Special to the Eagle A total of 3,000 yellow rubber ducks will race to the finish line during this weekend’s Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race. All proceeds from the event will benefit the continued work by the Calusa Land Trust.

Not just for bath tubs any more, little rubber duckies also like an occasional dip in the Monroe Canal, including one very important occasion.

On Saturday, March 6, the members of the Calusa Land Trust will host their annual fund raising event, the Rubber Duck Race. Festivities will take place at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City beginning at noon when spectators will gather to cheer on their favorite duck. A total of 3,000 little yellow rubber ducks will be released into the Monroe Canal behind Woody’s and will race to the finish line. Each of the ducks has been assigned a number and those choosing to place money on the winner can purchase a duck race ticket for $5. The first ducks to cross the finish line will earn prizes for those holding tickets with corresponding numbers.

“We have some really terrific prizes this year including a painting from a local artist valued at over $1,200,” said event coordinator Pink Wesorick. “In addition, Matlacha author, Bob Macomber will be on hand to present a copy of his yet-to-be released new novel to a lucky winner. He also will personally inscribe the book for the winner.”

In addition to the race, both live and silent auctions will be offered throughout the afternoon along with live music by “Island” Frank Tuma and color commentary for the race will be provided by Doug Ibbetson who also will double as the auctioneer.

Live auction items include a golf cart, a boat rental for a day, a day with Sheriff Mike Scott, fused glass work, overnight stays at various area hotels and inns, a road bike, two hours of marine service, a beer tap, carved fish, art work and much more.

For the silent auction, bids will be taken on an aerial flight over the islands, a golf package for four at Alden Pines Golf Course in Bokeelia, a free lunch and ferry ride to Useppa Island, a fishing rod, one 16X16 room painted, a two person private fly fishing lesson, tickets to a show and dinner, and a boat cruise with lunch.

Several prizes will be awarded for those with tickets matching the first ducks to cross the finish line and this year the lucky winner who lays claim to the first duck leading the pack will be awarded the grand prize. This year, the No. 1 duck comes with a deluxe fishing trip valued at $1,000. Other prizes for winning ducks include gift bags containing tickets to the Florida Repertory Theater, shirts and hats, art work and gift certificates to local restaurants and for various services.

The ducks will be released at the starting line in the Monroe Canal at approximately at 4 p.m., depending upon the wind and tide direction.

A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase for the duck race and those participating can purchase as many tickets as they choose, however, according to Wesorick, tickets have been going fast this year.

“It is amazing, even though we had added additional ducks this year, the tickets have been selling out very quickly,” Wesorick said. “In the past, we have had tickets to sell on the day of the race, but this year we may well sell out before then and I encourage anyone who wants to buy tickets to do so right away.”

Tickets can be purchased at Woody’s Waterside or by calling Ginny Schaller at 282-9300.

All proceeds from the Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race will benefit the Calusa Land Trust on Pine Island to aid in the continued effort to purchase and preserve environmentally sensitive land on and around Pine Island. All property under the stewardship of the Land Trust is held as nature preserves in perpetuity.

For more information about the Calusa Land Trust, visit calusalandtrust.org