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   It’s in the can, it’s a wrap, memories are made of this, parting is such sweet sorrow..we could go on and on about the emotions centered around the last turtle race of the season. We are all a bit sad that this season has come to an end. And, so fast! Young and old, we are all saying “where did the summer go?” But, we had fun yesterday. Ed, our announcer, was at his best cajoling the audience,  encouraging them while they hooped and danced. 

Resort race winner...

9 year old Isabella Tisdell from Miami, FL captured the win this week representing Little Boy Resort. Photos submitted.

   There were lots of really young, youngsters, like ages 2 and 3, who were loving the dancing. They would get their poppas out with their wiggling and giggling. No one had  any inhibitions. Just the way it’s supposed to be at the turtle races! 

   So, it’s time to say goodbye to all of our volunteers. We’ll miss Paul up early hauling the turtle mobile around, our VFW boys and the Y Camp fellows transforming the street into a state fair type atmosphere...maybe we should get some wild animals in for next year... just kidding! Our guests are wild enough when they turn the kids loose on those games!

Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was 12 year-old Ethan Guerra from Hometown, IL. 

   Then our yellow shirt volunteers start showing up. Let’s see who was on duty this week. Dorothy and Laura each did a Fishing game by themselves. Those ladies are made of true grit! Beth, another hard core trooper went to the Ring Toss for someone who was absent, Jean was at her post at the Turtle Roll, Carla, bless her heart didn’t miss a day at her Turtles on the Fence. And, Christy, a brand new volunteer at Bag the Turtle loves the races and pitches in everywhere. And, then there is Dennis. Need I say more... he loves the opportunity to entertain and is much appreciated by the youngsters. Meanwhile Jeanne and Sande are managing the registration  booth artfully, while Kitty and Dusty are selling souvenirs like crazy! Then there is the prize table. Short handed this week, Jan Helmer and her granddaughter filled in along with Patti Abbott, another person you can place anywhere and get things done. We missed Mary and Janie who have been holding down the prize table all year along with Beth and Diane. Then, down at the other end of the street, Willy is overseeing the turtles, lounging around in the boat getting ready for their heats. Emery and Sawyer, our turtle wranglers, will see that turtles are brought out and recovered after each race. They are a well oiled machine! Assisted by Dawson and Addie who also help judge the races. Important stuff! Paulette is racing around tending to the needs of the volunteers and Elsie, a veteran of many races, is helping with coupon delivery and judging. Ed is in the announcer’s seat aptly assisted by Dawn. There you go! 

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke went to 3 1/2 year old Leo Karpel from Minneapolis.

   There are many more volunteers that come in from week to week. Probably 100 including those who volunteer from time to time... who will help us in a pinch. We will all miss our Wednesdays together!  But, we are looking forward to our celebratory pizza party in a few weeks.  There we will tell funny stories about what happened this year and look forward to next, God willing. God Bless America and God Bless Longville and the spirit that lives among us all.  Now you take care of yourselves and we’ll see you at the races. 

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