RACERS ASKED TO START THEIR TURTLES

Racers for the annual Riverfest Turtle Race are asked to rev up their turtles in preparation for the Saturday, June 8, event.

The turtle races are among the most popular activities at Riverfest, which will be held June 7-8 in downtown Cape Girardeau.

"The turtle races have been very popular every years," said Jay Wolz, publicity chairman of the Riverfest Association. "I guess since we don't have horse races or dog races in Cape Girardeau, turtle racing is pretty popular.

"It is amazing. The races draw a crowd. We have to use a P.A. system to call the race so all the people who are interested can hear what's happening."

Wolz said last year 80 turtles vied for the title of fastest turtle in town.

"Last year it rained just before the race, so we had to run the race under a yellow caution flag because of the wet track," he said.

Starting time for this year's race is 3 p.m. in the children's activity area, near the Common Pleas Courthouse.

Two basic rules exist for the race: turtles must be raced by children 12 years old and under, and no paint or nail polish is allowed on turtle shells.

"We do ask that turtles be brought early to register and be assigned a number," Wolz said.

Turtles race from a center circle to an outer circle. "All the turtles are released from the inner circle and the first to reach the outer circle wins," Wolz said.

A series of preliminary heats will narrow the field for the final competition.

In conjunction with the turtle race is a best-dressed turtle contest.

"We have all sorts of costumes," Wolz said. "Last year we had several Ninja Turtles."

The same rules apply to this contest. Children ages 12 and under may compete, and no paint or nail polish is allowed on the turtles.

The turtles show will be held at approximately the same time as the turtle race in the children's activity area.