Everything was just ducky during race day at golf course

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Bud Sworak proudly displays his duck, No. 234, the 2011 Champion, which nosed out other competitors by a bill for the title.

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The Lake Milton Browns Backers showed off the ducks they believed would win the open-class division duck race. However, they were bested by a “Mouse Duck” with big ears.

Staff report

LAKE MILTON

The Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course in Lake Milton was the setting for the second annual Duck Race that took place Jan. 1 as a means to raise funds for local charities and organizations and a way to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.

The fundraiser featured two diverse races.

Individuals wishing to participate in the first race purchased some 250 plastic ducks and floated them down the river, where they raced for the title of 2011 Champion.

Duck No. 234, purchased by Bud Sworak, beat — by a bill — a duck purchased by Peter Stevens and took the title. Tied for third and fourth place were ducks owned by C.J. Perkins and Jan Wise.

After the main event, there was an open-class division race. Competing in the event were unique handmade ducks.

The entries created by Terry Amodio, Shawn Young and Spike Pontius were defeated by Bob Sorber’s “Mouse Duck.” High winds had a dramatic effect on the race, and while the other ducks struggled to stay the course, the winner’s oversized ears acted as perfect sails.

The annual race day raised nearly $300 to help the Kent Relay for Life, Lake Milton Browns Backers, the Susan G. Komen Fund and other charities.

Anyone interested in taking part in the 2012 Duck Race to raise money for a special charity or organization should contact the Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course at 330-654-4100 or visit oldedutchmill@yahoo.com.