ORANGE BEACH, Ala. — It is that time of year again — time for the 2nd annual Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by the Orange Beach Lions Club.

The race, set for Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m., is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the city’s only civic club, now in its 24th year of service to the resort town.

Here’s the way it works. You make a $5 donation for your floating rubber duckie or you can get six ducks for a $25 donation. Each duck is assigned a number to represent you, then all the ducks are simultaneously dropped into the lazy river at the Oasis at The Wharf, and the race is on.

Rubber Duck Race 2009 is a unique event and fun for the entire family, and members of the club are excited about having a large turnout of participants this year.

“The rubber duck race is now proven as a great fundraising opportunity for our club,” Orange Beach Lions Club President Paul Cope said. “It’s success in 2008 proved that a family oriented event is a great way to raise funds to help those in need with assistance to receive eye exams and eye glasses”

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more that 45,000 clubs and 1.3 million members. All over the world, Lions Clubs are focused on vision and eyesight initiatives in helping those with needs in their respective cities.

Numerous prizes and cash awards will be given to winners of the rubber duck race. Sponsorships and donations are still being accepted by members of the Orange Beach Lions Club, and ducks can be adopted on the day of the race so get there early to increase your chances of winning. Ducks may also be adopted prior to the event at City Hall in Orange Beach.

The Oasis at the Wharf is located at the eastern entrance off of Canal Road.