It’s time to get your ducks in a row and head to Bend, Oregon! The Great Rotary Duck Race returns to (aptly named) Drake Park in downtown Bend for its 21st year, on Sunday, September 12. And, for the price of a $5 duck, you just might win the grand prize of $20,000 toward a Chevrolet, Cadillac or Honda from Lithia Motors. Or, you could win a pair of diamond earrings from Saxon’s Fine Jewelers, tires from Les Schwab Tire Center, golf at Awbrey Glen, or one of the other great event prizes.
Post time is 2 pm at the Galveston Street Bridge, when 30,000 ducks bob and weave their way downstream to the Mirror Pond Foot Bridge, on behalf of children’s charities.
To clarify: The ducks are plastic, the prizes profuse, and the fun extends to kids and adults alike. Even if you don’t win a prize, you’ll enjoy the outrageous display of frenzied spectators cheering on 30,000 unruly ducks. Tickets are on sale now. Link here for details or contact your favorite Bend Rotarian directly.
The Schedule:
11:00 am: Festivities begin in Drake Park, including music, food & activity booths
12:00 pm: Kids Race (1,000 Free Ducks)
2:00 pm: Ducks hit the water
2:23 pm: Estimated time when Ducks begin to cross the Finish Line
3:00 pm: Winners & Awards are announced at the staging area in Drake Park
4:00 pm: Festivities end
The Prizes:
Lithia Motors: Retail voucher toward purchase ($20,000)
Lakeside Lumber: Gift Certificate for AZEK composite decking ($2,000)
Saxon’s Fine Jewelers www.saxonsfinejewelers.com: Diamond Earrings (1/2 ct. total weight-$1,000)
KBNZ TV: Weber Genesis E320 Grill ($800)
Les Schwab Tires: $500 Gift Certificate
Les Schwab Tires: $500 Gift Certificate
Combined Communications: 2 Nights Oregon Coast Lodging ($360)
Awbrey Glen Golf Club: Golf for Four ($360)
Mirror Pond Cleaners: Gift Card for Cleaning Services ($200)
Xtreme Car Wash: Gift Card ($200)
KOHD: Dinner at Crossings at the Riverhouse ($100)
The Beneficiaries:
Bethlehem Inn
Boys and Girls Club
Deschutes Children’s Foundation
Education Foundation for Bend-LaPine Schools
Family Kitchen
Grandma’s House
Healthy Beginnings
KIDS Center
Saving Grace
Shots for Tots
Volunteers in Medicine