Our biggest and most interesting juvenile contest is our annual Dog Derby. This event is held each year on the ice at Crystal Lake and the boys and girls from Hennepin County towns are invited to compete. Fine prizes are given by the Legion and a monster silver loving cup is for the big event of the day. This must be one for 3 consecutive years by the same person to be kept.
Our Derby was held in January and as the day was ideal the crowd estimated to be over 1000 were on hand to cheer the boys and dogs. Doctor Dick, veterinarian and Westphal member gives his service to assist the post should any dogs receive injuries. He also checks the entries to make sure that the dogs are well and strong enough to stand the race. It is a proud boy who rides over the finish line first behind his favorite pal, his dog. Each year the Derby gets more and more publicity and draws crowds from the city and county. The Legion colors and post flag float on the breeze from the finish line to keep the Legion before the public’s eye.
-From the Westpahl American Legion Commander’s report on activities in 1933.
