Topic: First Federal Bank’s 29th Annual Turtle Races
I decided to make a return trip to the Harrison Turtle Races this year: First Federal Bank’s 29th Annual Turtle Races.
My last and only previous attendance was in 2008. I'll keep comments to a minimum, but the basic setup and experience was very similar to 2008. I was thankful temperatures were so cool, instead of the scorching hot days we've had recently. It lightly sprinkled the whole time of the races and well into the afternoon. There were 293 entries this year; slightly down from the 364 reported in 2008. Despite my good intentions of arriving early, I showed up literally 3-5 minutes before races began.
It was pretty hard to get a good look at every single turtle, since early heats were run concurrently in 2 different circles, but I did spot this one!!! Just the reason for my attendance...my first Arkansas Ornate!!!
Just to be sure... Got a couple of funny looks when I asked if I could see the bottom their turtle. HA!
Another Ornate appears! ...unfortunately, this one came from near St. Louis, MO.
And this was the carapace of the MO Ornate... (Somehow, I noticed the carapace flat top while it was racing.)
Gave me a little bit of a buzz...but just a well-patterned Three-toed.
Anyone need a snowcone?
The AR Ornate made it all the way to the final race; probably would have come in 4th, but only 1st-3rd got trophies. The "owners" were kind enough for me to get a few pictures after the races and shared some information about when and where it had been found.
Marked up plastron...check.
Flat-top carapace...check.
Four back toes...check.
With temps still very mild and a light sprinkle continuing to fall, I decided to try my own luck and headed toward the area of the Ornate capture. I saw some potential habitat areas and did come across this:
At another stop at a creek...
Sorry to end on the downer with the dead turtle, but seeing the Ornate and getting some information about it was worth the trip!
