“Turbo Turtle Derby” zooms into Homecoming

Outer Drive Kiwanis event will benefit Dearborn children

Everyone is invited to sponsor a rubber turtle in the Turbo Turtle Derby, presented by the Dearborn Outer Drive Kiwanis Foundation, and new this year to Dearborn’s Homecoming festival.

The Homecoming festival takes place August 1-3 at Dearborn’s Ford Field Park. The Turbo Turtle Derby is Sunday, August 3 at 2 p.m. and turtles will race along the Rouge River.

Contestants may purchase turtles prior to race time. The turtles will be numbered and released into the river, ushered on by volunteers. They will travel from the covered bridge to the foot bridge.

The sponsors of the winning turtles will win a variety of exciting prizes, provided by the Kiwanis and various Dearborn businesses.

Prizes include $1,000 cash, a hockey stick autographed by Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios, a set of four premium tickets for the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, an electric espresso maker gift basket from Starbucks, a $40 gift certificate from Andiamo Dearborn and more.

The Kiwanis is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children.

Proceeds from the Turbo Turtle Derby will go to fund the Dearborn Outer Drive Kiwanis’ programs aiding the children of Dearborn.

Recently, the Kiwanis’ projects have included purchasing children’s dictionaries for all third-graders in Dearborn, as well as “Safety Town,” an annual two-week safety course for preschoolers.

Turtles can be purchased now at the office of Kiwanis President Dr. James Rugenski at 15608 Michigan Avenue. They are also available from any Dearborn Kiwanis, who meet Tuesday at Park Place from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Prices are $5 for one turtle, $20 for five turtles, and $50 for 12 turtles. Turtles may also be purchased at Homecoming before race time.