Waddlin' down the river on a Sunday afternoon

Overcast weather couldn't dampen the spirit of the big race, Sunday.

The 14th annual Wacky Waddlers Wiver Wace at Lampe Park, featuring rubber ducks racing down the slough, is the main fundraiser for the Carson Valley Community Food Closet.

All 1,200 rubber ducks were sold by race time and were revved up to swim. The first two races were for business owners and organizations. Both competed for the coveted "Perpetual Duck Trophies" to display for the coming year. The main event, with the most entries, was the race for the general public. Strategically placed fish nets were set in the center of the stream to catch "net duck" winners for cash prizes.

To start the race, the ducks were released from a huge wooden box at the starting bridge. With a splash the ducks hit the water as the current carried them downstream. A new water slide was constructed helping the wacers through the first curve of the wace. Volunteer duck herders Don Johnson and Ryan Frueh waded in the water and kept ducks from hugging the shoreline. The ducks floated easily over rock rapids as the water gained in speed toward the finish line downstream.

Spectators of all ages followed along the shoreline cheering ducks on. One enthused child fell into the water while trying to read the identification number on a duck, but was safely retrieved by his father. Curious resident "real" ducks joined the gaggle of wiver racers as they swam through the water providing real competition.

Winners for the first two races were: Business - Harrah's/Harvey's; organizations - Unity Church of Today; Net Duck Cash, $50 - Greg Jemas, $25 Ð Jean Albertini, $15 Ð Karen Euse and $10 and fly fishing or fly tying lesson from Angler's Edge - Ron Janssen; main race first prize, two entrance tickets to Disneyland Ð Victoria Perez; second prize, 18 holes of golf for two with cart - Jeff Piserothe; third prize, bowling coupons to Silver Strike Lanes - Neil Peddicord; last prize, giant "Lady & The Tramp" large stuffed animal from Best Buy - Pat Anderson.

Sponsors providing the prizes were: Carson Valley Golf Course, Silver Strike Lanes, Angler's Edge, Best Buy and Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Big George Ventures contributed all the rubber ducks for the race.

Rubber ducks and prize awards can be picked up at the Food Closet at 1255 Waterloo, Gardnerville, Monday-Wednesday and Friday 1-4 p.m. Call 782-3711.

Wace chairman Gil Goode thanks his entire team of wace volunteers for their enthusiastic support.

"And, a big 'thank you' to everyone who purchased those wacky wiver wacers - you made this year the best Wiver Wace ever."