 In 1928, Placer County was lobbying for consideration to host the 1932 Winter Olympics. As part of the publicity for this effort, the Sierra Dog Sled Association was formed and recruited world-famous musher Scotty Allen to direct a dog sled race in hopes of putting California’s Sierra winter wonderland on the map. Allen was the inspiration for Jack London’s novel “Call of the Wild” and a business partner of Auburn-native Esther Birdsall Darling.
A purse totaling $6,000 was raised and the Sierra Dog Derby was planned to take place over three days, from Feb. 10-12, 1929. The race ran from Truckee to the Tahoe Tavern, a distance of 16 miles along the Truckee River and upon the old Overland Emigrant Trail. The race was three laps, totalling 96 miles.
Approximately 11 racers, both men and women, entered the competition, including celebrity out-of-state racers who made the derby circuit, as well as local competitors. In the end, Fred Printz, a mail carrier and musher from Cascade, Idaho, won the $3,000 grand prize with his team of Irish setters and a total time of 8 hours 39 minutes and 17 seconds.
Trailing by just over 30 minutes was Scotty Allen, who received second place and $2,000, while just 1 minute 24 seconds later, Roy Stover of McCall, Idaho, came in third with a $1,000 prize.
Although the race attracted thousands of spectators, it did not result in securing the upcoming Olympic Games. However, the race was such a success that it continued to be an annual winter tradition for several more years.
Credits: This description is condensed from a prior project by the Placer County Museums.
Photo: Sierra Dog Derby in Truckee. February 1929. Placer County Museums collection.
 Whether it’s representing your community or sharing your expertise on topics like agriculture or parks, there are always opportunities for you to help advise county leaders on the issues that matter to you most. Recruitment is open now to fill seats on the following committees or commissions, among others. Learn more and apply
Current recruitments include:
 Don’t miss the fun coming this next week in...
Roseville: Mahany Park Certified Farmers' Market, Maidu Park Farmers' Market, Roseville Fountains Farmers' Market, Kaiser Riverside Farmers' Market, Kaiser Eureka Farmers' Market, Sweet Surprises Gift Card Hunt
Lincoln: Farmers’ Market at Fowler Ranch, Kaiser Lincoln Farmers' Market
Auburn: Auburn Old Town Farmer’s Market – Placer Farmers Market
Colfax: Community Craft Club
North Lake Tahoe: Smore’s O’clock, The Village at Northstar Après Music Series, KT Bass Bar Music Series, Throwback Thursdays
...and many Placer County Library and Placer County Museum events.
Visit our regional partners to discover more of the fun happening right here in Placer County!
Placer County Visitors' Bureau
North Tahoe Community Alliance
Tahoe City Downtown Association
The Arts Council of Placer County
Placer Valley Tourism
PlacerGROWN
Placer Wine Trail
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