BONNERS FERRY — The Bonners Ferry Rotary Club is bringing back a community tradition this summer as it prepares for the Great Kootenai River Duck Race on Aug. 15. 

Hundreds of rubber ducks are expected to take to the Kootenai River at 3 p.m., racing from the downtown Kootenai River Bridge to Rocky Point near the Boundary County Search and Rescue boat launch. While the event promises plenty of family-friendly fun, Rotary members say the race has a much bigger purpose: supporting local students, families and community projects. 

"Service Above Self" is Rotary's long-standing motto, and according to Rotary Club president Sandy Johnstone, that mission drives everything the organization does. 

"Most of the money that we raise here stays right within Bonners Ferry," Johnstone said. "It supports clubs, groups, children and activities that the community can be part of." 

Funds raised through Rotary events help provide scholarships for local students and support community organizations and projects throughout the year. Johnstone said the club awards approximately $10,000 to $12,000 annually in scholarships and also sets aside funding each month to help local groups and individuals who request support. 

Rotary member Angela Hand, one of the organizers behind the duck race, said the fundraiser is designed to be both entertaining and impactful. 

"The Rotary Club is just a great community asset that gives back so much to the community," Hand said. "Giving back to the community is just something that is so important." 

Participants can purchase two different types of ducks. Small ducks are available for $5 each, with cash prizes awarded to the first three ducks across the finish line. First place will receive $200, second place $100 and third place $50. A limited number of large ducks are also available for $100 each, with the winning duck earning a $1,000 cash prize. Only 100 of the large ducks will be sold. 

Hand said Rotary hopes to sell at least 400 small ducks before race day and is encouraging community members to get involved. 

"A $5 duck purchase is important because of what the Rotary Club can give back to the community," she said. 

Although many residents may not remember it, the duck race has local roots. 

"The fair had done it roughly 15 to 20 years ago," Rotary secretary Glenda Poston said. "Actually, we're recycling some of the ducks from the fair." 

Poston, who also serves on the Boundary County Fair Board, said Rotary members were excited to revive the event after Hand introduced the idea. 

"We've tried it before, and we know their path of travel works," Poston said. "We're giving it a shot again." 

She added that Rotary takes seriously its responsibility to manage donated funds wisely. 

"We are really good stewards of the funds," Poston said. "We analyze how we contribute back to the community." 

Johnstone said Rotary's local focus has helped the organization continue growing in recent years. New residents have joined the club as a way to become involved in the community, bringing fresh ideas and energy to service projects and fundraisers. 

The club also works alongside many other community organizations, including local veterans groups, in an effort to strengthen connections and build unity throughout Boundary County. During the past year, Rotary's theme has been "Unite for Good," reflecting that collaborative approach. 

In addition to the duck race, Rotary hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including its annual free community breakfast and other fundraisers that support local programs. 

Duck race tickets can be purchased at Hidden Haven Sweets and Treats, Al Wilson Auto Repair and Accurate Northwest Autobody. Rotary members will also be selling tickets at a booth during the Boundary County Fair. 

Community members interested in learning more about Rotary or becoming members are invited to attend meetings held at the Kootenai River Inn. The club meets at noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and also hosts an informal gathering at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday for those interested in learning more about the organization. 

For Rotary members, the duck race is about much more than watching rubber ducks float downstream. 

By purchasing a duck, community members help create scholarship opportunities, support local projects and strengthen the services Rotary provides throughout Boundary County. 

"We look forward to the community support," Poston said. "By supporting Rotary, it's one way that we can return back to local students through scholarships. Our primary goal is helping the community."