Youth flocked to the new boat for photos and enjoyed the interactive duck-themed games set up throughout the park. Photo courtesy of the Lions Club of Rio Linda

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - Quacking up with excitement, the Rio Linda community gathered on a sun-soaked Saturday afternoon, May 3, to witness the sixth annual Ducky Derby Race at Hayer Park, 905 G St., Rio Linda.

Families, friends, and neighbors flocked to the park to cheer on rubber ducks in a fun and friendly competition that supported a good cause.

The event kicked off promptly at 12:30 p.m. with a burst of enthusiasm. The excitement was palpable as dozens of yellow rubber ducks bobbed along the racecourse, each vying for the coveted title of fastest duck on the block.

Gene Kypke, a Lions Club of Rio Linda member, on the left, is in his duck outfit alongside Rio Linda Lions Club President Tonya Haddix. Photo courtesy of the Lions Club of Rio Linda

The winners didn’t just take-home bragging rights, though; the first-place duck's sponsor earned a $200 cash prize, second-place earned $100 and third-place pocketed $50. And let’s not forget the “Lame Duck” award, given to the last-place finisher 30 minutes after the first duck crossed the finish line. The lucky (or perhaps unlucky) sponsor of the final duck received their $5 fee back and a roll of duck-imprinted duct tape.

The event wasn’t just about racing rubber ducks. It was also packed with games, activities and plenty of shade, making it a perfect afternoon outing for families. Youth flocked to the new boat for photos and enjoyed the interactive duck-themed games set up throughout the park.

Participants could sponsor a duck for $5, purchase a Quack Pack for $25, which included six ducks or go all in with a grand pack for $100, which covered 25 ducks.

Participants could sponsor a duck for $5, purchase a Quack Pack for $25, which included six ducks, or go all in with a grand pack for $100, which covered 25 ducks. Photo courtesy of the Lions Club of Rio Linda

All proceeds raised from duck sponsorships and donations will benefit local initiatives, helping to fund the Rio Linda High School scholarship program and provide financial support for students in FFA and 4-H through the Lions Club of Rio Linda. The Lions Club also announced that two $1,000 scholarships would be awarded, along with an additional $1,000 support for local youth showing animals at the upcoming Sacramento County Fair.

“The Lions Clubs used to be a vision-driven organization focused on helping those in need, particularly those with sight challenges. This year is the 100-year anniversary of Helen Keller approaching the Lions Club in Ohio and challenging them to become the ‘Knights of the Blind.’ That is how this once fraternal organization turned into a very specific service-oriented organization,” said Gene Kypke, a Lions Club of Rio Linda member. “Over the years, we’ve broadened our service capacity to include childhood cancer, the environment, diabetes and more. The Ducky Derby is just one way we support those efforts.”