It was smooth sailing for the ducks

WEST MILFORD — While the sky was threatening, the rain held off for the big Duck Race on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Elks Club in West Milford. Hundreds of yellow rubber duckies made their way downstream, cheered on by the hopeful winners at the banks of the creek.

According to the chairperson of the event, Laura Paul, the event was a huge success and a day of fun, friends, food and prizes for the 400 attendees. Toss the Duck and Wheel of Fortune winners were able to redeem their winning tickets at the Duck Store. There was even a lucky winner of the Guess the M&Ms contest.

By guessing 3,750 Mayor Bettina Bieri came the closest to the actual number of 3,796. The mayor won all the candy and a gift card for Toys R Us. She donated the gift card back and that was later added to the 50/50 raffles. Nothing was reported about the ultimate destination of the M&Ms.

The Elks will put the proceeds of the event toward a variety of civic causes.

“The proceeds will help support the Elks Charities, such as sending handicapped children to Elks Camp Moore, providing scholarships to West Milford High School seniors and providing breakfasts and lunches to the vets from Montross Veterans Hospital, to name a few,” Paul said.

The children’s winners, in order of first through fifth place were: Charles Henkel, Jen Jensen, Slater, Logan and Anthony Levine. Sixth through 25 place received small trophies.

The adult winners, and the big Visa gift card prizes went to: First place, Mark Schutbank, $1,000; second place, Mike Siesta, $750; third place, Joe Nardone, $500; fourth place, Ken Simoneau, $250. The last place winner, Col. Klink, won a $25 gift card. That’s what winner’s list reported – Col. Klink. Ryan Kenny won the 50/50 prize of $250.

It was a day of fun that will benefit good causes, only made possible by the generous support of local people and businesses and the help of all the volunteers.