Families gathered at Gibson Pond in Salem on Saturday for a very unique event.
By Matt Buhrman
Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 11:16 p.m.
Read more: Local
SALEM, IOWA -- A duck race, featuring 2,500 plastic ducks, was held on Saturday afternoon. It is one of many fundraisers that the city has been organizing over the last two and half years to help raise money for a new library. Children of all ages gathered for raffle prizes, and even a boat ride to help scoop up the ducks with the winning numbers. Prizes were donated by local merchants.
KTVO spoke with Dave Helman, an organizer of the event, and Mayor Kelly Patterson, who is also the librarian.
"This event has been fun doing. We've been selling ducks, $5 a duck or $25 a six-quack," said Mayor Patterson.
"Small towns like Salem have a lot of energy, and a lot of people committed to seeing that the town stays and thrives and grows, and this little library has become a catalyst for some really exciting things to happen," said Helman.
Despite the hot day, many families turned out to donate to the good cause and have a bit of fun. Construction for the new library should get underway in August.
