Duck Derby makes spash Sunday

The Whitefish Community Foundation’s annual Whitefish Duck Derby and Nonprofit Fair is set for Sunday, Aug. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Riverside Park.

More than 5,000 ducks will be dropped into the Whitefish River from the footbridge. Races start at 4 p.m. Ducks can be adopted the day of the derby until race time.

All proceeds benefit the Community Grants Fund and local nonprofits. The 2013 Derby raised more than $65,000.

More than 30 prizes are up for grabs.

Grand prize in the $100 Battle of the Big Ducks is the winner’s choice of cat skiing with Great Northern Powder Guides, a trip for two to Napa Valley for two nights of touring wineries and hot air balloon rides, or a backcountry trip for two into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. The winner also has the option to forgo the prize and donate $5,000 to the local nonprofit of their choice.

The Lucky Duck Derby offers 10 prizes with the grand prize of a paddleboard sponsored by Sportsman Ski Haus. Second place is a Go Pro Hero 3 Black Edition camera sponsored by Stumptown Snowboards. Lucky ducks are $5 each or quack packs for $25.

Grand prize in the Kids Great Rubber Duck race is an iPod touch and waterproof duck speaker.

Enjoy a free barbecue, cold beer, a fun Kids Carnival of duck games and the battle of the bands vying to win grants for their nonprofits. Derby commentary will be provided by Dave Grady and Richard Atkinson. Derby Awards will take place following each race.

For more information visit www.whitefishcommunityfoundation.org or call the quack line at 863-1781. Title sponsors are Don K Subaru, National Parks Realty, JCCS, CPA’s PC, First Interstate Bank and Glacier Bank of Whitefish.