Community Corner

Rain and Cold Force Cancellation of Rubber Ducky Race Today

Organizers say current in Paint Creek too high and unsafe; they will still pull the winning duck from an area pond this afternoon.

Organizers of the announced this morning that the race has been canceled.

The race had been planned for down the part of Paint Creek that flows through Rochester Municipal Park. Because of the high current in the creek organizers determined it wasn't safe for volunteers — specifically, the ones catching the ducks — to be inside the creek.

"We have been down there since 8:30 this morning and it's just not safe," said organizer Donetta Behen.

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"If it was raining, that would be one thing — but it's 40 degrees."

The race is a benefit for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan. The Behen family first planned the event five years ago as a way to say "thank-you" to the organization and to the community for their .

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Ducks have been sold at schools and other locations around town in preparation for the event; Behen said organizers plan to pull a winning duck later today from another location, though it won't be a public event.

Even without the race, Behen said they sold more than 3,200 ducks and raised enough money to grant two wishes for sick children and their families.

"I'm so bummed we had to call it — my heart is breaking," said Behen, who lives in Rochester Hills. "We worked so hard for the whole year. This is the first time in five years we've had to cancel the race."


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