Edited press announcement
Editor’s note: As I deliver newspapers, I’ve learned to watch for turtles and have braked for turtles and people helping turtles cross the road. Turtlefest reminds us to slow down and enjoy the many sights (and sounds) of nature we encounter along the road. Happy travels!
May 23 is World Turtle Day, and the village of Elberta, Michigan, is celebrating on Saturday, May 24, by making signs to help mama turtles safely cross the road during their annual egg-laying journeys. The village held its first Turtlefest last year.
“This is a kids-of-all-ages event,” organizer Emily Votruba wrote in her announcement. “All painting materials and cold Spindrift drinks are supplied. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting painty.”
An opening ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the official MDOT turtle crossing sign across from Elberta’s Farmers Market/Penfold Park. Attendees will then proceed to 654 Frankfort Ave. to paint bright messages on donated lawn signs. The signs are meant to urge drivers to slow down and watch for turtles and the people who help them.
At 1 pm, Mark Carlin of WUWU, 100.1 FM, Elberta’s low-power radio station, will interview a representative from Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund about turtles: why they cross the road, how to safely help them cross, and other turtle trivia. The interview can be heard on the airwaves or seen in person.
Special guest Jane Haga, a veteran wildlife educator, will share her knowledge.
Painted signs will be posted at 4 p.m. along the Elberta stretch of M-22.
Tim Jones and Aaron Dye, of the Dye Jones Dynamic Power Duo, will offer a karaoke set from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Cabbage Shed located at 198 Frankfort Ave.
Throughout the day, turtle-crossing bumper stickers, books and ninja turtle shirts will be available for sale with proceeds to benefit the Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund, https://www.sleepingbearwildlife.org.
Mayfair Burger Bar, at 515 Frankfort Ave., will be offering a special menu that includes turtle-inspired burgers, shakes and a Tipsy Turtle cocktail. A portion of proceeds will be donated to Turtlefest.
For more information about Turtlefest, contact Emily Votruba at: emilyvotruba@yahoo.com.
To learn more about turtles and their spring traveling habits in Michigan, read “Give them a brake” by MDNR Fisheries Biologist Tom Goniea at: https://tinyurl.com/4zdpnv6r
