Community Corner
Drumming Out a Trophy in Turtle Races
Bel Air's Shamrock Park hosted a pair of dramatic turtle races Monday.
has helped run the annual hamster, turtle and frog competitions in for each of the 24 years it’s existed.
With his wife Lou Ann volunteering, too, Bane smiled as the July 4th races got underway.
“It’s for the kids,” Bane said. “[It’s a] great thing for the kids.”
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The Fallston resident worked station B in the Shamrock Park sandpit, making sure the racing and jumping surface was level, and that none of the creatures got off to a false start.
For winners names, see photos.
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In all his years with the event, though, Monday morning’s turtle races may have produced a result that even Bane had never seen.
Erin Drumm, 12, of Forest Hill, entered one turtle each in the box and water turtle races, respectively. Drumm’s first entry tied for third, and fellow competitor Rachel Ewers was given the third place trophy. The judges promised Erin they would get her another one eventually.
They probably didn’t expect it to be 15 minutes later.
Drumm’s second turtle, Mr. Smiles, won its opening heat to advance to the finals. Unable to edge out Terp and Claude, who finished first and second, respectively, Drumm’s entrant again tied for third, but she wasn’t upset.
“No. I’m just glad Mr. Smiles got a trophy,” Drumm said.
This time, Drumm was allowed to take home the hardware.
Said Drumm: “[In the first race, Mr. Smiles] was mad that the other turtle got a trophy.”
