Turtle jockeys wanted for derby

May 2, 2018

Calling all junior turtle jockeys: here’s the chance to test your (electronic) reptile racing skills.

The Dartmouth Lions Club will host its first ever Turtle Derby on May 20 at the Dartmouth Middle School gymnasium. Sign in begins at 11 a.m. and the races kick off at noon. Pre-registration is required in advance. Email DartmouthLions@comcast.net for a sign-up application. The cost is $10 for jockeys, and $5 for spectators.

The races are open to children age 12 and under.

And don’t worry -- no turtles will be used. The races will be all electronic.

The event is being hosted by the Dartmouth Lions Club. Wayne Vandal, the club’s president, said it’s an effort to reach out to a younger generation

“We wanted to think outside the box and do something radically different,” Vandal said, adding he got the idea of a turtle derby after attending a similar event and wanted to bring it to Dartmouth.

Funds raised by the event will go towards the Lions Club’s eye research fund, and to support the club’s various community service projects.