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.
Local News
Turtles set for annual race
- Local News
-
-
Spirit of the West
Museum workers run out of adjectives when describing the “Spirit of the West” quilt exhibit, which opens Friday. “It’s mind boggling,” Sue Richer, director of the Vermilion County Museum, said as she admired the quilts. “It amazes me. They’re works of art, the way they’re put together.”
-
County looks at power deal
Vermilion County Board committee members will discuss a contract letting Integrys extend electric savings to residents now.
-
Six to retire from Danville High
Six longtime District 118 employees said goodbye to Danville High School at the end of the school year.
-
Teacher’s aide retires after 33 years
Jan Kovacic meets the students at Covington Elementary School when they arrive in the morning, and she is the last one they see in the afternoon when getting on a bus or in a car.
-
Fountain OKs nurse position
Fountain County Council members approved restructuring changes Tuesday in the Fountain-Warren Health Department.
-
United Way close to goal
The United Way of Danville Area is in the home stretch of its annual campaign and wants residents’ help in reaching that goal.
- City rummage sale nears
- Home tour helps museum
- Police, Fire Reports
-
Teacher weaves life skills in with lessons
KaSandra Mitchell’s fifth-graders probably think all the cooking and sewing they do in class is a lot of fun.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
