Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Most people in town are familiar with the annual Great Duck Race hosted by Westport Sunrise Rotary which returns on Saturday June 24th for it's 14th year. Many people are also familiar with the giant, 30 foot inflatable yellow duck named Sunny, named after the Sunrise Rotary which appears in various places in town to promote the event. The Sunrise Rotary has provided Sunny with a little brother "Little Ralphie" only 12 feet high named after the late Ralph Kreuger. Ralph, a noted Sunrise Rotarian who came up with the idea it was to purchase Sunny to aid the organization in drawing attention to The Great Duck Race, one of the Sunrise Rotary's big fund raising event.

"Little Ralphie" this weekend was stationed at Riverside Park, inviting people to join in the fun, help local charities and hopefully win some great prizes including a $5,000 first and $1,000 second prize, with the next eight winners each receiving $500.

As many know, thousands of yellow ducks will be released on a specially constructed sluice, with each duck being assigned a number. Each ticket purchaser has a corresponding number and the first 10 duckies to cross the finish line win the cash prizes. To join the fun tickets can be purchased online at: Sunrise Rotary Duck Race Tickets . tickets may also be purchased at the Westport Farmers Market held Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport, Webster Bank, 244 Post Road East, Westport or from your friendly Westport Sunrise Rotarians who can be found around town at various sites and events.

Also At Riverside Park

The newly renovated Riverside Park which now is now nicely landscaped and has multiple picnic tables and several benches facing the Saugatuck river is being visited frequently.

A couple enjoying one of the river view benches watches as kayakers paddle upriver and a pair of youngsters lead their mom to one for a post-game pizza.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.