First Federal's Turtle Races

Summer brings races of all kinds – including the First Federal Turtle Races! Children ages 12 and younger are invited to start their turtles at two free races.

First Federal Bank’s 27th Annual Turtle Races will be held on Saturday, July 4, on the Square in downtown Harrison. Pre-registration begins on Monday, June 22, at the First Federal Downtown Office (located at 200 W. Stephenson). Registration the day of the race begins at 8:45am, and heats start at 9:30am. The first 175 entrants will receive free t-shirts. Refreshments will be provided as long as they last. Winners will receive trophies and have their picture taken with Chester. Call the Downtown Office at 870.365.8305 for more information.

Snapping turtles will be disqualified, but other types of turtles are welcome. Before the race, be sure to give your turtle plenty to eat and keep it out of the hot sun. Box turtles like to eat crickets and other insects, fruit such as melon, dark leafy greens such as kale and collard greens, and vegetables such as carrots. If racers decorate their turtles, they are asked to use water-soluble paint so it will wash off after the event. Turtle racers are asked to release their turtles in their natural habitat. Turtles love to be in woods, fields, or any other place a safe distance from the road. For more information on turtles, visit turtlecare.net.

The Red, White & Blue Turtle Races were held on Saturday, June 27, at Arkansas State University Mountain Home. Over 65 turtles registered for the race. Participants came from all over Arkansas, including two who came from Apple Valley, Ca.

The winners:
• First Place: Dalton Welch of Mountain Home and Turtle #21.
• Second Place: Ericka Lamarr of Marshall and Turtle #58.
• Third Place: Myca Treat of Mountain Home and her turtle Sammie, #47.
• Fourth Place: Autumn Smith of Gassville and her turtle Riley, #39.

Read the history of the turtle races, and check out some photos.