PORT ANGELES — Tickets for the 27th annual Duck Derby will be available beginning Saturday.
Racers entering rubber ducks in the May 22 race will have the opportunity to win a 2016 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck or a Toyota Corolla provided by Wilder Toyota of Port Angeles.
Forty-five total prizes will be up for grabs this year with proceeds benefiting the Olympic Medical Center Foundation and the Sequim Rotary Club’s charitable projects.
“The OMC Foundation has given almost $3 million to or on behalf of the hospital during the last 10 years,” said Bob Lovell, who co-chairs the race along with Rick Smith.
“We look forward to adding to that total, as this is one of the most successful fundraisers that we do.”
Duck tickets can be purchased from members of the OMC Foundation, many Olympic Medical Center employees, Sequim Rotary Club members and the Forks’ Soroptimist International of the Olympic Rainforest, as well as countless volunteers who pitch in to raise money for these worthwhile projects.
Ducks also will be on sale during business hours at the Peninsula Daily News, both Safeway stores in Port Angeles, Swain’s General Store, Lovell’s Chevron and 76 convenience stores, Jim’s Pharmacy, Wilder Toyota, Thomas Building Center, First Federal and several other locations.
The race, operated under the rules of the Washington State Gambling Commission, will be at 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Park, 1900 W. Lauridsen Blvd. in Port Angeles.
For each duck that’s adopted, the purchaser receives a ticket with a printed number that corresponds to a number on the duck.
All of the numbered ducks are dumped into the Lincoln Park pond on race day, and the “owners” of the first 45 ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes.
Each duck ticket will cost $5. For $25, adopters receive an extra duck (six chances to win) in the race.
At 2 p.m. just prior to the main race will be the Bub and Alice Olsen Very Important Duck (VID) Race.
This is an opportunity for businesses and individuals, including those from outside the Peninsula who do business with local companies, to purchase special V.I.D. ducks emblazoned with their logo.
For $275, a business can buy 60 ducks in the main race and one duck in the VID race. For $550, a business can have 120 ducks in the main race and two in the VID race.
On race day, the Kids’ Pavilion will offer activities for children.
The Duck Derby is presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe.
“The time, effort, labor and equipment that various groups put into the Duck Derby to make this event successful year after year shows how each of us contributes to make this area such a great place to live,” Lovell said.
“So many individuals and organizations are tireless with their donations and work in this community to help make it what it is.”
Added Smith: “It’s a pretty awesome sight to see over 25,000 ducks race.
“It’s not really about expecting to win, it’s just knowing that you’re donating to a worthy cause that matters. Winning is secondary.”
For more information, contact the Olympic Medical Center Foundation at 360-417-7144.
