, Hot Cocoa (first 500 free), S’mores, Free Photo Booth, Ice Carving Demonstration Begins
4 – 5:45 pm Sled Decorating Contest, West Parking Lot Excelsior
4:30 pm Meet-The-Mushers, Main Stage
5:30 pm What is a Vet Check? (Dr. Jackie, Head Vet), Main Stage
5:45 pm Sled Contest Winners Announced, Main Stage
— RACE DAY EVENTS —
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2023
DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR
The Klondike Dog Derby is presented by Bridgewater Bank and many other generous sponsors.
8 AM SHUTTLE BUSES OPEN
WESTWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH
Shuttles will be running to the Excelsior Library throughout the day until 7 pm!
Shuttle Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Water Street next to Excelsior Public Library
9 AM-5 PM THE KLONDIKE VILLAGE
WATER STREET & LAKE STREET, EXCELSIOR
Front Row Viewing | Food | Warm Beverages, Tap Beers & Spirits | Bonfires & Games | Race Information & Official Klondike Merchandise
9 AM MUSHER RACE PREP
WEST PARKING LOT, EXCELSIOR
Visit the “pit” and watch the mushers and their dogs as they get ready to hit the trail. Observe race preparation, mandatory “bag checks” where required gear is accounted for, and then witness the dogs getting harnessed and hooked up to run! Remember to always ask the mushers if it’s okay for you to pet their dogs. Some of them might be a bit shy (pre-race jitters!).
9:30 AM OPENING CEREMONY
WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR
Join in the spirit of the authentic north with this short ceremony to celebrate bringing a piece of history back to Lake Minnetonka! Watch the Trail Crew head out, join in the national anthem, and listen to opening remarks.
10 AM RACE START
WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR
Get ready to watch 30 teams of excited huskies tear down Water Street in Excelsior! Cheer on the mushers and their dogs (but be sure to leave your own canine companion at home, see our Pet Policy below). Race viewpoints will be on Water Street from 3rd down to the Port.
11 AM-2:30 PM SLED DOG RIDES
EXCELSIOR COMMONS
Take the kids (or yourself!) on a real sled dog ride around the Historic Excelsior Commons.
11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Sled Dog Rides (pre-purchased), The Excelsior Commons
- SOLD OUT -
10 AM- ~4:30 PM RACE VIEWING
AROUND LAKE MINNETONKA
Watch the sled dog teams along the 40-mile course as they race around lower Lake Minnetonka
[2023 Trail Map—Note, the actual trail route may vary depending on ice conditions]
RACE FINISH
WATER STREET, EXCELSIOR
Cheer on the teams as they race back up Water Street and cross the finish line! Remember, because the teams start at two minute intervals, the first team to cross isn’t necessarily the winner. Be sure to check the leaderboard near the finish line to see who’s really leading the pack.
Approximately 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
* If it snows, teams may arrive later *
5 PM AWARD CEREMONY
START/FINISH ARCH, WATER STREET
Trophy presentation for top three finishers.
6 PM EXCELSIOR BREWING CO.
KLONDIKE WRAP PARTY
Live music, great beer, and a party to celebrate the conclusion of the 2023 Klondike Dog Derby!
312 Water Street
Excelsior, MN 55331 United States