Sock hop, duck race canceled

The remnants of Hurricane Ike that blew over the area Sunday resulted in the postponement of some scheduled events.

The sock hop benefit for the Family Resource Center was reschedule for next week, according to Eldon Nattier and James Coley, co-owners of the Rose Bed Inn. The power was out on the city's south side for most of Sunday, and Coley said high winds have caused a mess on the bed and breakfast's lawn.

"Because of yard damage and no power, there's no way we can do this today," Coley said. "I just cooked breakfast for the guests by candlelight. You do what you can."

But Coley said the party is "delayed but not over" and will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21. All proceeds will be used to pay for roof repairs at the Family Resource Center.

The "Ducks on the Mississippi" rubber duck race at Riverfront Park was also canceled, according to Peder Leth of the Southside Optimist Club. In light of a National Weather Service prediction that the Mississippi River would rise to 42 feet by Saturday, he said it was unlikely the race would take place this week.

But it will be held, he said. Entry fees are $10; the first duck to finish wins $250 and the last duck wins $100; race proceeds go to Southside and Esprit Optimist clubs programs for children. For details, call Leth at 587-7373.