Get ready to head off to the races, as the Ronald McDonald House of Mobile is only weeks away from hosting their first rubber ducky regatta event at OWA on March 23. According to Ellen Jackson, marketing manager for the organization, the main event will include 10,000 "adopted" ducks that will be dropped into the lake at OWA and race to the finish line.

Jackson said that families can participate by adopting a numbered duck, and the top three winners will win prizes ranging from OWA season pass bundles, a two night stay at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a $500 Rouses gift card, a year-long membership to Rich's car wash and free tickets to OWA.

Additionally, Jackson said the event will include family-friendly activities, games, bounce houses and a free concert from Nashville based country music star Tyra Madison.

"It's going to be a whole day of activities, games and other chances to win," Jackson said. "Everyone gets excited when the ducks are dropped and there are emcees narrating the race, it's going to be super fun."

Jackson said that while this is the first year OWA will host the event, it has previously been held at the Cooper Riverside in Mobile for the past several years.

"We wanted to revamp this year and try something new. We have so many families in Baldwin County, so we wanted to have somewhere they can come for an event, have fun with their families and spread the cause."

According to Jackson, proceeds from the event will directly benefit the organization, which provides families of sick or injured children with a home as their children receive care at one of the area's hospitals.

"So many families rely on the Ronald McDonald House, it's a home away from home and we provide everything they need. We are all about doing everything we can to provide for our families and everyone who stays here is able to worry about one less thing when their child is in the hospital," Jackson said. "We are excited to have an event to provide them with a fun way to get the community involved and help cover the cost of the families who stay here."

Jackson said that while the organization is hoping to have a large turnout, attendance at the event isn't required to participate in the regatta.

"Attendance isn't required to win a prize, we want people to come but they don't have to come to support our cause and our families," Jackson said.
Duck adoption packages range from $5 per duck to 100 ducks for $350. For more information on sponsorships or to adopt a duck, visit www.rubberduckyregatta.com or call (251) 694-6873.