We're proud to share some big news for Ashton and everyone who has ever lined Main Street to cheer on a team of sled dogs: the American Dog Derby has been awarded the 2025 Esto Perpetua Award by the Idaho State Historic Preservation Society.
The honor recognizes organizations, festivals, and community traditions—past and present—that reflect the Society's mission of preserving and passing down Idaho's story from one generation to the next. For a race that has been part of Ashton's identity for more than a century, it's a recognition that means a great deal.
"I'm not getting the award—the Dog Derby is."
Longtime derby organizer John Scafe was quick to point the credit away from himself and toward the people who keep the tradition alive.
"I'm honored for our team of volunteers to keep it going," he said.
Scafe also tipped his hat to Keith Nyborg and Don Moratz, who revived the races roughly 30 years ago after the tradition had gone quiet. "We've kept it going after they got it going," he said. "I'm not getting the award; the Dog Derby is. Because of them, we keep it going."
About the Esto Perpetua Award
Established in 1999, the Esto Perpetua Award honors individuals and organizations whose work has left a lasting mark through public service, professional service, volunteerism, and philanthropy. The name comes from Idaho's state motto—Esto Perpetua, "let it be perpetual"—and the award celebrates those who help keep the state's history alive for future generations.
This year's program highlights heritage festivals and traditions that show how history isn't just remembered but lived and renewed. As the Society noted, the recognition arrives alongside the commemoration of America's 250th anniversary—a moment to reflect on the past, stand together in the present, and carry shared values forward.
John Scafe and his wife, Kathy Scafe, represented the Derby at the awards ceremony on June 4 at the Idaho State Museum in Boise.
The American Dog Derby joins a notable group of Idaho traditions being honored this year, including Paul Bunyan Days (St. Maries), the Fall for History Festival (Wallace), the Chief Lookingglass Pow-Wow (Kamiah), Border Days (Grangeville), the National Old Time Fiddler's Contest (Weiser), the Idaho Veterans Parade (Eagle), Jaialdi (Boise), Wagon Days (Ketchum), Idaho Days (Franklin), and the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival (Fort Hall).
Thank you, Ashton
For Scafe, the award comes back to one thing.
"I'm just proud of our volunteers more than anything else," he said.
So are we. To every volunteer, musher, soup-maker, quilter, and spectator who has shown up over the years—this one belongs to you. Here's to keeping it going.
To learn more about the Esto Perpetua Awards, contact the Idaho State Historic Preservation Society at (208) 334-2682.
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