Published: June 10, 2009 09:15 pm      

Turtles set for annual race

DANVILLE — Organizers are hoping to see large crowds turn out for the 45th annual Turtle Races.

“We would love to see an increase in attendance,” said Mike Puhr, local Turtle Club president.

After 45 years, attendance might not total more than 1,000 like it used to, and a lot of the original organizers also are “getting tired,” Puhr said.

“We want to keep it going to at least 50 (years),” he said. “We encourage the community to come out.”

The Turtle Club started in Vermilion County by Joe Freeman and Nadine Schramm, who were known as grandpa and grandma turtle, Puhr said.

The club consists of children through adults and from people far and wide, including Texas, Germany and Japan.

About 40 members make up a spin-off group in Littleton, Colo.

The cost is $1 for a lifetime membership.

The Turtle Races raise money for handicapped children through local organizations.

The races started at the Possum Trot, but outgrew that site. They then moved to the Moose Lodge and Vermilion County Fairgrounds, before landing at the K of C.

The event features up to 100 turtles, which are fed and kept in pens before the race. The turtles are set free into the wild afterward.

The turtles are placed in the center of a 10-foot circle. The first turtle to make it to the outside wins.

Last year, the races raised about $9,500.

Money is raised through the races, 50/50 raffle and food and beverage sales, in addition to sponsors.

Organizations that benefit from the donations include AMBUCS, special education programs in Danville and Westville schools, Masonic Learning Center and two scholarships to Danville Area Community College for someone going into special education or therapy.

Puhr said the races are for the entire family. There will be balloons, temporary tattoos and other interactive activities for children.

“It’s a good place to come down and have a sandwich and beverage and watch the races,” he said.

Puhr said the whole day is to help the area’s children.

Danville Area Convention and Visitors’ Bureau executive director Jeanie Cooke adds that every year her office receives phone calls “from a pretty good regional area” about the event.

Out-of-the-area media calls also increase because of its uniqueness.

“It makes it kind of fun,” Cooke said.

“I think it’s just so unique. I think a lot of people just look forward to the turtle races (each year),” Cooke said. “It’s a great event.”

FYI

The 45th annual Turtle Races will be from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Knights of Columbus, 310 Bryan Ave. There is no admission fee.