The rubber ducks will be off to the races again June 2.

The second annual Duck Races will be held on that date at the Effingham YMCA pool, with events beginning at 9 a.m. There will be two races, with the "big" ducks and a cash prize of $250 to the winner and the "little" ducks race winners receiving an assortment of prizes.

"We’re pushing really hard these last two weeks to adopt ducks," said Rick Lott, executive director of the Effingham Chamber of Commerce. "The YMCA has done well pushing the ducks."

The duck races are a fund
raiser for the Chamber and the Effingham Y. Proceeds go to support programs for both ventures.

The big ducks are $25 apiece and only 25 are available. Those wishing to buy a big duck for the big duck race can buy as many ducks as they want, up to the number left available for the maximum of 25.

"The odds on that are really good," Lott said.

Little ducks are $5 apiece or five for $20. Prizes for winners in the little ducks races include a family membership to the YMCA, a half-year membership to the Y, a dolphin cruise and a riverboat dinner cruise for two.

"If we sell 200 ducks, there will be 200 ducks in the little ducks race," Lott said. "If we sell 100, we’ll have 100."

The duck races have been moved from last year’s November date to June, with hopes of getting a larger crowd to attend and take part. Though the skies were sunny, the temperature was cool.

This year, organizers hope there will be a big crowd at the pool.

"What I’m excited about the most is we’re holding it in June," Lott said. "The pool should be crowded with people."

Little ducks are available at the YMCA, the Chamber office, the Effingham County Board of Education central office, TeachRight! and GeoVista credit union. Big ducks are available only at the YMCA and Chamber offices. Little ducks also will be available on site the day of the duck races.

Lott also emphasized that those who buy the ducks can’t keep them.

As part of the event, there also will be events and games for kids.

"It’s a fun, family way to get out and raise money for both of our programs," Lott said. "I think it’s going to be even more fun this year because it’s a normal time for the pool to be open and school will be out. Come out early, have fun playing the duck games and get ready to root your ducks on to victory."