Watch 3,000 Ducks Race Through Municipal Park Today

The ducks, we are assured, slept well last night.

After all, it's been two years since they last raced down the Paint Creek through . Last year, heavy rains and high waters on the creek forced the cancellation of the annual Rochester Rubber Ducky Race, a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.

The race is in its sixth year. It was created by Donetta Behen of Rochester Hills who wanted to give back to the organization that gave so much to her family when her youngest daughter, Morgan, was fighting cancer as a child. The Behen family went to Florida to swim with dolphins thanks to a wish being granted by Make-A-Wish. Her cancer was cured, and the Rubber Ducky Race was started.

So far, more than 3,000 ducks have been adopted; ducks can still be adopted today before the race. They are $4 apiece or three for $10.

"I just love this event," Behen said. "We got an envelope of $5.25 in coins for a duck; this tells me that a child went into his or her piggy bank to buy a duck to help out a child and this is what it is about — the community of all ages helping others."

The event begins at 1 p.m. with an old-fashioned carnival at the park; the ducks race starting at 2 p.m. You do not have to be present for your duck to win.