Turtles Run their Final Races in Windy Downtown Longville
Weather again presented a challenge to participants and volunteers, as downtown Longville closed out its summer turtle racing season on Aug. 24. Despite powerful wind gusts, 245 racers competed on the final day of racing for 2011.
Volunteers gathered rocks and blocks to hold down everything from papers to street signs, and braved the wind to entertain turtle racers and their families and friends. Chuck Colberg and Lori Mouser scampered to catch the Turtle Touchdown game after it blew over, and Pat Bothast, Kenna Shepard and Judy Blundell chased after hundreds of small items after one of the prize totes blew off a table.
Despite the difficulties, it was a great day for racing, and all three top categories were won by Minnesotans. The Chamber Resort Race was won by Paige Magnuson, age 5, of Rochester, representing Thunder Lake Lodge. Grand Champion was Zack Helmerjahnke, age 6, of Maple Grove, and Grand Slowpoke honors went to Zoe Becker, age 11, of South Haven. Lead judge Pat Boen of Gallery of Homes was assisted by Cathy Stagnaro.
Dodee Colberg and Sue Meyer registered racers, while Jan Helmer and Sara Felton sold tickets and souvenirs. Pat Bothast and Kenna Shepard managed the prize tables.
Volunteers included Mary Ann Straley, Kathy and Mike Froehlig, Chuck Colberg, Dennis Zuelke, Caitlin Stagnaro, Kathy Sweeney of Woodland Insurance, Judy Blundell of Ron’s Hardware, Lori Mouser of Pine Haven Resort, Lisa Garbe of Northlakes Marine & Auto, and Linda Kammueller of Longville Inn.
Toni Dysart of Timber Trails Resort and Craig Riendeau of Thunder Lake Lodge registered racers for the Chamber Resort Race. Katie Daudt made popcorn for Relay for Life.
Camp Olson YMCA sponsored the YMCA dance contest and provided crews for setup and tear-down. Street management duties were handled by Tom Kutschied, Don Shurtleff, Dave Wodrich and Stan Johnson.
Turtle Race Announcer Kam Kammueller of Longville Inn was assisted in the announcing booth by Steve Shallbetter and Tom Lund.
Turtle racing in Longville, the “Turtle Race Capital of the World,” will resume next June through August. Proceeds benefit community activities sponsored by the Longville Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. More photos are available on www.longville.com or the Longville Chamber’s Facebook page.
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