A flock of plastic ducks will bob down the waters of the Kishwaukee River Saturday in the Great Genoa Duck Race at Carroll Memorial Park on West Park Ave. in Genoa.

Bonnie Hanson , executive director of the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce, organized the duck race. This fundraiser sends over 1000 plastic ducks racing down the Kishwaukee River for the chance to win their owners one of the four cash prizes.

“The fundraiser helps cover the cost for ‘Celebrating the Season,’ which is when we bring Santa into town in December,” Hanson said.

Participants can buy tickets to purchase the plastic ducks, while the money collected from the tickets goes toward the fundraiser. Ticket numbers correspond to numbers printed on the bottom of the ducks.

“There are 1500 tickets available, usually 1200 ducks are launched at noon, taking the hazardous journey down the Kish,” Hanson said.

Ducks come in packages of two, 12 and 50. Each package costs more than the last, but increases chances for winning one of the cash prizes. Hanson said 1st place will win $500, 2nd will win $250, 3rd will win $100 and the “laziest duck” will win $50.

“There’s usually about 100 spectators who follow the race,” Hanson said. “It’s really a lot of fun to watch them whoop and holler.”

The plastic ducks finish their adventure under the bridge at Route 72.