49er Rotary mascot Whitewater Willie, left, is pictured at last year’s event with current club president Dick Law.
49er Rotary mascot Whitewater Willie, left, is pictured at last year’s event with current club president Dick Law.

NEVADA CITY, Calif. August 29, 2016 – Several thousand toy ducks will ride the rapids of Deer Creek on Sunday, Sept. 11, as the 49er Breakfast Rotary Club of Nevada City celebrates its 25th Annual Gold Country Duck Race.

Nevada City’s own Alexander Rossi, winner of the 2016 Indianapolis 500, is scheduled to appear at the Duck Race after riding in the Sunday afternoon Constitution Day Parade.

Rotarians and other community members are now distributing race entry tickets. Tickets may be obtained from students at Deer Creek, Union Hill, Seven Hills, Chicago Park and Forest Charter schools, Nevada Union HS Girls Tennis and Cheerleaders, Junior Miners and Anew Day.

A $5 donation allows holders to compete for a $5000 grand prize, $1000 second prize and $500 third prize. Holders of 10 or more tickets will be entered in a special race for a hot tub donated by Sierra Timberline. Many other prizes also will be awarded.

The Duck Race takes place on Deer Creek at the foot of Broad Street, with activities centered in the Century 21 Cornerstone Realty parking lot. Admission is free. Entry tickets will be available at the event.

The carnival, with food and drink, and fun and games for kids, opens at 1 p.m. Duck racing begins at 2:30 p.m. Preliminary races are followed at 5:30 p.m. by the Grand Prize Final.

The duck race is 49er Rotary’s largest annual fundraiser and benefits many youth and community groups. Over the years, 49er Rotary has raised more than $500,000 to benefit local and international service projects.

For details, see a 49er Rotarian or go to www.49erRotary.org.