---

   What a wonderful way to wrap up another unforgettable season of turtle racing in Longville with 326 racers! The final Turtle Fest was a beautiful day filled with  happy faces, great memories–and a brand-new car giveaway!

Turtle race champion

This week’s Grand Winner was seven year old Adley Onlaug from Fairfax, IA.

   Well.....sort of!

   The announcer, Ed Schultz decided to add a little excitement to the final race by bringing out a brand-new model car to give away as a joke. After all, every big race needs a big prize, right? The crowd got a good laugh out of the surprise, proving once again that at the Longville turtle races you just never know what’s going to happen!

   Racers of all ages joined us for one last chance to cheer on their favorite shelled competitors. While some turtles seemed ready to sprint, others preferred a leisurely stroll, and a few just enjoyed the sunshine! That’s truly the best part of the fun.

Resort race winner

Five year old Jack Nogorski from Windom, MN, representing Little Boy Resort, took first place in the Turtle Fest Resort Race. Photos submitted.

   Families, friends, and visitors filled the day with so much laughter and excitement, proving once again that it doesn’t take a fast pace to create a fantastic time together.

   This Turtle Fest was the perfect finale to a wonderful summer. Every single week brought something so special to our community, and Longville once again showed why we are proudly known as the Home of the Turtle Races.

   We send a huge, heartfelt thank-you to all of our amazing racers, families, volunteers, sponsors, and spectators who helped make this season such a bright success. We appreciate you more than words can say!

Slow Poke champion

This week’s Grand Slowpoke Winner was 11 year old Maeve Donoghue from Chicago, IL. 

   Until next summer, Longville—keep smiling, keep laughing, and keep those turtles moving!

---