Rotary Duck Race To Award Prizes, Raise Funds

Rubber duckies will flow down Buffalo Creek next week during the ’s first duck race.

Held in conjunction with Buffalo Grove Days, the race will include up to 2,500 rubber ducks, which will make their way down the creek at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 5 at .

“It’s something that’s fun for the whole family. Kids like seeing their duck racing down the creek," said Rotarian and duck race chairman Stephen Legge.

Fifty-three race winners will receive prizes. First prize is $500, second prize is $300 and third prize is $100. Fifty additional winners will get $5 gift cards to .

Proceeds from the race will benefit the Rotary Club’s charitable foundation, which supports local, regional and international events and causes, including the Rotary summer concert series, scholarships, a bike safety program in cooperation with the police, and donations to organizations such as , Legge said.

“It’s a very community unifying experience,” said Legge, who added the club planned the race based on the Northbrook Rotary Club’s success with a similar event.

“When you put thousands of ducks in a creek all at once, it’s a sight to see,” he said. “It’s just a fun, fun event.”

Ducks can be purchased until race day for $5 apiece through the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club’s website. In addition to individual ducks, participants can purchase “Quack Packs” of six ducks for $25 or a “Flock” of 25 ducks for $100.