PHOTOS: Annual Kiwanis Duck Race Brings Community Together

More than 800 rubber ducks were sold at Saturday's Kiwanis Duck Race, an annual fundraising event that combines family fun and community togetherness.

The annual event featured vendors and local community organizations sponsoring activities for kids, such as face painting, crafts, and of course, the racing of the rubber ducks. A fifth-grade rock band also performed for the crowds after the race.

"I think it's so much fun, especially for kids," Jackie Caputo said. "When you have two little ones you need to find something to do on a Saturday."   

The Setauket Fire Department's Engine Company 1 used their high-powered fire hoses to create a current to push the ducks across the pond. 

"In the beginning of the races, the tide used to take the ducks out, but over time the pond dried up, so the firefighters help us out," said Joe Guadagno, a Kiwanis member since 1982 and Three Village Kiwanis member since 1993.

According to the captain of Engine Company 1, Stu Cohen, the department has received a phone call from the East Setauket Kiwanis Club every year to participate for the last 10 years.

"It's great community service," Cohen said. "We're here for each other, and any way we can help to have the community benefit is great."

Other non-profit foundations made an appearance at the race, including Support the Kid, a foundation that collects money which goes directly to a child with cancer, had a table set-up at the race.  

"Its a fun day for the family to spend time together," said Ana Wolber, mother of Nicholas Wolber,the founder of support the kid.  

Prizes were awarded to winners of the race, including five $100 first place winners, and gift cards from local businesses and restaurants awarded to other top placers. The Silver Stars Gymnastics Team were among the first place winners.

"We're really excited, we had fun and we're going to buy new gymnastic equipment with the money," a team representative said.