SAINT CLAIR - More than 5,000 rubber ducks hit the water Sunday afternoon for the 25th annual Avenues Duck Race.
Avenues is a nonprofit organization that has been providing services to people with disabilities in Schuylkill County since 1952.
"It's our largest fundraiser of the year, but it is equally important is the exposure of the community to our services," Maria Doyle, assistant executive director at Avenues, said Sunday.
Each year, thousands of rubber ducks are available for "adoption" at $5 each. They then race down Mill Creek by the Coal Creek Commerce Plaza. Top three finishers win cash prizes. All proceeds benefit the children and adults who participate in the various programs offered by Avenues.
As federal funding gets tighter, Doyle said its even more important the community continues to support the event.
"People are have become so familiar with it and we are fortunate they come out to support this cause every year," Doyle said.
Totals for the number of ducks and the amount raised were unavailable Sunday afternoon. Doyle said the event last year raised about $30,000.
Doyle said Avenues hosted a "Duck Bash" Friday at Strikers Pub to celebrate 25 years of the race. She said the event's mascot, Duckie Do-Good, was given a birthday cake and other participants in the race received a free bowling pass.
The carnival atmosphere began about noon Sunday with vendors, games and other family activities in the corner of the Wal-Mart parking lot. The Hawk Mountain Highlanders then lead the procession over to Mill Creek and the ducks were dumped into the water precisely at 3:32 p.m., just like every year. Doyle said the unique time was chosen so it was easy for everyone to remember.
James Muldowney, Pottsville, served as the master of ceremonies or "Duck Master" on Sunday.
"He's been a very active member of the community and a strong supporter of good causes and promoter of volunteerism," Doyle said.
Muldowney, a Democratic city councilman, is a candidate for mayor in this year's election. Other candidates include Republicans Scott R. Thomas and Philip G. McClintock.
"I'm close to the Avenues family," Muldowney said. "They do a terrific job of supporting individuals with disabilities. It's a wonderful organization and I would do anything to support it."