Get to Vermilion quick and adopt a duck. No, not a real duck ... it's time for the 3rd Annual Vermilion Port Authority's Duck Race.
The race will be held Sunday, Aug. 20 at The McGarvey's Landing. The Vermilion Port Authority members will dump about 2,500 rubber ducks into the Vermilion River from the Liberty Avenue Bridge.
Once in the river, the ducks swim -- well, float -- their way down to Red Clay on the River, also known as the finish line. The Vermilion Police Department will capture the first three ducks that cross the finish line. Prizes this year are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place plus gifts from local merchants.
So get out there and adopt a duck! Adoption rates are $5 per duck or $25 for a quack pack of six ducks. Your adoption papers and your duck will have corresponding numbers. Ducks are up for adoption now and will continue until they are sold out. Don't delay -- last year all ducks were sold out by race day.
This year's proceeds will help the Water Tower restoration project. In the past two years proceeds have gone to the Walleye Central Tournament, which goes to the Make a Wish Foundation.
Ducks can be adopted at the following locations:
? Any Port Authority Board Member
? The South Street Boat Launch Ramp
? Romp's Marina, East Liberty Avenue
? Bulan's Boat Yard, Vermilion Road
? Harbortown Marine & Flag, South Shore Shopping Center
? The Elberta Inn, Alize, Liberty Avenue
? Rich's Hook, Line & Sinker. West River Road
? Maple Grove Marina, Vermilion Road
? The Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, Main Street
? The Dry Dock Marine Store, West River Road
? Brummers Chocolates, Main Street
? Swan Creek Candle Co., Main Street
? Vermilion Boat Club, Liberty Avenue
? Rudys Bar and Grille, Main Street
? Valley Harbor Bar, West River Road at Valley Harbor
? Red Clay on the River, Liberty Avenue at the bridge
The Duck Race has become an annual event that is eagerly awaited and supported by the entire community. It has helped put the Vermilion Port Authority at the forefront of community service and has made the Vermilion community aware of their overall purpose and goals.
3rd Annual Vermilion Port Authority's Duck Race
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20
WHERE: The McGarvey's Landing, Vermilion
Jen Corbin will be waiting at the finish line for her duck to come in. E-mail Jen at hello@funcoast.com.
Written by Jen Corbin
