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   Here we are...looking at the last race for the season next week, the 16th. They say time flies faster the older you get...but this summer has been a blur for even the youngsters. Where did it go? I mean, it was, and is, great. We are not done yet. We have had gorgeous sunny days, a few really hot ones,  and we finally got our rain. June was beautiful, and it can be a stinker! So, we have had a nice long season....but still!!

   We had 304 racers this week, so that means our usual 1000 plus guests on main street. You know, I am passionate about Longville and a teeny bit protective about it. We have great neighboring cities. And they put on wonderful entertainment venues all throughout the season. I applaud that and we want our visitors to have lots to choose from, so they keep coming back for more. But, Longville puts on a carnival for 10 weeks straight! (Besides events like the Community Garage Sale and the Fly In Pancake Breakfast!)

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke champion was 15 year old Carlie Wendinder from Mankato. Photo submitted.

Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was 6 year old Benjamin Eller from Woodbury. Photo submitted.

Resort race winner...

Blake, age 8, from Shakapee, walked away with the big W this week representing Kee Nee Moo Sha Resort. Photo submitted.

   Every Wednesday, it is something to watch, early in the morning, 7:00 ish, Paul shows up in his giant red truck hauling the trailer, setting it into its place , setting up the skeleton for the big show. From then on the volunteers start drifting in...the yellow shirt people. Street closes at 12:30 and then the activities start to get frenetic!! The YMCA Camp fellows show up along with the VFW boys..and things start to take shape. The street is getting filled with tables and tents. By 1:00 we are all set up, registration is selling tickets, the souvenir shop is open, tickets for games are being sold, 8 games are being played , the music starts and the announcer says ....Welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth...no, they really don’t say that. But, we are open for business! Birthdays and Anniversaries are rewarded with coupons for lots of free goodies...and watch out..the hula hooping starts. From there we start dancing until 2:00 when the Turtle Races starts. So, we have 2 camps going on...the carnival in the back of the house and the races in the front. Lots of entertainment and happy, happy people.

   That is the best...to see how happy everyone is..grama, grampa, kids, grandkids..all playing together. And, that is something to be proud of. So there you have it. Next week I want to say thank you to all of our unsung heroes. Our volunteers are passionate about their work. And, that is what makes Longville so special.

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