Ducks inch toward race day

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The 24th year for SCAN's signature fundraiser will go on with a little help from R.E. Crosby and Son, Inc. and Weigand Construction and the Fort Wayne Fire Department.  Two huge fans and two generators were delivered to SCAN Friday afternoon. Organizers will set them up Saturday on the river banks to assist the ducks across the finish line.  Fort Wayne Fire Department will also make an apparatus available for an extra push. 

The lower river levels this year are the reason for the extra power.  SCAN, or Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Communications Manager, Jennifer Boen relayed that, "once SCAN officials were informed by the City that dams could not be opened (allowing a stronger current), we were willing to move to plan B.  Above all SCAN does not wish to affect water levels or usage."  Plan B will may also include shortening the distance for the ducks to travel, perhaps from bank to bank rather than as traditionally done with the current.  

Pre race activities including family games are planned at the Johnny Appleseed Park boat launch at 10a.m.  The race is scheduled for 11a.m.  At that time more than 17,000 plastic ducks will be released to race down the river. 

Ducks can be sponsored for five dollars now through about 30 minutes prior to the race at 11a.m.  To sponsor a duck, call SCAN at 421-5000.  All proceeds from duck sales support SCAN's life changing programs designed to eliminate child abuse and neglect in 19 counties in northeast Indiana. Organizers hope to raise $153,000 to supplement services such as Network for Safe Families, Community Partners for Safe Families, Prevention Through Education, Healthy Families, Daybreak Crisis Homes and Family Restoration. 

Everyone who purchases a duck sponsorship will receive a certificate that corresponds with an i.d. on the duck. On Saturday, June 23, the the flock will be released into the Saint Joseph river and the first 25 ducks to cross the finish line receive a prize, including the first prize of $5000 in cash donated by Weigand Construction, longtime sponsor, and title sponsor for this the 24th race .  Official rules are posted on the SCAN website.   The license for the contest is 127003.