Kiwanis partnering with local service clubs for duck race

RED OAK — The Kiwanis Club will be hosting their 13th annual duck race July 4. In an effort to restore the Independ-ence Day celebration to its former glory, the Kiwanis Club has partnered with other service organizations to offer an evening filled with activities.

Rather than all the proceeds going solely to a charity or cause of the Kiwanians’ choosing, they have asked other groups including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Tag-Alongs, Optimist Club, Band Boosters and Altrusa Club to sell their own duck race tickets, allowing the money to go to their separate projects.

Duck race Chairman Terry Gillespie went to a duck race in Colorado in which many organizations joined to sell tickets. He said more than $100,000 was raised to go toward various causes. While he doesn’t expect to raise that much, he hopes to top the estimated $3,500 raised last year.

“Joining with the other service organizations allows us to work together and celebrate at this family event,” Gillespie said. “It creates places for the money to go. We only asked that they pick a children’s project.”  

Gillespie said the Eagles will start serving food at 5:30, and there will be music from Taylor Perdue. There will also be activities for children all evening and a patriotic-themed costume contest at 7 p.m. Duck races start at 8 p.m., and the winner receives a $1,000 prize.

If interested in participating in the race, tickets are available from all the involved service organizations. They are also sold at Hy-Vee ad KCSI radio.