DAVE GAROFALO -- Mayor’s Column

Having fun and helping others at the same time doesn’t get any better

than participating in the upcoming eighth annual Duck-A-Thon on May 20

and May 21.

The event will benefit the Huntington Beach Community Clinic, an

outstanding facility that offers low-cost health care and psychological

counseling to more than 16,000 patients in the Huntington Beach area.

Things kickoff on May 20 with the Mayor’s Race. Find out whether my

rubber duck or one belonging to a mayor from another city is the fastest

fowl on the high seas. Help cheer the mayoral duckies on to victory!

Then at 11:30, it’s a Corporate Challenge, with area businesses putting

their web-footed friends to the test.

Then the main event. At 12:30 p.m., be sure to watch as thousands of

little rubber duckies are dropped into the Pacific Ocean from our

historic Huntington Beach Municipal Pier, racing to conquest on the wild

surf. The first 35 ducks to cross the finish line will win valuable

prizes for their owners.

Events on May 21 include the Waterfront Wacky Waddle Welay Wace,

involving five-person teams and The Sounds of Summer, a concert featuring

surf bands. A Duck Festival featuring vendors selling arts and crafts

will be held both days at Pier Plaza.

It’s easy to get involved. Rubber duckies are only $10 and for an

additional $5, your duck will be designated as a special Millennium

Edition, inscribed with a “2000” and be a real keepsake.

I’m hoping you’ll all join me and participate in the eighth annual

Duck-A-Thon, where together we can provide a strong future for the

Huntington Beach Community Clinic.

For more information, including how to purchase Duck-A-Thon T-shirts and

rubber duckies, call 374-1951. Lets all get quackin’.

* DAVE GAROFALO is mayor of Huntington Beach.