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   Our story this week is not about one or two families, but about 700 families!! We knew the races would be heavily attended....and planned for it. It was all hands on deck for our volunteers, the adult crew and the junior squad. We were mentally prepared for a barn burner of a day. But, as calm and cool as we wanted to be, as we looked at that line winding all the way down main street, past the post office, past the city parking lot and to the coffeeshop...well, it was a little unnerving.  However, cool heads prevailed!!!

Resort race winner...

Eight year old Aubrey Janisch from Lockport, IL walked away with the big W this week representing Broadwater Lodge, pictured here with Angelia Sawyers of All Seasons Resort. Photo submitted.

Turtle race champions

This week had two Grand Winners, the first Grand Winner was Lily and Rosalie Mackedanz, age 5, from East Bethel and 6 year old Caleb Chalupsky from Plymouth was the second Grand Winner. The Grand Slowpoke winner was 4 year old Alora Flores from Tampa, FL. Photo submitted.

   Last year we had 584 turtle racers. We knew we could handle 600 racers and make sure everyone could race and still have the street open by 4:00...that is the deal with the county. But, as the feedback kept coming in from the registration booth, the numbers were climbing. It looked like we were going to have 100 more racers than our most aggressive estimate. As it turned out, we called 700 racers, and  made some slight adjustments and got everyone to race..all were happy and our guests were in a wonderful, very generous mood. Everyone was in good spirits.

   You know, our guests waited in that long line and they did not lose their patience with us!! That is something to consider. Bless their hearts. That tells you of the monumental responsibility we Longvillians have, to help all these guests have such a memorable experience!! That is huge!

   Once the show started..the long wait was a memory. When it came time for the hula hoops, we have never given out all 60 of the hoops at one time. But, the girls were being stormed and poof...they were all out on the circle. Same with dancing, wall to wall wiggling and jumping. And the families of those 700 racers, all 2000 of them, LOVED the races. Hootin’ and hollering at all of them.

   I think we all felt proud that a good time was had by all. So, there you have it. Oh by the way, the official report from the registration booth is 690..highest in recent memory....but who is counting. More stories next week.

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