Dearborn Kiwanis Homecoming 2026 Turtle Derby Race Fundraiser

The Kiwanis Club of Dearborn is a 501C3 nonprofit charity, community service, and philanthropic organization that supports those in need.

Many of our ongoing projects support children. Our annual Dearborn Homecoming Turtle Derby Race Raffle Fundraiser is one of those that helps to support area community service, leadership experiences, and accepting "Caring as a way of life," for children, teens, and young adults from elementary school through college. In addition, we support senior citizens, the military, hospitals, youth groups, food pantries, special needs services, and more.

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Dearborn Club Kiwanis members are selling tickets now with more available at our Homecoming Booth, on August 7-9, located on the carnival side of the of the big covered bridge at Ford Field until Sunday afternoon before the 4:30 pm race time or until they are sold out. We are accepting cash or credit there.

The race consists of rubber turtles with ticket numbers on them being thrown off of the bridge and "racing down the river" where a trap allows them to pass through one at a time. As they do, Kiwanians line the bank to make sure they don't get stuck and retrieve the turtles from the trap. The turtle's raffle number is recorded and matched with the order of the prize listing. (No live turtles are involved with this fundraiser!)

You need not be present to win, but adults and children are encouraged to come out, see the race, and cheer on the turtles! So, the first turtle trapped represents the $1,000 cash prize winner, etc. until all are awarded. There are currently over 80 prizes with more being added by race time! See our Flyer for more details.

For questions or if you wish to be a sponsor, contact Jim Rugenski at jim.rugenski@gmail.com.