United Way in Ottawa County will have flocks of rubber duckies floating on Derby Pond this year, a fundraiser to support United Way’s partners around Ottawa County. Kicking off the Incredible Rubber Duck Race in Port Clinton last week were Mayor Mike Snider, United Way in Ottawa County officials Ed Carlson, April Schalk and Jessica Singerling, and Fire Chief Kent Johnson. Enjoying the big duck was Maddox, Chief Johnson’s grandson. (Photo by D’Arcy Egan)

The Incredible Rubber Duck Race to benefit United Way of Ottawa County will take over Derby Pond in Waterworks Park in Port Clinton on Saturday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. There’s plenty of time to get ready for the extravaganza and root for one of the 1,000 yellow ducks racing around the small waters.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun, and will help United Way of Ottawa County to support a lot of great causes around Ottawa County,” said Director Alison Falls. “The Incredible Rubber Duck Race event is in collaboration with the Port Clinton Area 4th of July Celebration, with lots of help from city officials and the Port Clinton Fire Department.”

Chief Kent Johnson’s fire crews will help to crowd Derby Pond with 1,000 rubber ducks, and keep them moving with fire hoses, wind fans and waves. The duck crossing the finish line first is the winner for its sponsor.

To purchase a duck for the Incredible Rubber Duck Race visit Eventbrite at https://duckraceuwoc2020.eventbrite.com or call the United Way of Ottawa County office at 419-734-6645.

Ducks are $10 for one Lucky Ducky; $25 for The Mighty Ducks (3 ducks); or $100 for The Quack Pack (12 ducks), which includes a VIP Car Pass to African Safari. Sales end July 29.

Top prizes are $1,000, $500 and a gift basket.

Funds raised from the sale of the Rubber Ducks will support United Way in Ottawa County programs for: School Readiness with BCS Schools Launch Pad; Port Clinton City Schools Kindergarten Readiness; Student Success with Joyful Connections; CASA; TNT Mentoring; Port Clinton City Schools Champions for Children; BCS Acorn Alley & Rocket Overtime; Financial Stability with Ruth Ann’s House; Community Support Services; Champions for Children; Kindergarten Readiness; and Summer Lunch and Fun.

Corporate sponsors of the Incredible Rubber Duck Race are Bill’s Irrigation, Great Lakes Community Action Partnership, Nature’s View Landscaping, Shortridge Excavating and Landscaping and Keller Williams of EZ Sales Team.