Optimists plan third try for duck race on river

Two area Optimist clubs are living up to their mission, planning for the third time to host the Ducks on the Mississippi race canceled by weather twice this year. The first of two races will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday near the Broadway floodgate. The finish line is at the south end of Riverfront Park. The winning duck owner will get $250. The last duck to cross the finish line will get $100. Sponsors’ ducks measure 10 inches long and are dressed in company-themed costumes. Sponsor ducks will receive trophies. The first Ducks on the Mississippi race, scheduled to run with Libertyfest, was pre-empted by flooding. The second attempt, in connection with the River Tales Classic Car Show, had to be scrapped after high winds made the river too dangerous for public safety watercraft. Duck race tickets will be sold for $10 each at the Broadway floodgate; T-shirts will cost $15. Contact Barb Schwepker at 270-2902 or 332-1155 for more information.