DUCK DAZE FESTIVAL 2012: Duck Race Could Become University Place's Newest Tradition

Duck. Duck. Race. Duck. Duck. Race.

That's what could be going through the minds of thousands of University Place residents leading up to June 2, when the UP Volunteer Center will hold its first Race-A-Duck.

The race, which is part of the community's annual Duck Daze Festival, will join the menu of regular events, including a car show, Treasures in the Park community yard sale and, of course, the Duck Daze Parade.

The duck race will involve thousands of rubber ducks, um, swimming down an artificial waterway at Town Center.

There will be at least two categories: one for participants 12 years old and younger, and another for the older racers.

While the prizes have yet to be determined, one thing's for sure - the proceeds will benefit the UP Volunteer Center and

Participants can purchase a duck for $5 each by clicking here.

Here are the rules:

• Each Duck entry is available for a $5 donation to University Place Volunteer Center.
• You may enter in one of two age divisions.  You must designate your entry as 12 and under or 13 and older.
• Duck entries will be assigned to heats. The number of heats will be determined by total ducks sold.
• Heat assingments will be posted online by June 1 at 8 pm.
• The first 10 ducks to reach the end of the race way for each heat will be run in the finals of their age division.
• Prizes will be awarded based on order of finish in the final heat

I'm about to purchase my first duck. You know what's going through my mind?

I feel the need. The need for duck speed.