CUMMING — A Cumming restaurant is continuing an Independence Day tradition this year with the 13th annual turtle race.

After the 58th Annual Thomas-Mashburn Steam Engine Parade, children ages 18 and younger can bring their turtles to The Foster House, 305 West Main St., to test the reptiles’ speed. 

Patricia Hamby said daughter Amanda Davis, with whom she owns the restaurant, started the turtle race because of fond memories of similar events from her own childhood.

The former Forsyth County Bank, which is now a Wells Fargo branch, used to play host to a turtle race, and Davis wanted to revive the tradition, Hamby said.

This year’s race begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, although Hamby said most participants arrive about 30 minutes early to register.

Hamby said about 40 people typically take part each year, with at least two races held to accommodate the crowd. The race also draws people from outside of Cumming, she said.

“I’ve been surprised. Everybody’s not from Cumming,” Hamby said. “I guess the word has gotten out.”

Turtles who participate begin inside a circle and then must travel to the finish line in another circle.

Hamby said the turtles are surprisingly fast, so the races usually last less than five minutes.

“It’s amazing how quickly the race is over,” she said. “There’s always one or two turtles that just go wild.”

Cash prizes will be given to the owners of the winning turtles, and barbecue plates will also be sold at the event.