Annual Rubber Ducky Derby raises money for nonprofits, part of Florence's July 4th parade

A 14-foot-tall yellow duck is making several appearances in Fremont County now through July 4th when the annual Rubber Ducky Derby takes place in conjunction with Florence's annual Wet and Dry Parade. 

Organized by the Rotary clubs of Cañon City, Florence and Eastern Fremont County, this is the fifth year for the derby. 

A total of 4,500 tickets are available for sale, which means 4,500 numbered rubber duckies will be dropped into a body of water in Florence on July 4 to see which ones make it to the finish line first. There will be cash prizes for winners and the potential to win a car. 

The rubber duckies cost $5 each and may be purchased from Rotary Club members or participating nonprofit organizations.

"It's a big thing," said Terri Madigan, member of the Cañon City Rotary Club. "We will make over $23,000 for this community in 60 days — it's really beneficial for a lot of groups." 

The Rotary clubs have partnered with several local nonprofit organizations who also are selling tickets and will share in a portion of the proceeds. 

The 2017 Duck Derby Partners include the Cañon City High School Instrumental Music, Cañon Literacy Center, Colorado Rebels Riding Club, ESA Beta Zeta Chapter, Florence Fun Fest, Florence Husky Youth Baseball, Fremont Search & Rescue, Habitat for Humanity, Humane Society of Fremont County, PEO Chapter and Venture Crew 121.

Lead representatives for the Cañon City club include Jason Messer, Shirley Baney, Trent Rundell and Lance Tomar; and lead representatives for the Florence club include Larry Lasha, Drew Lamoreux and Nancy Bartkowiak. 

The Cañon City Rotary Club contributes annually to the Cañon City High School Senior Fun-Fest, provides dictionaries to local third-grade students, supports the Let There Be Light scholarship project, is contributing to the upgrades at Centennial Park and more. 

For more information, contact a Rotary Club member or visit Rotary Club of Cañon City on Facebook. 

Carie Canterbury: 719-276-7643, canterburyc@canoncitydailyrecord.com