Longville Turtle Races...fun times!

What are turtle races you ask? What, you've never heard of a turtle race before? Where have you been? The turtle races in Longville, Minnesota are famous, people!! In fact, Longville is THE turtle racing capital of the WORLD. It says so on their button. I got to experience turtle races as a little kid (I think it had been 25 years since I'd actually gone to the races), and I knew the boys would have fun. So, Daddy put the 2 Littles down for naps, while the Bigs and I headed off to the Turtle Racing Capital of the World.

It is an awesome all-afternoon canival that they do every week. It involves face-painting (for FREE!), $1 gigantic sticks of cotton candy (see above) and overall friendliness everywhere you look. There are silly little carnival games that you can play for a quarter (yep, a quarter!) and kids get a prize every time they play.

Then it is time for the races. You can bring your own turtle if you want, but if you don't have one, the "turtle vendors" will supply you with one. You just go over to the giant water-filled buckets and pick out your turtle. Here's Max's little guy (that he named Buzz).

And Charlie's little guy (named Electra! ha!). Chars wasn't too sure about the whole thing, but watching big brother do it all with confidence made him a pro in no time. He can't wait to go back and do it again.

On your marks, get set, GO! The turtles walk from the inside of the circle to a bigger outer circle where all of us "fans" are cheering them on. Max's turtle got 2nd place in his "heat". Haha! There are so many racers there are about 30 heats (10 turtles per heat)...seriously!! Did you see the boys' numbers? We were numbers 225 and 226...we got there a little late, not realizing the huge popularity of the turtle races. A little different than 25 years ago! :) Also, just to reassure...no turtles were harmed in the racing. It is all in fun, and the turtles are all released back to the Lake after the race. They are probably just a little perplexed as to why all these crazies are yelling and clapping for them. Fun, easy, small town, summertime fun. Enjoy!