Ducks dive and dash for cash, prizes | Fall City Days Ducky Derby

They’re out of the tub and on the loose, all for a great cause. During Fall City Days, rubber ducks get the chance to see the rushing waters of the Snoqualmie River, and take a thrilling tumble from the heights of the Fall City bridge. During the annual Ducky Derby, the little guys are now out of the tub and on the loose, racing their way down the Snoqualmie River for fun and prizes, to benefit Fall City Elementary.

June 10, 2014 6:42 pm
Children get into the act of helping wrap up the Duck Derby contest in Fall City. Thousands of rubber ducks cascade into the Snoqualmie River in the annual fundraiser
Children get into the act of helping wrap up the Duck Derby contest in Fall City. Thousands of rubber ducks cascade into the Snoqualmie River in the annual fundraiser

They’re out of the tub and on the loose, all for a great cause.

During Fall City Days, rubber ducks get the chance to see the rushing waters of the Snoqualmie River, and take a thrilling tumble from the heights of the Fall City bridge.

During the annual Ducky Derby, the little guys are now out of the tub and on the loose, racing their way down the Snoqualmie River for fun and prizes, to benefit Fall City Elementary.

For $5, entrants in the Ducky Derby get themselves a specially numbered and weighted racing duck for the competition. Only 1,000 ducks are available, with more than 50 finishers qualifying for prizes.

The grand prize in the Ducky Derby is a whopping $500, which is probably a lot more than any rubber duck bobbing up and down in the tub ever dreamed of winning. Top prizes include a Baxter Barn chicken coop, a Mountains to Sound one-day motorcycle rental, a Model Garage battery, and two entries in the Tour de Peaks Bike Ride. More cash and lots of additional prizes, and gift certificates donated by local businesses are also up for grabs.

“It’s just a lot of fun,” said Laurie Hauglie, who has helped organized the Ducky Derby for the past several years.

“There’s something about those yellow ducks, floating down the river,” Hauglie said. “Everybody giggles.”

The ducks will begin the 400-foot course from the State Route 202 bridge over the Snoqualmie River. From there, they travel downriver with the help of a floating boom and volunteers with leaf blowers.

The extra bit of oomph is required to help the ducks all go in the right direction and to keep them from washing up on the river banks. Local dogs and small children are usually tempted to chase after and catch the ducks as well, so volunteers do all they can to make sure every racing duck reaches the finish line.

Tickets for the Ducky Derby are on sale now at several locations. An entry can be purchased at the Hauglie Professional Building, Fall City Elementary School, the Baxter Barn farm, Creative Business Solutions, the Fall City Schools PTSA, and Sno Falls Credit Union. Tickets may also be purchased on the day of the event at Quigley Park, if any are still available.

Fall City Days Duck Derby

What: Rubber ducks race for great prizes

When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday,  June 14

Where: The Snoqualmie River Bridge in downtown Fall City

Info: www.fallcity.org/fallcitydays.html