It was a beautiful day for the races today as hundreds of people came out to cheer on their ducks during the 13th Annual Kiwanis Rubber Duck Race. 

With 69 prizes in all, and 600 ducks racing per heat, the chances of winning were slim, but that did not keep fans from cheering on their ducks. The faithful enjoyed a new sound system and musicby Doctor D Entertainment, as they urged their ducks on down the brook.

All six races had the same top three prizes:

• a 32 inch Television,
• a Nintendo 3DS, and
• a Kindle

All prizes were donated by the South Orange Maplewood Kiwanis Club. The other 63 prizes ranged from gift certificates to local restaurants to haircuts and manciures. There were tickets to sporting events, kickboxing classes and even a Christmas Tree.

All proceeds from the races go to children's services in the area — Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the libraries of South Orange and Maplewood, the Valerie Fund, Family Connections, and YCS (Youth and Children Services). More than $15,000 was raised this year.