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MUSCATINE JOURNAL (Iowa) 19 August 03 Turtles crawl their way to the finish line at Great River Days race (Jill Moravec
Muscatine, Iowa: Sizzling temperatures weren't enough to keep the 123 turtle race participants from enjoying a sunny afternoon on the Riverfront as a part of the Great River Days Reunion.
The Jaycees plan the annual event as a service project for kids to decorate and race the turtles, which are sponsored by local businesses.
"It's a service project. We usually break even, between paying for the turtles, ribbons, medals and trophies," said Kim Kassmeyer, Jaycee representative and emcee for the event.
Even though the mercury topped the 95-degree mark, the kids were still enthusiastic.
Before the race got under way, the judges, made up of the Little Miss and Great River Days queens along with Muscatine City Councilwoman Anne Lesnet, examined the decorated turtles and narrowed the field to 10, which was then narrowed again to 5 before a winner was chosen.
Noah Salmonson and his turtle, "Buddy," were chosen as the best decorated turtle. Noah's turtle was sponsored by Miller & Sons Florist, and was decked out in flowers and a butterfly for good measure.
Noah was modest in his win, giving most of the credit to his mother, who helped him with the idea.
Then the race began.
With three of the first four heat-winners going to members of the Jerry Jones team, it looked like Jones' team would bring in the trophy this year. Jones, Realtor with Re/Max Professionals, sponsored nine turtles.
"This is great. Last year we didn't have any heat winner," joked Jones, "Some of the parents were hoping we wouldn't do this well, it's so hot."
When asked how he felt about his first heat win, Nick Morgan responded, "Neat, great. This is the first year I made it to the finals."
Morgan's plans for after the race included a dip in the swimming pool to cool off.
The Jones Team, along with many others, stuck it out and hung on to the end, only to watch Niki Bartenhagen win the finals with her turtle sponsored by Coiffeurs by Beth.
Niki, who reached her pinnacle of racing in only 2 years of participation, attributed her turtle's success to great coaching and turtle-comfort before the race.
"We kept the turtle wrapped in a towel," Bartenhagen explained.
Turtles crawl their way to the finish line at Great River Days race

decorate and race the turtles!

another so-called "progressive" state with backwards animal treatment policies.
anyone wanna help me write more letters?