Churubusco’s Turtle Days grew from the late-1940s excitement surrounding reports of an enormous turtle in nearby Fulk Lake. The elusive animal became known as the Beast of Busco, and the search helped give the town its lasting nickname, Turtle Town U.S.A.
The modern festival combines that strange local story with a traditional community celebration. Programs have included turtle races, a parade, carnival rides, food, vendors, music, contests and family activities at Churubusco Community Park and around town. The festival continues to use the giant-turtle legend as its distinctive identity even as most programming resembles a broader summer town festival.