An absolutely bluebird day for the Turkey Trot was clouded by the fact that the town of Truckee shut down the event, concerned that it may be too icy. For 34 years it has been a Truckee tradition to run around Donner Lake in November, in any weather condition, with turkeys and pumpkin pies for prizes at the end.

This was Jim Meskimenand#8217;s 33rd year in a row to run the race and he said he has done it in the rain, the fog and the snow. Another resident recalled running in a blizzard in 1978. Personally, most every year I have run there has been ice and snow on the course and#8212; just part of the run we all expect.

More recently, the Turkey Trot has been organized by the Auburn Ski Club as a fundraiser for their kidsand#8217; ski programs. The town of Truckee is now requiring permits for events like this. ASCand#8217;s application was declined because the Truckee Police Department saw some ice and snow on the course and thought it would be too dangerous. ASC canceled the race 3 days before the event. Is this how we want our town to look out for and protect us?

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More than 20 people still ran. ASC staff were there to inform runners of the cancellation and served the pumpkin pie they had bought for he race. At a time when so many programs in the area are struggling, it is disappointing to see a fun event not able to raise money because the town of Truckee prevented it. I thought the town was created to support the community, not control it.

I would love to see the Truckee tradition of the Donner Lake Turkey trot able to continue with the motto of rain, snow or shine.

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Sonja Harris

Truckee