The race is on this weekend… Duck Race that is
Not just for bathtubs any more, rubber ducks will paddle their way to the winners circle this weekend when the Calusa Land Trust presents the annual Rubbery Duck Race on Saturday, March 5.
Releasing 3,000 rubber ducks into the waters of the Monroe Canal, numerous prizes will be up for grabs as spectators root on their duck to cross the finish line first. To be eligible for a prize, tickets are on sale at $5 per duck. Each ticket will have a number that coincides with a duck in the race and as they cross the finish line, score keepers will announce the winners of more than 30 “duck” prizes. The first duck to cross the finish line will earn the ticket holder the grand prize of a full-day, offshore guided fishing trip for four people valued at $1,000. The next 29 ducks to complete the race will be announced as winners and all of these prizes are valued at $100 or more. Among the items will be artwork, gift certificates to local restaurants and businesses and more.
The race will be staged at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City and the starting quack will announce the beginning of the race at approximately 4 p.m. however the festivities will begin at noon. Festivities scheduled throughout the afternoon include live music, games, raffles and auctions.
For those who don’t want to gamble that lady luck will shine on their duck, those attending the event can bid on numerous auction items. Bids will be taken on a hand-carved bench donated by a local artist, a night on the town with dinner at the Morgan House and tickets to the Florida Rep. Theater and a night at the Indigo Hotel, guided fishing trips, a hand-painted cabinet, a golf cart, bikes, a hand-made silk shawl, fused glass artwork, a carved totem pole, a home-tap beer cooler and numerous art items from local artists. Purchases can be made with cash or with a check or credit card. In addition to the live and silent auctions, several 50/50 drawings will take place as well.
While awaiting the start of the race, Woody’s Waterside will offer food specials and members of the Calusa Land Trust have organized face painting and several games. Music will be provided by Frank Tuma as well as a performance by Cindy Walsh who also will auction off a private concert to one luck winner.
All proceeds from the Rubber Duck Race will assist the continuation of programs of the Calusa Land Trust of Pine Island. Dedicated to protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive land on and around Pine Island, the Land Trust members are stewards of several preserves on the island including St. Jude’s Trail, Fritts Park, the Gault Island Preserve, and the largest tract of unspoiled property on the island, the Pine Flatwoods Preserve in St. James City.
For more information about the Calusa Land Trust, visit calusalandtrust.org. To purchase Duck Race tickets, call Phil or Ginny Schaller at 282-9300 and for information about race day, call Pink Wesorick at 283-7249.