Their Ducks Are In a Row ... at First

Mercury Photo by John Strickler

The Rotary Club's signature giant duck makes its way down High Street during this year's July 4th parade.

Blogger's Note: The following was provided by The Rotary Club of Pottstown 

The Rotary Club's 24th Annual Rotary Duck Race will be held this Saturday, Aug. 15th at 4 p.m. at Memorial Park, Pottstown. 

This year, the Rotary Duck Race, a long-standing tradition in Pottstown, is being held in conjunction with and in tribute of Pottstown’s Bicentennial Celebration. 

For added family fun, Rotary’s signature 16 foot high big yellow duck (seen above) will be on hand for the race.

Started in 1991 by the Rotary Club of Pottstown, The Rotary Duck Race was founded to help community-based charities/non-profit groups raise money to support their programs. 

Rotary, along with members of participating charities/ non-profit groups, sell tickets for the race, with a pro-rated portion of all ticket sales reverting back to those groups to help support their work in the community. 

Each ticket sold has a number that corresponds to a plastic duck with that same number. 

Numbered ducks are then released into and float down the Manatawny Creek in Memorial Park for the race. 

A host of prizes is awarded to ticket holders of those ducks fastest to cross the finish line, and a prize is even given for the last duck to finish the race.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Pottstown, along with local individuals and businesses, contributed over 100 prizes for this event, totaling over $10,000 in value. 

Rotary expects this year’s event to be an even bigger success, and will be awarding a wide range of prizes, including $1,000 cash, a 40 inch HDTV Television, and an iPad.

In addition to being lots of fun, the Rotary Duck Race is a great way to support our local community. 

In fact, since the inception of the Rotary Duck Race, The Rotary Club of Pottstown has contributed more than $315,000 to non-profit organizations in the Pottstown area because of this wonderful event.

Tickets for this Pottstown tradition can be purchased from participating charities/non-profits or from
Rotary Club members. 

 Rotary will also be selling tickets on Rotary Duck Race Day at Memorial Park Saturday. 

For a complete listing of participating charities/non-profits which will benefit from this event and who are selling Rotary Duck Race tickets, visit www.PottstownRotary.org.

Rotary is a local and international service organization comprised of men and women committed to making a positive contribution in their community and the world. 

The Rotary Club of Pottstown supports a number of programs in Pottstown, including, literacy building, the Pottstown Halloween Parade, student scholarships, Operation Backpack, and Meals on Wheels.

The club also sponsors the Pottstown High School Interact Club, a service club for high school students. To learn more about The Rotary Club of Pottstown, please visit www.PottstownRotary.org.

Super Summer Saturday in Pottstown

Saturday is going to be one of those days when its hard to decide what to do around town.

As yesterday's story in Time-Out announced, it is the second of the borough's Bicentennial Community Days, this time in Riverfront Park.

In addition to the musical entertainment by county singer Stephanie Grace and party music from de Tierra Caliente, there will also be food trucks and a Sly Fox biergarten that benefits the Carousel at Pottstown.

Carousel President George Wausnock said the first 50 customers to buy tickets to the biergarten will receive a free gift from the Carousel -- either a Carousel Christmas Tree ordinance or a figure of one of the custom hand-made animals on the carousel.

Country singer Stephanie Grace, right, will perform at
Riverfront Park Saturday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

The events run from 12:30 to 8 p.m.

While you're there, you can also try your hand at using a kayak on the Schuylkill River.
Take it Outdoors Adventures will host Schuylkill River Excusions on the river departing Riverfront Park at 9:45 a.m.; 12:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

The cost is $20 per person on a first-come, first-serve basis and includes kayak, paddle and life preserver rental.

Kayakers must be at least 10 years old and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The one-hour paddle will travel 2.5 miles downriver to Towpath Park in East Coventry.

Round-trip transportation is provided and no experience is necessary as a guide will lead all trips.

Saturday is also Sidewalk Sales days in downtown Pottstown, within walking distance of Riverfront Park.

For the fourth consecutive year, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., downtown businesses will open their doors and take it to the streets with their merchandise.

According to Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan, at least 50 businesses and restaurants are planning to participate in the sidewalk sale, along with about 20 to 25 outside vendors and non-profit organizations, according to The Mercury story by business editor Donna Rovins.

Downtown Pottstown's Sidewalk Sale is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

There are a number of special activities planned, including a juggler and a roving minstrel. 

In addition, Advantage Insurance at 105 E. High St. will host an activity center for kids where they can participate in crafts and a sidewalk chalk contest.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, which is Sunday, downtown restaurants are planning something special during the sidewalk sale.

“If you come to one of the restaurants and draw a chalk drawing in front on the sidewalk, you will receive a coupon that’s good at all of the participating restaurants,” said Main Street Manager Sheila Dugan.

The participating restaurants include: Beverly’s Pastry Shop, Grumpy’s, The Milkman Cake Shoppe, The Very Best Hot Dogs and Connections on High.

Historic Pottstown Walking Tour Wednesday