A record-breaking 823 racers took part in this week’s Longville Turtle Races. With 218 racers on July 4th and an all-time high 605 racers on July 6th, the turtle race crew was scampering as fast as the turtles themselves, just to keep up.
On July 4th, the Chamber Resort Race was won by James Weber, age 8, of St. Paul, Minnesota. There was a tie for Grand Champion honors between Hannah Pellett, age 8, of Watertown, Minnesota, and Nathaniel Walton, age 10, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Grand Slowpoke title went to Jack Bedor, age 10, of Chicago, Illinois.
On July 6th, the Chamber Resort Race was won by Courtney Reistad, age 15, of Elk River, Minnesota. Grand Champion honors went to Samantha Cockayne, age 2½, of Des Moines, Iowa, while the Grand Slowpoke title went to Jake Leonard, age 5, of Madrid, Iowa.
Pre-race activities both days included hula-hoop contests, the Chicken Dance, the YMCA dance, the Macarena and the Hokey-Pokey, along with the many turtle race games, designed to provide fun for all ages.
The Longville Turtle Races are held every Wednesday, rain or shine, from now through Aug. 24. Registration, games and contests begin at 1 p.m. The Chamber Resort Turtle Race is held at 1:45 p.m., with regular racing heats beginning at 2 p.m. Bring your own turtle (the shell must measure at least 4 inches) or you can rent one at the races.
All proceeds benefit community activities sponsored by the Longville Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
