Similar to a dogsled race from the Gold Rush days, replacing snow with mud, the event typically draws hundreds of participants, who pit their scoutcraft skills against other groups.

Organizer Donnie Diamont, chair of the Dogwood District, said registration forms are now being accepted for this year’s event.

“We need to hear from each troop in advance regarding (their) expected turnout and which event (they) are planning to host,” he said. “We need to know in advance so orders can be placed and so we don’t have duplicate events.”

Diamont said this year’s events will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis.

The headquarters for this year’s Klondike Derby will be at the Raven Knob Geronimo campsite.

Scouts will begin arriving for the derby at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, and the competition is set to get under way at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.

The competition will conclude late Saturday afternoon.

Diamont said the event is one of the favorites for both leaders and scouts alike.

“We had probably 200 there last year, and we’re hoping for a similar turnout this year,” he said. “We’re planning on having about a dozen events, which focus on everything from scout skills to team building to simply fun events, and it’s a lot of fun for everyone.”

The event requires a $3 registration fee and a completed registration form.

For more information, call Diamont at 368-5167 or contact him via email at ltdiamont@gmail.com.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublictions.com or 719-1929.