'The Ducks Are Coming!'

In the heart of Sandy Hook, the banner is up: "The Ducks Are Coming!"

On Saturday morning, the Newtown Lions' Club will host their 13th annual duck race, culminating with the main event at 2:30 p.m.: about 3,800 ducks -- at $5 a duck -- are expected to rush down the river, with a crowd cheering them on. But only 20 will go through the funneling system and into the collection system at the end of the race.

"It really is a town fair, and it's considered the second biggest event in Newtown, which makes me very proud," says Newtown Lions Club duck race chair Bob Schmidt. He's been overseeing the duck race since for six years.

"It's just so much fun. I love it," he says. It started small 13 years ago, Schmidt says, when one Lions Club member saw the event in another state and thought it would work in Sandy Hook.

One note that could sour festivities: the forecast for this weekend calls for more of the heavy rain that soaked Newtown Thursday. Schmidt says the race will go on regardless of the weather, but entertainment (live bands) could be cancelled and the about 40 exhibitors -- local businesses and institutions -- could be limited.

Local establishments have donated 20 prizes worth more than $4,500, including the top prizes:

1) A $2,000 check
2) A $600 weekend getaway including hotel, dinner and theater
3) A $500 gift certificate to Sal & Pepe's

When: From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Ducks released at 2:30 p.m.)
Where: Sandy Hook Center
Cost: Free to attend, $5 for a duck