Admin Sign In

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn about our cause and how the turtle race works.
Make a contribution:
Adopt a Turtle Now!

What time do the turtles race?
Race day begins at 11 a.m. with booths and food trucks setting up along the Chaplin River on Smith Street. The turtles begin their race at 7 p.m.

How Do My Turtles Get in the Water?
One week prior to our turtle race, volunteers come together and place numbered tags on the bottom of every turtle that plans to race! Each number corresponds to someone who has adopted a turtle. Our good friends from the Perryville Fire Department will carry all the turtles to the water and then dump them in at the start of the race!

How will I know if my turtle wins?
Main Street Perryville will contact you using the information you provided with your turtle adoption.

Can I adopt a turtle for my child?
Turtle adoptions must be made in the name of an adult, age 18 or older.

Are they real turtles or rubber turtles?
Rubber turtles, silly!

What happens to all the turtles after the race?
Volunteers collect the turtles from the river, crate them up and send them on to the next race.

Once I adopt a turtle, do I get to keep it?
No, your adopted turtle will race for your chance to win fabulous prizes. You will not be able to keep the turtle after the race.

Do I need to be present to win?
No, but it’s a lot of fun to attend the Snappin’ Chaplin Turbo Turtle Race and family fun day!

Is there an admission fee for the Turtle Derby?
No. All activities, entertainment, and give-a-ways are free on Race Day. However, to adopt a turtle the cost is $5.

How much do turtles cost?
Single turtle: $5
Nest (6 turtles for the price of 5): $25

Can I adopt turtles on race day?
Yes, you can adopt turtles until approximately 6 p.m. (or when turtles sell out) on Race Day at the Main Street Perryville booth. Online adoptions will remain open until 6 p.m. (or sooner depending on sales).