Jessica Singerling, manager of donor relations for the United Way, made a splash by pouring more than 900 little yellow ducks in Derby Pond in Waterworks Park on Sunday evening.

In a fun way to donate to the many wonderful programs and causes by the United Way in Ottawa County, a gaggle of more than 900 little yellow duckies took a swim in Derby Pond on Sunday evening in Waterworks Park.

The ducks paddled their way to the finish line to the cheers of their sponsors, who purchased tickets on the results of the race.

To help cap an all-day round of events for Port Clinton’s Independence Day celebration, the United Way’s Incredible Duck Race had quite an audience, followed by the annual Fourth of July Fireworks on the Lake Erie shoreline.

“The 2nd annual Incredible Duck Race was a great way to kick off our campaign year. More than 900 ducks were entered and almost $8,500 was raised for programs here in Ottawa County,” said Jessica Singerling, manager of donor relations for the United Way. “None of which would have been possible without the generosity of our donors.”

The Port Clinton Fire Department ladder truck and Old Glory made for a stunning backdrop as race onlookers kicked off the evening festivities at Derby Pond in downtown’s Waterworks Park.

Despite the vagaries of the wind and water spray from the Port Clinton Fire Department, the little duckies sponsored by Allison Lanza Falls and Pat Trompeter, both of Catawba Island, finished first and second. The $500 and $250 prizes were donated back to United Way. Erin Benner of Port Clinton had the last-place duck, winning an Orchard Gift Basket.

The 15 winners of raffle prize drawings will be notified directly later this week.

“Hats off to Mayor Mike Snider and the Port Clinton Fire Department for again providing us with the resources to ensure this event was a success. Collaboration with community partners like these enable organizations like ours to thrive,” said Ed Carlson, Chairman of United Way in Ottawa County.