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Derek Montgomery
Perham, Minn.

In Perham, turtles are a cause for celebration

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Waiting to race
A painted turtle awaits the chance to race.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News

Perham's annual Turtle Fest pits turtle against turtle in races and brings folks from all over to cheer them on. Photojournalist Derek Montgomery stopped by to capture the not-so-speedy fun.

• More summer festival photo galleries, #mprsummer

Gallery
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Turtle traffic control
While turtles are a big part of Perham's identity, they take on an even bigger role during Turtle Fest.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News
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Cleaning the Perham Express
Merle Thomson cleans the Perham Express before a day of rides Friday, June 20, 2014 during Turtle Fest in Perham, Minn. The Perham Express is an old truck outfitted to look like a locomotive that hauls around a wagon that can seat 20 people.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News
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This way to the turtle pits.
A sign points people to the pick-up location for turtles near the race circle during Turtle Fest's turtle races in Perham, Minn.
Derek Montgomery / For MPR News