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   It started with a rainy day. Lots of people question...will the races be on if it rains? Over the years we have said that “The Show Must Go On”. There are so many volunteers, that to communicate with all of them with a question of, are we “on” or not would be a nightmare. So, we say..unless it is lightning..we show up and decide. And, yesterday was no exception. It rained, let up, rained again, looked like it was clearing up. And finally at 12:30 when everyone checks in...our weather was a GO! And, I think the races were even more fun because of that speculation.

   The line was long, everyone was happy to be there and the visitors were noisy. It has  been our experience, that on days when the weather is a little “off” the guests are more rambunctious, they are loud, having fun, they dance with more energy, wiggling all around, and more of them hula hoop. And that’s what we had yesterday. It was a great day at the races. 

Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was Erica Wolff from Johnston, IA. Photo submitted.

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke Winner was 12 year old Dixie Price of Charles City, IA. Photo submitted.

   About 217 racers and their families joined us. And, once again we asked from the Turtlemobile “Who thinks they have come the farthest?” Well, you’ll never guess..after many states were named off and many folks come from far and wide...a voice said...Rotorua, New Zealand. Oh my goodness!! Last week Australia and this week New Zealand! How cool is that? So, we always want to know how all folks find their way here. Folks don’t have to come from far away to have great stories, but we are always curious when someone visits from afar! Here’s the rest of the story. These folks are here as guests of Jodi and Bob Riesselman. Words of Jodi’s “ Kenzie Parr was my AFS (American Field Service) foreign exchange sister, from New Zealand, in the seventies. She lived with my family for a year. We have remained close ever since and been fortunate to visit each other frequently. She currently lives in Rotorua, New Zealand. She loves coming back to the states to visit. “We also spotted the youngest guest at the races. She is Stella, 2 weeks old. Her little sister Elsie was there with Mom, Breanna, racing their turtle.

   That’s all for this race. Next week will be wild!! Last year we had 584 turtles racing...that’s got to be a record! Can that record be broken? Tune in next Wednesday to find out. And remember, there is no place like Longville.

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