On Sunday May 26th at 2:30 p.m. the West Bay Rotary Club will host its annual Duck Derby. It’s a race where 3,000 rubber ducks take their marks, get set, and with the sound of an air horn, are released down the falls, competing to be the first one across the finish line in Camden Harbor.

“This is quite the show,” said Shelly Butler, Rotarian, and the head quack for this year’s race.

Although it is lots of fun for the whole family to see these rubber duckies make their way down the falls, the event is also an important fundraiser for the West Bay Rotary Club. This year the club aims to raise $15,000. All proceeds go right back to the community through the club’s various philanthropic endeavors.

In 2023, the West Bay Rotary awarded grants to more than 20 charities and nonprofits. Helping fund camp scholarships to MountainSea Expeditions, helping with affordable childcare at Children’s House Montessori School, and supporting Meals on Wheels by delivering hundreds of meals to those in need.

When you purchase a Duck Derby ticket, you are not only entering to win a prize, you are also helping to support your community. If your duck is the winner, you will take home a one-of-a-kind commemorative duck to mark the win and $1,000 cash. The top 10 ducks to cross the finish line will be awarded some wonderful prizes as well. Check our Facebook page (@WestBayRotary) for more information about the prizes.

Buy tickets online until Friday, May 24th at midnight from www.WestBayRotaryOfMaine.org. The number of your ticket will correspond with a numbered duck. Tickets are just $5 for a duck, or you can get a raft of five ducks for $20.Tickets can also be purchased from any West Bay Rotarian. Don’t know anyone in the club? No problem. Every Saturday until race day, West Bay Rotarians will be selling tickets in front of French & Brawn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Children attending the race can take home one of the ducks that swim into Camden Harbor once the race is over and the winners are recorded.

About West Bay Rotary

West Bay Rotary is celebrating its 39th year of manifesting its mission of “service above self” here in the Midcoast. The club undertakes dozens of community projects as well as fundraising (and “fun-raising”) events, including the Chili Challenge, Christmas Tree sales, Chowda Challenge, and more.

The door for prospective members is always open. West Bay Rotarians come from all walks of life and offer a fun way to meet new people and get engaged in the community. The club meets on Thursday mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Camden and via Zoom. For more information, go to: www.WestBayRotaryOfMaine.org.