Ducks are on sale for the 26th Annual Duck Derby presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, with the big event set for Sunday, May 31, at Port Angeles’ Lincoln Park.
Racers once again have the opportunity to win a 2015 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck or a Toyota Corolla provided by Wilder Toyota.
“The OMC Foundation has given almost $3 million to or on behalf of the hospital during the last 10 years,” said race co-chairman Bob Lovell. “We look forward to adding to that total, as this is one of the most successful fundraisers that we do.”
Prizes worth more than $25,000 will be up for grabs this year, with proceeds benefiting the Olympic Medical Center Foundation and the Sequim Rotary Club’s charitable projects.
Duck tickets may 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 that pitch in to raise money for these worthwhile projects.
Ducks also will be on sale daily at both Safeway stores in Port Angeles, at Swain’s General Store, Lovell’s Chevron and 76 convenience stores, Jim’s Pharmacy, Wilder Toyota, the Peninsula Daily News and several other locations.
The race will begin at 2:20 p.m. on May 31, when all “adoptive parents” will have a chance to win prizes. It is operated under the rules of the Washington State Gambling Commission.
“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. So many individuals and organizations are tireless with their donations and work in this community to help make it what it is,” said Lovell, who co-chairs the race along with Rick Smith.
“It’s a pretty awesome sight to see more than 30,000 ducks race,” Smith added. “It’s not really about expecting to win, it’s just knowing that you’re donating to worthy causes that matters. Winning is secondary.”
Each duck ticket costs $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, the Bub and Alice Olsen Very Important Duck (VID) Race will be held — an opportunity for businesses and individuals, including those from outside the Olympic Peninsula who do business with local companies, to purchase special VID ducks emblazoned with their logo, for $250 and $500 each. On race day, the Kids Pavilion adds to the entertainment and excitement.
How the Duck Derby works
For each duck that is adopted, the purchaser receives a ticket with a printed number, which 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 44 ducks to cross the finish line will win prizes.
For more information, call the Olympic Medical Center Foundation at 417-7144.
