The Beta Theta Pi fraternity’s Turtle Derby has been held annually since 1962(?) during the spring to raise funds for the Children’s Farm Home north of Corvallis. The funds come from bets placed the different turtles that represent various sororities, fraternities, and campus organizations, though some years, like 1973, have seen rabbits added to the mix to bring in an extra challenge. Each organization names, trains, and costumes its turtle. Some of the turtles in 1977 included Zippety from Alpha Chi Omega, Rocky the Italian Stallion from Alpha Delta Pi, and Puddles from Chi Omega.
In 1977, the competition was divided into heats, with the turtles from each heat placed at the center of their own 6 inch circles. Held during Mom’s Weekend in Gill Coliseum, each turtle has its own cheering section, filled with students and visiting moms. The first turtle to cross the circumference line of their circle is the winner for that heat and moved on to the next round until a champion for the year emerged. Afterwards the turtles were brought to a pet shop in Portland. The previous year, 1976, raised $4300 for the Children's Farm Home.