July 26th was a busy afternoon in downtown Longville as 449 turtle racers gathered to try their luck in the racing circle. The weather was perfect, the turtles were fast and, at the end of the day, a teenager from Alaska took top honors.
After 439 turtles competed in the regular races, Caden Knox, age 13, from Anchorage, Alaska, earned the title of Grand Champion. There was a tie for Grand Slowpoke between Damion Schoen, age 5, of Elk River, Minnesota, and Kellen Law, age 10, of Stillwater Minnesota.
An additional ten racers competed in the Chamber Resort Race, which was won by Jenna Cocayne, age 12, of Dubuque, Iowa, representing All Seasons Resort.
The Longville Chamber would like to thank everyone who makes the turtle races possible, especially race announcer Dave Adams, his assistant Brittney Wolters, and race judges Tarike, Chase, Addie, Katelyn, Charlee and Pat. We would also like to recognize the volunteers from VFW Post 772 and Camp Olson YMCA and all the Chamber businesses that support this event.
Turtle races will be held each Wednesday through Aug. 23 in downtown Longville. Race registration and the contests and games open at 1 p.m. The Chamber Resort Race is held at 2 p.m., followed by the regular turtle races. Race registration is $3, which includes the rental of a turtle (or you can bring your own). Proceeds benefit community activities sponsored by the Longville Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.