The Festival at Mount Si Duck Derby returns at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, in the Snoqualmie River’s South Fork.

Each year, Emerald City Smoothie of North Bend sponsors the Duck Derby as a vehicle for raising funds for local charities. The first year benefitted Mount Si Food Bank, while last year’s race helped the Valley Veteran’s Memorial. This year, the race helps Camp Eyabsut, a North Bend camp that benefits burn-injured youth, and is being held in conjunction with the Mount Si Cheer team.

The ducks begin their swim at the small park across the street from the Si View Community Center and journey down the South Fork to the finish line, just before the Bendigo Boulevard bridge.  A group of local fly fishermen are equipped with a seine, nets and waders to make sure all the ducks make it out of the water.

The first prize is $150. Other winning entrants get to choose from an assortment of prizes donated bylocal businesses. There is a maximum of 1,000 ducks in the race. They can be purchased at Emerald City Smoothie in North Bend, or at a booth at the festival.

You can learn more about Camp Eyabsut at http://saveburncamp.org/