Ducks go on sale for the 27th Annual Duck Derby Presented by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe on Saturday, April 23, with racers once again having the opportunity to win a 2016 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-chair Bob Lovell. “We look forward to adding to that total. This is one of the most successful fundraisers we do.”
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.
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 that pitch in to raise money for these worthwhile projects.
Ducks also will be on sale daily at both Safeway stores in Port Angeles, Swain’s General Store, Lovell’s Chevron and 76 convenience stores, Jim’s Pharmacy, Wilder Toyota, the Peninsula Daily News, Thomas Building Center, First Federal and several other locations.
The race will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at Lincoln Park in Port Angeles, where 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.
How the derby works
For each duck that’s 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 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.
Just prior to the main race, at 2 p.m., The Bub and Alice Olsen Very Important Duck (VID) Race will be held, which is an opportunity for businesses and individuals, including those from outside the peninsula who do business with local companies, to purchase special VID ducks emblazoned with their logo, for $275 and $550 each.
On race day, the Kids’ Pavilion will add to the entertainment and excitement.
For more information, potential owner/racers can contact the Olympic Medical Center Foundation at 417-7144.
