Save the Date: The Rubber Duckies are Returning to Rochester

Get ready for the ducks.

The 7th-annual Rochester Rubber Ducky Race is planned for May 29 at Rochester Municipal Park. The event, a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan, begins at 12:30 p.m. with an old-fashioned carnival and 5K fun run at the park.

The actual race, in which thousands of ducks are dumped into the creek from the bridge on the north side of the park, begins at 2 p.m.

The race is the creation of Rochester Hills mom Donetta Behen, who came up with the idea seven years ago as a way to say thank you to the community that helped her family get through a tough time. Daughter Morgan Behen fought brain cancer as a child; the Behen family received a "wish trip" (to swim with dolphins in Florida) while Morgan was going through her treatments.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Behen family's team for the Wish-A-Mile 300 Bicycle Tour, which directly benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Ducks are $4 apiece or three for $10. If your adopted duck wins the race, you could win a prize — and bragging rights to owning the town's speediest duck.

To adopt a duck or make a donation, send a check to Rochester Rubber Ducky Race, 1761 Old Homestead, Rochester Hills, MI 48306. Make checks payable to Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please include  your name and address so that an adoption "certificate" can be mailed back to you.

To register for the 5K race or for more information,  visit www.rochesterrubberduckyrace.com.