ILKLEY Rotarians Peter Mate, Stephen Hey and Chris Jones in the Rotary gazebo  were out in force at the Real Food Market this month selling tickets for the Great Ilkley Duck Race to be held on Carnival Day, Monday 1 May 1 with a heavy schedule of selling ahead.

“We are trying to raise well over £10,000 for the good causes we support – mostly in Ilkley, Wharfedale and the local area," said Rotary Club President Peter Mate. 

“The Carnival is a big event for the town and the Duck Race is one of the highlights of the afternoon. We thank the local businesses who have supported the 100 ducks in the Red Duck Race which will take place at the same time, but the majority of the ducks we will launch will be the Yellow Ducks bought by the public – thousands of them – cascading down the river in a race to the finish.”

The launch will be from the New Brook St Bridge at 2.30pm on Carnival Day and the ducks will be corralled at the finish line some 350m downstream. The first six yellow ducks to the finish line will win prizes - £200 for the winner, 2nd £100, third £75 and the next 3 ducks £50 each.

The ducks cost £2 each to enter and were in great demand at the Real Food Market with 500 sold, and the Rotary Club will be selling again to the public on April 22 at the Saturday Grove Market, and then on Sunday 23, Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 at Tesco. On Carnival Day tickets will only be available at the New Brook St Bridge, or on the Carnival field itself.

“If you want to beat the queues on the day then buy your duck early – and we can also sell you Carnival Wristbands at a discount price so you will get in quicker” said Rotarian Chris Jones, “Come to the sales days above – or you could buy ducks online on our website – search Ilkley Wharfedale Rotary.”

Rotarian Stephen Hey will be dressed as King Duck in the Parade on Carnival Day. “We are really looking forward to the carnival,” he said, adding: “My first time in the parade – in regalia - and to see the colourful costumes, the cheering crowds, the spectacular shows in the arena – and our Duck Race on the River as well. Who could ask for more?"