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The turtles seemed to really enjoy the hot and muggy weather as they did their best to entertain racers with their very orthodox moves on the racing circle. The 351 racers were equally delighted in spite of the warm weather. As popular are the county fair type of games that the young people can play. Over 2500 games were played.

Pre-race activities were well attended with the racing circle jammed for the hula-hoop and dance contests. A group of great singers lead the Chicken Dance by singing the Chicken Dance song. They were Michaela of Burnsville, MN; Kelsey of Lino Lakes, MN; Natalie of Coon Rapids, MN and Erin of Milaca, MN. A group of energetic counselors from Luther-Dell Camp on Boy Lake lead the YMCA dance. They were Andrew of Brooklyn Park, MN; Paula from Rosholt, WI; Emily from Mpls, MN; and Sean from Amery, WI.

The Resort Turtle Race featured a battle between thirteen resorts. They were Little Boy Resort, Spirit of the North Resort, Thunder Lake Lodge, Maple Trails Resort, Balsam Bay Resort, Camp O' My Dreams Resort, All Seasons Resort, Little Ponderosa Resort, Minne Teepee Resort, Trapper's Landing, Family Traditions Resort, Woman Lake Lodge, and DOK Holiday Resort. The winner was twelve-year-old Evan Smith from Mahtomedi, MN who with his family was vacationing at Woman Lake Lodge.

[[In-content Ad]]The racing was fierce as two out-of-state racers made it to the finals. Two-year-old Megan Weller from Sioux Falls, SD was crowned Grand Slowpoke winner and twenty-four-year-old Laura Gray from London, Kentucky was crowned Grand Winner.

A hearty group of warm and perspiring volunteers made the afternoon a real family occasion for the estimated 1000 spectators and racers. Madigan Doherty, Kathy Froelig, and Gerry Broshar helped Pat Boen, representing Gallery of Homes with judging. Rose Franta, Stan Johnson, and Dodee Colberg registered racers. Jan Elliott, Sue Meyer and Char Olson sold tickets and souvenirs. Mary Ann Straley and Sara Felton handled the prize table. Business game operators were Kam Kammueller, representing the Longville Inn; Ally Garbe, representing North Lakes Marine & Auto; and Nancy Loren, representing Little Boy Resort. Community game volunteers included: Amanda Mix, Kathy Froelig, Elsie Hagen, Kendyll Week, Chuck Colberg, and Mike Froehlig. Gordon Atzen popped the corn. Dave Wodrich and Stan Johnson were street monitors. Bob Carey was in charge of hand washing. Set-up and Tear down was handled by a great team from Camp Olson plus Don Shurtleff, Bob Carey, Brandon Ahrenholz, and Gerry Broshar. John and Sandy Weins and Gerry Broshar handled announcing duties.

The next race is Wednesday, August 18.

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