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Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was 13 year-old Amelia Page from Minneapolis. 

   I have a lot going on right now and was tempted to write something before the races when I had some time. But then I thought, “No, I am to be true to the races.” Something always comes up to make for a good story. And, before I forget, it has been brought to my attention that in my stories about our volunteers, I have missed Bob, the spin art wizard. Who would have thought this big fellow would have such a soft heart for youngsters.... and do they respond! They line up for his magical spin art. Next, Karen says someone needs to go to Face Painting college! It would go so well with cotton candy and spin art! We’ll see if that program isn’t launched for the kidlets next year! 

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke went to 6 year old Broks Essen from Victoria.

   Now, back to today! Very hot and totally steamy! That’s our day today. Wondering how many folks will want to come to town when it’s this hot! So, as I am coming into town, not many cars in the parking lot. And as I am walking down main street, the line up for ticket sales is pretty short. We’re thinking, maybe 225...that’s a small crowd for us to handle. That’s ok. So, we are preparing for a lighter day. Gary, our announcer, gets us into a number of hula hoop sets. While we’re busy handing out coupons for great treats around town, the line is growing! Unbelievable! More and more join us for the dances..and before you know it, we have a street full of dancers! We close with 315 racers...not a bad day! 

Resort race winner...

8 year old Winnie captured the win this week representing Minne Teepee Resort. Photos submitted.

   This is a really fun crowd. They are good at quickly getting into the ring to set up for the race, and out of the ring, so the turtles can have free reign to race. All is going well...then there is the message about bad weather coming in. We are not about to do anything risky, so we keep an eye on it and we have the Sheriff there watching out for us as well. We decide to go on with the races...people have come from near and far..last week Australia and this week the Netherlands... to race their turtles. And, I’ll be darned if we didn’t get through all the races and the Finals.. to give everyone the full experience. Just another day in the neighborhood. We have 10 races each season....this was #8. 2 more to go. Where has the summer gone? Young and old, we are saying the same thing. Next week is Sadie’s last week this summer...she is fabulous..hopefully we’ll see her next year. And Saturday is Emery’s birthday..we’ll sing to her next week. Until then... have a beautiful week.

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