John Larsen entered a turtle in the turtle races last year in Turtle Lake, and when he couldn't find where his turtle went, he said, "I dare not see where my turtle went - hopefully not turtle soup!"

Because without the turtles, Turtle Lake's Turtle Days wouldn't be possible.

People from all over the country come to Turtle Lake for their annual International Turtle Days, and this year will be the 27th.

Larsen, who volunteers at Turtle Days, said, "It's a big event."

Turtle Days is comprised of a hometown celebration with an all-school reunion.

The event will begin on July 11 with a barbecue contest in the day and a trail ride in the evening. With the barbecue contest, people will compete by cooking different kinds and cuts of meat to win prizes.

Then, on July 12, Larsen said there will be a "plethora of events."

The day will start off with a parade at 10 a.m., where the North Dakota National Guard will take part. Throughout the day, the kiddie carnival will take place. Here, kids can enjoy a ring toss, baseball throw and coin toss, Larsen added. Other events throughout the day will be box car races, mutton busting, toilet races, an egg toss, a ski race and a dance in the evening.

But to top it all off, in the name of Turtle Days, the International Turtle Races will take place. This event, Larsen said, decides the fastest international turtle. And, as Larsen said, "The excitement is in the eye of the beholder." The races start at approximately 1 p.m. after the parade.

Anyone can enter the turtle race. Turtles also are captured in town, which are then sold to other contestants.

Finally, on July 13, the Lions Club will host a pitchfork fondue in the park, said Larsen.

"It's a great hometown adventure," Larsen said. "A lot of folks get enthused."