Dozens of children take part in turtle race at Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest

A group of children and their families surround a large wooden board utilized for turtle races Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the annual Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest. A group of turtles were placed in the center of the board, released and then cheered on by their owners, as they waddled to the outer corners of the board. The first two turtles to exit the painted circle moved on to the finalist round.
A group of children and their families surround a large wooden board utilized for turtle races Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the annual Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest. A group of turtles were placed in the center of the board, released and then cheered on by their owners, as they waddled to the outer corners of the board. The first two turtles to exit the painted circle moved on to the finalist round.

About an hour before the big turtle race of 2019 in Tebbetts, children of all ages assessed each turtle's skills before carefully selecting their winning turtle.

More than 30 children participated in the turtle race at the Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest on Saturday afternoon.

In each round, competition organizers placed several turtles in the middle of a blue circle painted on a white wooden board. A black line outlined a larger circle on the board.

The goal of the competition was simple: See which turtle crossed the black line first.

"And they're off!" the announcer shouted when an organizer released six turtles during one of the rounds. "They're moving fast. No. 8 is pulling ahead fast."

Turtle No. 8 went on to win the gold in the 10 and older division.

Cole Lee, 12, who selected the winning No. 8, said it felt "kind of great" that his turtle won the division.

When asked if he had any special tricks to share, he said "not really," adding he let his turtle run.

Before the competition, 5-year-old Vaida Lathrop studied several turtles before selecting hers, No. 13. Lathrop said 13 was her lucky number and the day of her birthday.

While her turtle came in third during the first round, Lathrop said she still liked her turtle, placing it in the grass after the competition.

"He kind of woke up slow," said Bill McNair, Lathrop's grandfather. "He had a lot of potential. He was fast, but he was fast too late."

Lathrop, who is the great-great-granddaughter of one of the founding Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest organizers, has attended the picnic every year, McNair said.

David Christensen, 7, has also attended the picnic several times.

Christensen, whose turtle won the 9 and younger division, said it felt good that his turtle took the top spot.

"This is my second medal," Christensen said, smiling and holding up his first-place medal.

Christensen said his turtle didn't do any special training before the big event.

Besides the turtle race, Saturday events included live music, food, a 5K run, fruit pie contest, bingo and an antique tractor show.

A bluegrass band Saturday afternoon was a new feature at the picnic.

"I would like to get a theme for our picnic and I think bluegrass is one way to go," Tebbetts Community Club President Sam Richards said. "This year, we tried it late and got one band in there in the afternoon, but I hope to do more next year. Bluegrass festivals seem to be very popular."

The club also brought back the kiddie tractor pull, which was a success last year, Richards said.

The Tebbetts Picnic and Muttonfest is a long-held tradition dating back more than 70 years and attracting about 1,500 people yearly, Richards said.

The club raised $34,000-$36,000 last year, he said.

The activities help raise money to maintain and improve the Tebbetts community center, which holds several events including dinners, weddings, receptions, baby showers and community group meetings.

Using funds raised during this year's picnic, the club hopes to purchase additional land. The club would construct a parking lot and playground on the new land, as well as host some activities.

"It really is a community effort," Richards said. "I'm seeing the community turn out and really helping and I can't say enough about that."

While areas around Tebbetts flooded, Richards said, the floodwaters did not impact the activities. He added he was concerned about traveling since portions of Missouri 94 were closed due to flooding.

Activities will run through this morning and into the afternoon, with the fiddler's contest at noon.