Second Annual Rubber Duck Race Is a Huge Success

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	Second Annual Rubber Duck Race Banner | Picture

St. Monica's Knights of Columbus Council 11529 in Jackson held it's Second Annual Rubber Duck Race on Saturday, October 11th, 2008 at Pine Park in Lakewood, NJ.

Each year, the success of this event depends a lot on the weather. You could not have painted a more beautiful day than the one we got! The afternoon turned into 70 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and no wind. It was the perfect condition for a day of fun in the park for the whole family.

People started arriving around 11:00AM, and for many of them, it was their first Rubber Duck Race. Before the actual race, which began around 2PM, there was plenty to do. Free Kids games were set up such as a Three-legged Race, Wheelbarrow Race, Egg and Spoon Race, Bat Spinning Race, a Hoola Hoop Contest and the ever-popular Water Balloon Toss. Lots of prizes were given away! Free face painting was offered in a private tent. Many kids and adults had a little yellow duck painted on their cheek. Music was being played throughout the day to keep the party rolling. Hot dog and hamburger platters were for sale with a Farley's self-serve ice cream cart nearby for a yummy treat.

There was also plenty of time before the race to purchase a Rubber Duck Raffle Ticket for only $10, giving everyone a chance to win one of 107 prizes valued close to $10,000! The grand prize this year was a Sony 46" Flat Panel LCD TV once again generously donated by PinballSales.com.

2PM finally arrived! 801 Rubber Ducks were released into the MetedeconkRiver all scrunched up at the starting line trying to get position. The starting gun was fired, the starting line was lifted, and the ducks were off and swimming, well actually floating. Over 200 cheering people were lined up along the beautiful river that runs through the park. On their race to the finish line, the ducks had to negotiate many obstacles, like sharp turns, trees growing out of the banks, and leaves in the water. About 20 minutes after the start, the first duck made it's way across the finish line. The next 106 winning ducks had to be retrieved in order as well to award all of the remaining prizes.

Shortly after the race, all of the winning ducks were announced and prizes were given out to those who were present. Those who were not present will be contacted to receive their prize.

Many people stayed after the race to continue enjoying the beautiful weather and having fun at the park.

This year our Rubber Duck Race raised over $9,000. The proceeds from this event will help the many charities that we support.

If you weren't able to attend this year's event, we hope to see you at our Third Annual Rubber Duck Race which will be held on Saturday, October 10th, 2009.

And last, but certainly not least, I want to thank all of the wonderful companies and local businesses that sponsored this event. We could not have done it without their generous support. Please view our Prize Winners List @ www.kofc11529.org and solicit these businesses who clearly have charity in mind.