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Rotary Club of Comox’s Ducky 500 race returns for 36th year on Canada Day

For the 36th year running, Comox Rotary will be hosting its Ducky 500, the club’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
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All 2,515 ducks have been training hard in anticipation of this year’s Rotary Club of Comox Ducky 500 race, Canada Day at Lewis Park.

For the 36th year running, Comox Rotary will be hosting its Ducky 500, the club’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

This year’s big duck race starts at 1 p.m. at Lewis Park on Canada Day, July 1.

Comox Rotary welcomes everyone down to the park to take in the race and Canada Day festivities. All 2,515 duckies have been training hard for July 1.

New this year is the addition of a fun Rotary Charity Ducky Mini Race. Seven local charities, all recipients of Comox Rotary grants, will race, float or sink their decorated inflatable ducks in a mini river race. Winning charities will receive honorariums from Comox Rotary.

Tickets for the 2023 Ducky 500 are available online at www.ducky500.ca. The first four ducks to cross the finish line (the Fifth Street Bridge) will win one of four great prizes.

The overall winner will receive a three-night stay at the fabulous Tofino Wickaninnish Inn and $3,000 spending money - a prize valued at $5,100.

The owner of the second-place duck will receive spectacular ‘staycation,’ including a one-night stay at Crown Isle in a king Jacuzzi suite, as well as a round of golf and shared power cart for two people. After a morning of golf (or before an afternoon round), enjoy lunch at Blackfin Pub ($100). There is also a hydropath spa and $100 lunch for two at Kingfisher Resort. But wait, that’s not all! Valley Drywall has contributed $200 in local spending money courtesy of Valley Drywall. Compass Adventures has added a two-hour paddleboard or kayak rental for two people, and Mt. Washington has thrown in two alpine lift passes. The total value of this prize package is $1,750.

Third place overall will win a $1,000 Canadian Tire gift card, and the fourth-place finisher will go home with a $500 Thrifty Foods gift card, as well as a $300 Paderno pots and pan set courtesy of Old House Notary Office.

Tickets are $10 apiece, three-packs are $25; or a 10-pack for $75.

All Ducky500 proceeds support local charities that help with homelessness, youth, health and the environment. For more information visit: www.ducky500.ca.