The Great Puget Sound Duck Dash

The Great Puget Sound Duck Dash Join us for the Great Puget Sound Duck Dash on August 10, 2014! 100% of the funds raised sponsor Kirkland Rotary projects.

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08/13/2017

A sea of rubber ducks!

Finally it was race day. Ducky hardly slept. He was still nervous, even after his experience last year, and his severa...
08/10/2014

Finally it was race day. Ducky hardly slept. He was still nervous, even after his experience last year, and his several weeks of training. He met up with Bianca before the start.
“Hi Bianca, how did you sleep? Are you all ready for the race?”
“Hi Ducky. Yes, I slept great, and I’m all ready for the race. Those of us in the top ten last year got up early to meet with the staff writer from the Kirkland Reporter and Rob Butcher from Kirklandviews. The head referee was there, too.”

“Wow, how did that go?” asked Ducky.
“Swimmingly!” Bianca grinned. Ducky’s sense of humor was starting to rub off on her. “The ref said that the top ten finishers from last year would be called to the front of the starting line, which is a huge advantage in this race.”
“That’s great news,” Ducky lit up.
“But I said ‘no thanks’,” Bianca continued.
“Why not?” Ducky said, stunned.
“We said we’d race together, Ducky. You and me. And I meant it,” Bianca admonished. “The only place I want to be is by your side. The race will be lots of fun whether we win or lose.”
Ducky took her wing. “I’m glad to hear it, Bianca. I know I’ll have a lot more fun racing with you.”

Join the fun with Kirkland Rotary at the big race today at 2:30 at Marina Park.

Ducky took Bianca to Lake Street Diamond Company the next day. “Hi Vince,” Ducky said. “I’d like to get something speci...
08/09/2014

Ducky took Bianca to Lake Street Diamond Company the next day.
“Hi Vince,” Ducky said. “I’d like to get something special for my girl before the big race.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Vince brightened. “Tomorrow’s the big day. I hope you’re both ready.”
“I think so, said Bianca. “We’re going to race together.”
“Well, if three’s a crowd in a relationship, I don’t know what ten thousand ducks would be,” mused Vince.
“A flock!” shouted Ducky, cracking himself up. Bianca laughed too, and Vince smiled politely.

“So, what did you have in mind for Bianca, Ducky?” asked Vince.

“Something special that suits her style,” said Ducky.
After an appraising glance and a few questions, Vince said “How about pearls, Bianca? That would go with your pearly complexion.”
“Oh, that’s too fancy for me,” Bianca started. Vince put a strand of pearls around her neck. “OOOOHHH, these are lovely,” Bianca admired the pearls in a mirror, “but these are too much.”
“Do you like them?” asked Ducky? “If you like ‘em, then they’re just right,” he said confidently.
“No, I don’t like them,” Bianca shook her head. “I LOVE them! I love you too, Ducky, but that’s not because of the pearls.”

“Don’t wrap them, Vince,” Ducky said. “ I think the duck wants to wear them.”
“You got it Ducky. Thanks for the business. Hey, good luck to you both in the race tomorrow.”

“Thanks, Vince! We’ll see you later,” Ducky waved.

Duck Dash ticket holders have a coupon for a free watch battery at Lake Street Diamond Company. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

Ducky went back to Ristorante Paradiso, this time with Bianca tucked firmly under his wing. “Hello, Chef Fabrizio, Do yo...
08/08/2014

Ducky went back to Ristorante Paradiso, this time with Bianca tucked firmly under his wing. “Hello, Chef Fabrizio, Do you have a table for two?” Ducky askedd, tongue in beak.

