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Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Champion was 16 year old Avenlea Greenfield from Roscoe, IL. 

   When it rains, it pours. Can lightning strike twice? I can go on and on with these witticisms. But, you know what I mean. Twice now, we have put on the show in the rain... When this happens the wheels of our well- oiled machine start to fall off! No, seriously, once again, we and our audience had a great time. 

   But, we were pacing all morning, wondering what the weather would do. That is the reason that our weather policy is... Just show up and we’ll make the decision to go on or not. This is Minnesota, the weather can change hour by hour. And, that is exactly what happened this Wednesday. Our spirits were up, then down, up then down.

Resort race winner...

2 year old Melody Schmidt from Galena, IL walked away with the big W this week representing Pine Haven Resort. Photos submitted.

   When we all started to gather about noon, Paul had been there on and off for hours having delivered the turtle mobile around 8 or so, and Jane was there with Tiffany giving directions. The Fellows from the Y Camp were there ready to set up all the booths. The decision had been made to set up–although there loomed a very dark storm cloud threatening to strike at 1:00. And, surprise, surprise, there started to assemble a line for tickets! We cannot let our loyal followers down, some of them waiting all year for the chance to race a turtle! We thought there may be 50 or so guests. We would race 10 turtles a heat and give everyone a good show. Well, the line started to get longer and longer...now it was down to the Post Office! And 1:00 came and went with rain, but no big storm! Imagine that!

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke Winner was 9 year old Ted Rasmussen from St. Francis, MN. 

   We had earlier decided because of the threat of bad weather to dispense with hula hoops and dancing, wanting to make sure everyone who came out got to race a turtle. But as the afternoon went on, we said... heck yes! These folks are up for the total experience... and so hoops we did and dances. The crowd lit up like a Christmas tree! Oh my goodness.

   We closed the day with 204 turtle racers. And we did not disappoint. You know, that’s why you just have to show up... you just never know. Like, you cannot win if you don’t play. 3 more to go...see you next week...God willing! 

   And a BIG thank you to our ever loving, loyal volunteers. We love you guys!

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