CHURUBUSCO, Ind. – They flocked by the thousands … and thousands … to the Annual Turtle Days Festival to help celebrate the 60th annual hunt for Oscar, the giant turtle spotted in Fulk Lake in 1949.

Festival goers lucked out this year after several storms threatened to strike during the festival and then unexpectedly blew over or took a last minute turn.

Well over 3,000 people went through the Blackwater Refuge exhibit of Crunch, a 165-pound alligator snapping turtle.

Watch this site for continuous updates during the next 48 hours of all the Turtle Days contests and winners, along with exclusive video and photos galore!

Turtle Days Kids Day in the Park is always a big hit thanks to the efforts of the United Methodist Church.

The mascot from Krazy Pins dances a jig at Kids Day in the Park.

Crunch gets up close and personal with his visitors.

Crumb is just a baby compared to his older mentor, Crunch, both alligator snappers. Crumb is a mere ten years old.

A woman takes a photo of Crunch, a massive alligator snapping turtle that was on display during the Turtle Days Festival. Well over 3,000 people filed through the Boy Scout building in the park to view the monster turtle.

A runner raises her arms in triumph as she approaches the finish line at Saturday's 5K race.

Runners from ages 7 to 77 showed up for the Turtle 5K race Saturday. Here, runners Gene Geiger - age 77! - and Kelly Gross talk after the race.

Over 100 vehicles were on display at the Annual Turtle Days Car, Truck and Bike Show Saturday.

Many of all ages participated in the karaoke contest.

These girls wait patiently on their float for the parade to start Saturday.

Oscar the giant turtle was the Grand Marshal of Saturday night's parade at Turtle Days. Riding with him is Dalton Blessing, whose turtle (in the plastic container next to him) was named 'Champion Oscar' of Saturday's Turtle races in the park.

Mr. and Miss Whitley County 2008

After performing, McKenna Fensler watches the rest of the talent show from the grandstands with her father.

Crossing the finish line

Turtle race officials log in the next group of racers at Saturday's Turtle Days turtle races, sponsored by the Churubusco Chamber of Commerce.

A contestant and his son fire up the grill for Saturday's Turtle Day Cook Off held on Main Street.

These teens were delighted with the prizes they won on the midway.

The 2nd annual Turtle Days Cornhole Tourney was a big success.

The following photos were taken by Jennifer Romaro Zartman of Talk of the Town in Columbia. Talk of the Town, Busco Voice and South Whitley Online are partners in the Whitley News Network.

(Photos by Viv Sade)