“Ah, Ducky! And the lovely miss? Bianca! Yes, of course. How nice to see you both. I have a special table for you. Right this way.” Fabrizio winked at Ducky as he handed him the wine list. “A glass of Prosecco?”
“Yes, please!” grinned Ducky.
Bianca was still on the quiet side. Ducky thought it was time for a serious talk.
“Bianca, I have to tell you about the strangest things that have been happening this week.”
“Yes?” said Bianca, peering over her sunglasses at Ducky.
“I was…er… approached by your friends. Individually, I mean. First, Babs bumped into me at Sirena Gelato and asked me about racing tactics, then Bethany asked to train with me, and then finally Moots bought me a cupcake at Sweet Cakes and actually asked me on a date. It was very strange. I...”
“All three of them?” Bianca interrupted, gasping, “Each of them came on to you?”
“I…I guess that’s what you’d call it,” Ducky surmised.
“Ha,” Bianca blurted. “It’s a trick! I think they are trying to break us up, Ducky. How did you react?”
“Well, I just brushed off Bethany and Babs,” Ducky blushed. “But Moots was more direct. I told her we were seeing each other when she asked me out. I hope that’s all right, and not too forward, Bianca.”

“No, that’s fine, Ducky” said Bianca, reaching out to give him a kiss. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Bianca,” Ducky was surprised to hear himself say.

Support Kirkland Rotary by attending this year’s Duck Dash. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

“So chicks, what’s the score?” Moots asked as the girls gathered at Wilde Rover for dinner one night. “Has anyone gotten...
08/07/2014

“So chicks, what’s the score?” Moots asked as the girls gathered at Wilde Rover for dinner one night. “Has anyone gotten so much as a peck on the beak from Ducky?”

“Not me,” Babs sighed. “I lured him into a dip in the fountain in front of Sirena Gelato, but it didn’t get romantic. He was all business. He’s been friendly since, but not flirty-friendly. I couldn’t do it, girls,” Babs shook her head sadly.

“I had a drink with him at the Lodge,” said Bethany. “Well, I had a couple of sips of his beer, anyway,” She admitted. “Same thing, though. He got talking about race techniques, and I just got sooo booored! I couldn’t pay attention and I think he caught on to me. I asked him if we could train together, and he turned me down flat.”

“I struck out too,” Moots confessed. “I approached him as Sweet Cakes and asked him out. He said he and Bianca were seeing each other, and it was clear that I didn’t stand a chance.”

“Wow, they must really be an item, then,” commented Babs. “I guess we shouldn’t try to tinker with true love.”

“I hope Bianca’s happy,” said Bethany breathily. “I didn’t think he was much of a duck, but he’s really impressed me.”

“He’s a keeper,” agreed Moots. “ To Bianca and Ducky!” She raised her glass, and the girls followed suit.

Passport Corporate is a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Duck Dash. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

After training the next day, Ducky’s sweet tooth was back. He decided to pay a visit to his friends at Sweet Cakes, an...
08/06/2014

After training the next day, Ducky’s sweet tooth was back. He decided to pay a visit to his friends at Sweet Cakes, and pick up a treat for later for Bianca as well.

Moots was shopping along the street and saw Ducky waddle in to Sweet Cakes. “Now’s my chance,” she thought. She strode into the shop, and feigned surprise at spotting Ducky. “Oh hi there, Ducky! How are you?”
Ducky was a bit surprised by Moots’s greeting. She had always been so aloof and short with him. Of course any friend of Bianca’s… “Hi Moots,” Ducky steeled himself. ”What a great day.”
“It’s a beautiful day, Ducky. Hey listen,” Moots proceeded in her usual direct way. “We got off on the wrong foot when we met, and I’d really like to fix that. Can I treat you to a cupcake?”
Ducky never looked a gift cake in the mouth. “Sure,” he said. “ I was thinking of the red velvet with snail frosting.”
Moots made the purchase and continued. “Ducky, I think I was a bit mean to you because I…well, I’ve always had a bit of a crush on you.”
“Really?” said Ducky, surprised.
“Oh yes,” Moots continued. “I noticed you last year, and even said hi, but you didn’t respond, so I thought you didn’t like me.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Ducky apologized quickly. “I honestly don’t recall meeting you then.”
Moots sidled in for the kill. “So Ducky, by way of apology, don’t you think we should go out tonight?”
“On a date?” Ducky asked. Moots nodded. “ I’d really like to spend some time with you. I think we could have a real future together.” She laid a wing on his tail feathers. “You’re that special to me.”
Ducky pulled away quickly. “I’m sorry, Moots, but Bianca and I are seeing each other. I like you and all, but…”
“You think I’m too much duck for you?” Moots interrupted. “Probably. But think about it Ducky. We could give it a go.” She winked and sauntered off.

