CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC

Hundreds of ducks floating down Linn Creek, followed by a mini boat race, will be all in good fun at the latest — and newest — fundraiser by the Marshalltown Area United Way. The event will start promptly at 2 p.m. on May 16 at the Emerson Pedestrian Bridge, located by the Skate Park.

Rachel Norton, who serves as United Way’s events & marketing manager, was approached last year by a City of Marshalltown employee about potentially hosting a duck race, a concept popularized in the 1980s, particularly in Aspen, Colo., and now takes place around the world.

“So this idea started about September of last year, and we had a couple conversations about it. Then as we got closer to January, we built a committee. And then from there, we are racing ducks. Our goal is about $2,500 raised this first year, or selling 500 ducks,” Norton said.

So far, nearly 400 ducks have been spoken for, coming in different colors but all the same size. Some ducks may be available the day of, but they recommend making your pledges now. Duck adoption costs $5 each or $25 for a Quack Pack (six ducks). Norton explained that each duck will be numbered and the pretend birds will be dropped in the water at random, giving participants an equal chance of winning. The first 10 ducks to cross the finish line will receive a prize. First place will score $100. The last duck (lame duck) to complete the race, will also get a prize. You don’t have to be present to win. Online registration to adopt your ducks ends May 9 at 11:59 p.m. by going to: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/mauwduckrace/event/mauwduckrace/

Norton said it’s hard to say exactly how long the race will last. Following this, the second part of the event will take place: Trash to Splash Boat Dash.

“It’s free to enter, and we’re inviting kids to build a boat out of recycled material,” Norton said. “Bring the boat with you that day, already built, and we will race it down Linn Creek. Show up by two o’clock as well to register for that.”

The preferred age for participants for the boat race is age 18 and under.

Boats must be no larger than 8.5 inches by 11 inches nor taller than 8.5 inches. Boats should fit entirely on a standard sheet of paper. Accepted materials may include: plastic bottles or containers, aluminum or tin cans that can float, duct tape, cardboard, glue, fishing line, scrap wood, rubber items and other recyclable or discarded things that float. Decorations are encouraged and paint may only be used for adornment. Do not incorporate rafts, balloons, pool toys, fiberglass, engines, electrical systems, caulk, sealants, paint or varnish for waterproofing or raw manufactured materials into your design. Norton advises that people test the boat in advance to ensure it floats. Boats have to be safe to put in the water and easy to remove after the race. Write your name and age clearly on your boat. Participants must be present to win. The fastest boat(s) to reach the finish line win a prize.

The goal is to make the duck race a yearly event, with the ducks reused.

“That’s why we’re using ‘adopt’ instead of ‘buy’ ducks,” Norton added.

The Marshalltown Area United Way Rubber Duck Race does not offer refunds. If the event is unable to take place, all duck adoptions will be considered a charitable donation. There is a backup plan in place should Linn Creek not be flowing at an adequate rate, as well as contingency plans for severe weather on the day of the event, Norton noted.

The committee is made up of Alexa Ortega, Curtis Raue, Deb Borton, Heather Thomas, John Hall, Kelsie Stafford and Norton.

Sponsorship is available: gold level for $200, silver for $100 and bronze for $50. Gold sponsors include Community Choice Credit Union, Marquess Law Office and Members 1st Community Credit Union, while silver includes Banker’s Advertising and BeMobile.

The annual Marshalltown Area United Way Charity Golf Event is slated for noon on June 12 at the American Legion Golf Course. It is the organization’s second largest fundraiser. Teams are needed.

“Our largest is Power of the Purse. It will be October 23 at Midnight Garden,” Norton said.

All money United Way raises supports the 25 partner agencies that support 30 programs and about 15,000 residents in Marshall County.