Turtle Trek Race and Raffle at Twin Lakes Aug. 5

Turtles will take over Donut Lake at Twin Lakes Recreation Area,
1200 E. Twin Lakes Drive, on Friday, Aug. 5 during the Turtle Trek Race and Raffle.

The 10th annual event, similar to duck races held in Chicago, is open to all ages and is being offered by the Salt Creek Rural Park District.

“There is no age range; last year’s winner was just a few months
old,” said Jessica Hart, recreation supervisor at Salt Creek Rural Park
District.

Participants can ‘adopt’ a turtle to race against other turtle competitors. One turtle costs $5, or a ‘snap pack’ of five turtles can be purchased for $20.

“The kids and parents just get a kick seeing all the turtles in the water, they don’t know which one is theirs because the numbers are on the bottom so everybody just cheers,” Hart said.

The race begins at 6:30 p.m., and is usually done by 7 p.m. The awards ceremony will then be held, where the first place winner will receive $500, and more than 40 other prizes will be awarded.

Prize donors include Arlington Race Track, Cheesecake Factory, Joe’s
Crab Shack, La Quinta Inns and Suites and Chicago sports teams such as the Cubs, Blackhawks and White Sox.

Afterwards, a band will begin playing and a Moon Bounce will be open
for children with the event ending at 9:30 p.m.

“This is a family-friendly event, open to the public with lots of
prizes and fun for adults and children,” Hart said.

Turtle supplies are limited, and registration forms can be
downloaded.

For more information, call Salt Creek Rural Park District at (847) 259-6890.