Duck Dash ticket holders have a two for one cupcake coupon for Sweet Cakes. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

Bethany tried a different approach. She saw Ducky ducking into The Lodge with several of the drakes for a pint. She w...
08/05/2014

Bethany tried a different approach. She saw Ducky ducking into The Lodge with several of the drakes for a pint. She waited for the guys to leave, then approached Ducky when he was on his own. “Hi Ducky, whatchya got there?” she drawled.

“Hi Bethany, this is Duck Pond Ale” Ducky wiped a bit of foam from his beak.
“Can I try some?” Bethany helped herself, not waiting for a reply. “Dee-lish,” she cooed. “Ducky, tell me more about your race strategy.”

Ducky talked about the importance of a good start, staying at the front of the pack, and not getting caught against the booms. He noticed Bethany wasn’t really paying that much attention, but was just agreeing with him. He decided to put an end to that.
“…And then I elbow one guy in the glasses, and wing the other under the chin. I swim over the slow ones, and shove by the confused ones to better my position,” Ducky asserted, knowing full well these are all major race violations that would DQ any duck.”
“Oh, that’s so intense, Ducky,” gushed Bethany. “I’d follow that in a heartbeat. Let’s plan to race together so that we can push through and win.”
Ducky paused for a few beats. The silence was deafening. “I’m sorry, Bethany, but I was joking. I don’t race that way. I like to play by the rules and I want the best duck to win, even if it isn’t me.”
“Oh, ha ha,” faked Bethany. “I was kidding, too.” “I would follow you though. Do you want to train together tomorrow Ducky?”

“No thanks, Bethany.” Ducky shook his head. “I’ve already got plans.”

MRM Capital is a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Duck Dash. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

Ducky rented a stand up paddle board from Perfect Wave to take Bianca out on the water. She seemed rather distracted an...
08/04/2014

Ducky rented a stand up paddle board from Perfect Wave to take Bianca out on the water. She seemed rather distracted and distant.
“What’s up, Bianca?” asked Ducky. “Aren’t you enjoying the ride?”
“Oh, uh, sure.” said Bianca, trying to smile. “It’s nice out here. I like getting a different kind of workout for my wings and legs than just swimming.”
“I haven’t done this before,” confessed Ducky, “but I think we’re taking to it like a duck to water.”
Bianca smiled, despite herself. She loved Ducky’s goofy sense of humor. What other racing duck would hire a paddle board to tour the lake? It was as romantic as a gondola ride in Venice, yet it had that special Northwest touch.

“But what was Ducky doing with Babs earlier?” Bianca wondered. “Oh well, it must have been innocent enough. Otherwise he would have told me all about it…. Wouldn’t he?”

Duck Dash ticket holders have coupon for Perfect Wave. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

Babs was up first. She spotted Ducky going into Sirena Gelato and followed him in. “Hi Ducky. You’re looking fit these...
08/03/2014

Babs was up first. She spotted Ducky going into Sirena Gelato and followed him in. “Hi Ducky. You’re looking fit these days. Are you stopping for a treat?”
“Hi Babs,” Ducky blushed. “You caught me. It’s hard to resist the grasshopper mint chip here. I get it with salted caramel crickets on top.”
“That does sound yummy, Ducky.” Babs then changed the subject. “The girls and I have been trying to solve a training problem, Ducky. I wonder if you might have some advice.”
“Sure, if I can help,” said Ducky, flattered.
“I think that a big part of the race is about pushing through the crowd, and not just speed. It’s a real problem if you get caught in the booms.”
“Absolutely,” agreed Ducky. “I’ve been working on a scoop and pass technique. Here, let me show you.”
Ducky demonstrated a bobbing motion that edged his wing under Babs, gently pushing her to the side and moving Ducky forward.
“Like that,” said Ducky.
“ I don’t get it,” said Babs. “Could you show me in the water?”
“Well, I am expecting to meet Bianca here soon, so I don’t….”
“Please?” interrupted Babs. “It would mean so much to me. I know, we could practice in the fountain right out front.”

