STE. GENEVIEVE – The Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club held its annual duck races during Jour de Fete last weekend with a bonus 25th anniversary race.
“The duck races are a fun event for everyone and a great fundraiser for our club,” said Josh Wright, club president. “People love to watch the races from the Gabouri Creek banks, and kids are just certain they see their duck.”
Prior to the big anniversary Rotarian Eric Basler, addressed the crowd.
“This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Great Rotary Duck Race!
“This event has allowed the Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club to fund local scholarships, community projects and other non-profit organizations. On the world stage, we have joined over 46,000 Rotary clubs with 1.4 million members in supporting polio eradication, water purification projects, peace initiatives and more.
“Through the years, our warrior ducks have performed in extreme heat, high humidity, rain, wind, low water and high water. They’ve dodged rocks, gotten stuck on the bank and endured the riptides of the Gabouri. And this year marks a pinnacle in their racing careers.
“The winners of this weekend of racing, all 48 ducks, will now compete in the biggest winner-take-all race they’ve ever had—the race that marks this 25th anniversary.
“One duck will win for its sponsor, $250, and retire from racing at the top of his or her game.”
The winning duck was sponsored by Maria Edwards who took away the big prize. Maria is a former resident of Ste. Genevieve and now resides in Cudjoe Key Florida. In addition to the $250, she also was awarded a shadowbox to place her winning, and now retired, duck.
“The Ste. Genevieve Rotary Club congratulates all of our winners and thanks all who support the Rotary by purchasing duck race tickets,” said Wright.