BEAUMONT, Texas — For 12 years now, Madison's on Dowlen has celebrated St. Patrick's Day with the kind of flair that can be expected from a Southeast Texas establishment.
Patrons are greeted with green beer, crawfish, live music, and maybe the most prominent feature of the day, turtle races.
For those confused on the intricacies of the high octane sport of turtle racing, fear not 12News is here to break it down.
To start, several turtles are numbered and placed in the center of a mat, then a large circle is drawn or taped around them.
As the race begins, the turtles are released and the first one to touch the white line is the winner of that match. The first one to do it three times is the winner of the race.
Madison's also hands out tickets for people to place bets, and with the luck of the Irish their side, they can win prizes for picking a winner.
Some of todays speedsters competing for turtle racing supremacy were, Travis Shelce, Donald Stump, and Biggie Smalls (who was the underdog of the day due to him being not much larger than a quarter).
Needless to say, as the racers took their mark this afternoon in front of a packed Madison's crowd, the suspense was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
After the dust settled, it was Travis Shelce who took home the gold, though Biggie Smalls did give a valiant effort.
As always the turtle races were a hit and a good time for all.
If anyone is sad that they missed it don't worry, you will have your chance to witness the spectacle next St. Patrick's day at Madison's.
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