Published: June 12, 2008 10:50 am      

Turtle Races ready for annual run

Annual event raises funds for local causes

DANVILLE — This weekend, box turtles will get a workout as they help raise money for a worthy cause at the Knights of Columbus.

The 44th annual Turtle Races will take place from noon until 8 p.m. Saturday at the K of C, 310 Bryan Ave.

There is no admission fee.

Mike Puhr, local Turtle Club president and city alderman, has been involved with the races for about 15 years.

The fundraiser first began when someone finished up a day of mushroom hunting and captured some box turtles that added to their freshly picked mushroom bounty.

The idea to have a turtle race came about shortly afterward, according to Puhr.

“It started at the Possum Trot. A mushroom hunter brought in some turtles and said, ‘Why don’t we have a turtle race?’” Puhr said. “That started it.”

Last year, the races generated $10,000 in donations for various organizations that serve children with special needs.

The box turtles, which are kept at an undisclosed location until the event, still are gathered during mushroom hunting season from Westville, Georgetown and Grape Creek.

Some years, the event features more than 100 turtles, which are fed and kept in pens before the race. The turtles are set free into the wild afterward.

This year, about 60 turtles will race.

The turtles are placed in the center of a 10-foot circle. The first turtle to make it to the outside wins. The race is run about 40 times throughout the day, Puhr said.

About 104 sponsors will benefit from this year’s donations. Donors sponsor a turtle, but the event also will feature a 50/50 raffle.

Food and beverage sales also generate money. Menu items will include barbecue, potato chips, hot dogs, Polish sausage and cold drinks.

Organizations that benefit from the donations include AMBUCS, eastern Illinois and western Indiana Shriners, Danville Area Community College scholarships and the Danville Masonic Lodge.

Gerry Lawrence, treasurer for the event, said the fundraiser draws a good crowd every year.

“It makes you proud you’re helping these kids,” she said.

Being able to make sizable donations to worthy causes is very gratifying, and a good payoff for all the work it takes to organize and coordinate the races each year.

Lawrence has been involved with the races for about 20 years.

“It’s very rewarding once you get through the day.

“It’s a big sigh of relief, and you hope to have some decent money to give away.”