Rotary Duck Race Set for May 3rd

Four $1,000 trade school scholarships to trade schools will be given to Ripon high school students who are

Left: Harrison Gibbs, John Mangelos, and Ted Johnston

not expecting to attend traditional colleges after graduation from their local high schools, according to Ripon Rotary Co-President John Mangelos.

Mangelos noted that while most of the 54 Rotary Clubs within their district have only awarded college scholarships, the Ripon Club is hoping to find students who otherwise might not go onto a secondary school where they could find a trade such as electrical, plumbing, and general construction.

“Give a student the tools and the knowledge to do a job and he will have a lifetime career,” Mangelos said.

A total of $4,000 in scholarships will be awarded, the Rotary president said.

Some 1,000 ducks will float neck and neck down an irrigation district canal which is not going to be open to the public for fear someone might fall into the fast-moving waterway. The ducks are being numbered both on their backs and on the bottom of the bodies that will be recorded in a photo finish.

The cost of the ducks is 4 for $20 or $5 each and may be ordered by calling President Mangelos at 209-204-3462.

Seven prizes are going to be handed out to the winners. They include a case of wine from McManis Family Vineyards, a 16X20 environmental family portrait, Ripon Jewelers Gift Baskets, a Rattlesnake Hat Band, a $300 gift certificate to the Barnwood Arms, a foursome at the Spring Creek Country Club, and a Blue Diamond Gift Basket courtesy of Faye and Harrison Gibbs.

The race is being held with the support of the South San Joaquin Irrigation District. Plans are underway to video the race with a showing over dinner at a local pizza parlor to be announced at a later date.