Ducky agreed and showed Babs the move a few times in the water. It seemed to take her a while to get it, and she seemed to tangle herself in Ducky’s wings and tail feathers a bit more than was strictly necessary.

Just then, Bianca came around the corner to meet Ducky. She saw him frolicking in the fountain with Babs, and didn’t know what to think, so she kept walking.

Duck Dash ticket holders have free scoop with purchase coupon for Sirena Gelato. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

Babs, Moots, and Bethany got together for an après swim cocktail on the Trellis patio.“I’ve hardly seen Bianca all week,...
08/02/2014

Babs, Moots, and Bethany got together for an après swim cocktail on the Trellis patio.
“I’ve hardly seen Bianca all week,” mused Babs, “now that she’s training with Ducky.”
“Training? Is that what you call it?” huffed Moots. “More like snogging.”
“Have you seen them actually kissing?” asked Bethany, beak agape.
“Well, no,” admitted Moots. “But it seems like they’re always training together. I’m not sure if they’re actually dating yet.”
“Hmm,” Babs’s eyes narrowed. “Not dating yet. I wonder if we could get our old Bianca back if they stopped seeing so much of each other.”
Moots chortled. “I’m thinking we could change it up if we wanted to. What duck wouldn’t choose my teal beak to kiss over that rosy one of Bianca’s?”
“Hey now,” countered the rosy-beaked Babs. “ I think he’d choose a big pink kiss from me first.”
“You’re both wrong,” Bethany chimed in. “I bet he’d kiss me first.”
“Girls,” Moots said conspiratorially, looking from one to the other. “I have a plan. Let’s see who can lure Ducky away from Bianca first. The winner will be the one he kisses first.”
“On the beak! On the beak!” cried Bethany.
“Right.” said Babs. “On the beak. The winner gets all of our Duck Dash winnings.”
“Ooh. Okay!” the girls agreed.

Heartland Payment Systems is a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Duck Dash. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

On a beautiful sunny day, Ducky and Bianca took a break from training to let the Argosy do the swimming. They relaxed a...
08/01/2014

On a beautiful sunny day, Ducky and Bianca took a break from training to let the Argosy do the swimming. They relaxed and let the cooling breeze ruffle their feathers as they admired the view.

Something was happening for them both. They were falling in love with each other and with Kirkland.

You too can fall in love with Kirkland all over again. Duck Dash ticket holders have a buy one get one free coupon for Kirkland cruises from Argosy Cruises. Get your tickets and coupons today.

The next training swim, Bianca continued her story. “The finish tube itself is just wide enough for a single duck,” sai...
07/31/2014

The next training swim, Bianca continued her story. “The finish tube itself is just wide enough for a single duck,” said Bianca, “So once you’re in the tube the finish order is set.”

“What is it like in the tube?” said Ducky.

“It’s a big party.” said Bianca. “We were all laughing, flapping, and high winging each other, not to mention waving at the crowd. It’s really something to be in that top ten group.”

“They were cheering really loudly,” recalled Ducky. “ I felt like I was a winner even though I didn’t make it into the tube.”

“Yes, the Kirkland crowds are great,” agreed Bianca. “Very supportive and really excited about the race, and so much more. I think you’re right, Ducky. I’d like to live here one day, too.”

If you would like to live in Kirkland, contact the professionals at Bergdahl. Bergdahl Real Property is a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Duck Dash. Get your tickets and coupons today for the big race August 10 at Marina Park.

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