History of the Turtle Races

In the 1970s, the Jaycees coordinated the 4th of July activities in Harrison. At the time, Jaycee member Larry Brandt (now First Federal’s Chief Executive Officer) was put in charge of the children’s games. Two of the games he hosted during the festivities were a frog jumping contest and a turtle race. The turtle race was a hit from the beginning, but the frog jumping contest never really “leapt” forward. 

The Harrison Rotary Club began sponsorship of the turtle races in 1980, thanks to Larry, who was serving as the Club’s President. In 1982, Larry decided that First Federal should take over the event and promote it in conjunction with the Bank’s children’s savings account (then known as the Squirrels’ Club; now Chester’s Investor Club). 

Jeff Brandt, Larry’s son and the Bank’s Executive Vice President/Eastern Division, has been a part of the turtle races since First Federal took over the event. He continues to manage the Harrison event, serve as emcee, and run the heats. Now in its 28th year, the races are a Harrison tradition and are still held each July 4th on the Historic Square.

In 2005, First Federal began hosting a turtle race in conjunction with Mountain Home’s annual Red, White & Blue Festival. The race is still held annually on the grounds of ASUMH.

The turtle races have grown to be a regional event with participants coming from Missouri, Texas, and other surrounding states. Chester T. Chipmunk, the president of Chester’s Investor Club, is always on hand to cheer on the racers and take pictures with the winners.

Check out photos from past events.