July 28, 2017 at 5:06 p.m.
A tradition unlike any other
Annual worm race held indoors due to wet weather
A tradition unlike any other
By Kayla Thomason-
Children's librarian Tom Hurlburt said this was the first time in his 16 years at the library that the race was held indoors.
"Before the crowd came in I thought 'less humid inside' but this room is warming up in a hurry," Hurlburt said.
Many of this year's worm competitors were quite active. Several races were neck-and-neck and the winners had to stretch for the finish line.
Children, 120 signed up to coach worms, huddled around the tables, screaming encouragement and trying to direct their worms toward the finish line.
First place went to Xander and Ed Pomroy with their worm Squirmy.
"This trophy is my first trophy I've ever gotten," Xander said.
He was so proud of his worm that he decided to retire the animal immediately.
"I would like to have a book to come with the trophy but the good thing is that's fine, it doesn't matter," he added. "It's supposed to be fun, that's all it's about, it's about having fun."
Cooper and Jeeter Vander Galien took second place with their worm Dynamite.
"The first time we played there were two worms who were about two-thirds of the way through the course and ours was still on the plate and we came back and won," Cooper explained.
"Theirs stopped and ours was still moving, so we won" Jeeter added excitedly.
After Dynamite finished his race he was also allowed to retire, however Cooper hopes to come back next year to defend his title with a new worm..
"It was fun, it was my first time seeing my worm pass the line," he said.
Third place went to Merlin and Melanie Stauffer with their worm Chocolate Dash.
Participants received coupons from Culver's and Pizza Hut and the children enjoyed gummy worms and Kool-Aid after the race.
The Great Library Worm Race is a unique Rhinelander tradition and after 29 years, children who participated in the early races are now bringing their little ones to the competition.
"After 29 years, we have some moms and dads who used to participate bringing their kids back so it's really cool," Hurlburt said. "Starting in January we got three, four calls people trying to plan their vacations around the worm race so I think it's a nice, unique community event in Rhinelander."
The race is cosponsored by the Northwoods Lions Club.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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