Tollhouse Derby 2026 : Born to Run - Wild & Free

A Sierra Foundation Fundraiser supporting Sierra Unified School District.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 • 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Blasingame Livestock, 19606 Auberry Road, Clovis, CA 93619

Fancy hats encouraged. Million-dollar horses not required.

The Tollhouse Derby is back—and this year, we’re leaning all the way into the Triple Crown spirit with real riders, real horses, a real dirt trail, and absolutely zero pretension. Just good food, great company, and the kind of laughs you only get when the community comes together for a cause that matters: Supporting students of the Sierra Unified School District.

And yes… last year’s champion really was a 13-year-old girl who outran an entire field of adults. Anything can happen at the Tollhouse Derby.

All the men ride in this fast-and-feisty opener. Hats may blow off. Spirits will not.

The women take the reins—and if history tells us anything, underestimate them at your own risk.

The top finishers from Races 1 and 2 return for ultimate bragging rights and the unofficial title of Foothill Legend.
Cheer loudly. Your horse may or may not run faster. We can’t prove it.

Try your hand at Win, Place, or Show by making a donation toward the horse of your choice.
Screens around the arena display odds and hypothetical payouts, just like a real racetrack.

• These are donations, not bets.
• You will not collect winnings.
• You will collect bragging rights, which are priceless.

All funds raised support programs, scholarships, and student opportunities across the Sierra Unified School District.

• BBQ lunch tickets are available!
• Champagne reception for all adults!
• Beer, wine & Derby cocktails at the Adult Beverage Bar!
• Snack Bar for all-day grazing!

Boots count as formal wear. Stilettos are technically allowed, but the dirt trail may strongly disagree.

Go elegant, go bold, go bizarre—we’ve seen it all.

Foothill glamour meets Derby flair. Pinkies up… or don’t. This is the mountains.

Capture your Derby drip in motion.

• The fan-favorite returns!
• Hobby-horse obstacle races, activities, and wide-open space for little buckaroos to run free.
• All free of charge with admission.Family-friendly is our specialty.
• Volunteers will also be on-site to assist any guests needing physical support.

• We are planning a free admission launch, with a possible small fee added after a certain date (likely $5 or less). Researve your free admission tickets now to avoid a possible cost later!
• Updates will be posted here directly.

Sponsors receive:

• Pre-Event, Event, and Post-Event Recognition
• Reserved VIP seating for lunch
• Reserved viewing area for all three races
• Extra bragging rights for supporting our students
• Behind the scenes access to riders and horses

Every laugh, every cheer, every “donation,” every hat that blows off in the foothill breeze helps support the students of the Sierra Unified School District.

Together, we’re building opportunities—scholarships, programs, athletics, arts, and classroom innovation—that truly make a difference.

Come hungry.
Come ready to cheer.
Come wearing a hat that could either win a contest or scare a horse—your choice.

Let’s make this the biggest, boldest, most joy-filled Derby yet.

From the early days at Kimbler Ranch to the Sierra Foundation era, the Derby’s history lives on in this original banner and the perpetual trophy honoring each year’s winner.

Crafted with care and full of local pride, the Derby’s perpetual trophy rests on a handmade wooden chest, crowned by its iconic oversized cup.

A proud moment from Opening Ceremonies: the flag bearer and horse leading the crowd in honoring the traditions, spirit, and community at the heart of the Tollhouse Derby.

The finish line of last year’s first race—the men’s run—which now kicks off our expanded three-race Triple Crown–style lineup. Each rider arrives in full character with a matching bio, adding color, personality, and storytelling to every sprint toward victory.

The dramatic finish of the Championship Race, where the top riders from the first two runs return to compete for ultimate bragging rights. This final showdown brings the spirit of the foothills to life as local legends race toward the title of Derby champion.

Last year’s Best Dressed winner captured the spirit of Derby elegance with a stunning all-white ensemble, a sweeping black-and-white bow, and a magnificent matching hat. Her bold finery brought both tradition and flair to the foothills.

Wade Kimbler leads the festivities in true patriotic style, riding as Uncle Sam and carrying forward the spirit of the Derby’s early years. Behind him, a young rider dressed as Abraham Lincoln adds to the character and storytelling that make the Tollhouse Derby unlike any other community tradition.

Arie Blasingame, riding with confidence and heart, became the youngest champion in Tollhouse Derby history. Her remarkable victory stands as a testament to the spirit, skill, and community pride that define this event.

A tender Derby moment as our Best Dressed winner shares a sweet exchange with a young attendee, both dressed in their finest. In the background, a sponsor banner honors the community partners who support each horse and rider, reflecting the generosity that keeps the Derby tradition running strong.

A young Derby-goer tests her roping skills in the Mini Derby Arena, swinging her lasso high as she practices on the training steer. Moments like these capture the playful spirit and hands-on traditions that make the Derby a family favorite.

Young riders take to the Mini Derby Arena with their handmade and beloved hobby horses, navigating an obstacle course of straw bales with determination and delight. These joyful races embody the Derby’s commitment to family fun, creativity, and the simple pleasures that bring our community together.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Sierra Foundation